Best Dispersed Camping near Copemish, MI

Dispersed camping in the Manistee National Forest surrounds the Copemish area, offering several free primitive camping options with varying levels of accessibility. The Manistee River Trail provides hike-in dispersed camping along designated sites on the riverbank, while areas like Sand Lakes Quiet Area feature backcountry campsites accessible via short trails. Additional options include Green Road dispersed camping near Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness and Government Landing, which provides riverfront primitive sites. These public lands permit camping without formal facilities or reservations.

Access roads throughout the region range from maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks, with some sites requiring hiking to reach. Many areas like the Manistee River Trail necessitate walking in with gear, while others permit vehicle access to designated parking areas. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or designated fire rings. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in Manistee National Forest areas. Fires are permitted at most locations, though seasonal restrictions may apply. Campers must pack out all trash and follow leave-no-trace principles.

The dispersed camping experience near Copemish provides opportunities for solitude and natural immersion. The Manistee River Trail offers scenic riverside camping with "great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite," according to a visitor. Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides a more secluded experience, with a camper noting it offers "complete removal from the city" with "beautiful wooded and shaded" surroundings. Sites along Green Road near Nordhouse Dunes are known for spacious layouts with good beach access. Government Landing provides riverside camping with fishing opportunities. During summer months, especially weekends, prime spots fill quickly, particularly along water features.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Copemish, Michigan (11)

    1. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike."

    "Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."

    2. Government Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "This was a very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident."

    "Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond."

    3. Lime Lake

    2 Reviews
    Lake Ann, MI
    19 miles

    "little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove"

    "Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes."

    4. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    17 Reviews
    Free Soil, MI
    35 miles

    "First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace". "

    "This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem."

    5. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    32 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness. This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

    6. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    7 Reviews
    Ludington, MI
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes."

    "These dispersed sites in the national forest are fantastic! Level for tents. Spread out enough that you aren’t on top of neighbors. We couldn’t see anyone from our site. Really great biking paths."

    8. Sawkaw Lake

    6 Reviews
    Bitely, MI
    50 miles
    Website

    "It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail. Loved it!"

    "Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite."

    9. Neil's Secret Spot

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    41 miles
    +1 (352) 480-8860

    "No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Copemish, MI

48 Reviews of 11 Copemish Campgrounds


  • Darwin N.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    NF dispersed camping

    First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace".  Other than that I had a great time.

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    For Forest Dwellers and Lake Lovers

    This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem. Forest service roads will take you deep into the forests if your vehicle can handle it. 4WD is recommended if you want to go deep. There are plenty of great spots though for big rigs or for those without 4WD. 15-30 minute drive to Lake Michigan. Local convenience store is only a few miles down the road. Try this place out. You won’t regret it.

  • Bobbi Jo K.
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    A Hidden Gem

    This was our first time boondocking in this area. It was beautiful, especially in the fall. Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far. Had a 19 foot trailer with high clearance (only trailer brave enough to camp here!). Very peaceful off the grid camping. Even had cell service!

  • Kimberly S.
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    First time dispersed camping

    This was our first time trying out dispersed camping and this location was perfect! We loved being a short drive away from Lake Michigan and plenty of hiking trails. It is in a beautiful wooded area and there were hardly an mosquitos where we were. My only complaint is that the previous visitors at our campsite left trash everywhere and had clearly had fires in at least 4 different areas. The campsite was covered in ash because of it. It’s disappointing to see that some people really just don’t care about taking care of public land.

  • Alyson M.
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    My Go-To Camping spot

    I’ve camped here many times, in summer, fall, and spring. The campsites are large and spread out so you get a bit of privacy. It can get busy on weekends since many people know about this spot. It is a short drive to the beach and nordhouse dunes which is known for hammock camping on the beach so you have options. The last 2 times I’ve went there was lots of trash at the campsites, which is very upsetting. Please follow “Leave No Trace” ethics so we can keep enjoying this space.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Nice boondocking spot with access to Lake Michigan!

    Spent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road heading south. Sites ranged from spacious to road-side turnouts with a wide range between. Verizon service was fair. Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves. Will definitely stay again next time we visit Michigan!

  • Josh D.
    Jul. 22, 2020

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Great trail

    Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike.

    Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Manistee National Forest dispersed campsite

    This is such a beautiful site, we stayed here a few days two years ago. Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes. Many sites were available to us, we chose to utilize our favorite site.


Guide to Copemish

Dispersed camping near Copemish, Michigan offers access to over 540,000 acres of Manistee National Forest with multiple free camping options. Located at approximately 900 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-70s and winter temperatures dropping into the 20s. Several forest roads around Copemish connect to primitive camping areas where campers can stay up to 14 consecutive days.

What to do

Hiking on North Country Trail: From Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping, access the scenic 23-mile loop combining the North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail. "I've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan. You have the option to do the loop, they allow dispersed camping, and there is plenty to see and do. Waterfalls, river bends, wildlife, this trail has it all," shares Colin E.

Fishing at backwater lakes: The area has multiple fishing spots, particularly at Government Landing Campground which sits on Tippy Dam backwaters. "Nice spot by the river. Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov," notes Truly W. The pond was "warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable," according to Kevin D.

Swimming at forest lakes: Several small lakes throughout the forest offer swimming opportunities. At Sand Lakes Quiet Area, one visitor noted: "From the trail head/parking it's about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between campers. At Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF, "The sites were easy to find and surrounded by forest. I could see other campers from my site, but they weren't close," reports John C. Another camper noted, "Plenty of space between sites and from the main road."

Multiple lake access points: Sawkaw Lake offers waterfront camping with "Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail," according to one visitor. Another camper described it as "Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around."

Off-season solitude: Many dispersed areas become significantly less crowded during fall and early spring. "You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters," says Kevin D. about Government Landing. Another camper noted, "Super close to manistee beach, came in on the weekend mid September, almost all the camp spots were taken. Forest was super eerie but beautiful."

What you should know

Road conditions vary substantially: Many forest roads require higher-clearance vehicles. At Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road, "Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far," reports Bobbi Jo K. Another camper advised, "Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves."

Permit requirements differ by location: Some areas require camping permits while others don't. One camper at Sawkaw Lake observed, "There are signs on the sites saying permit required, but no info for that purpose. No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site."

Seasonal closures affect access: While most dispersed camping areas remain open year-round, facilities may be reduced during winter. "Was planning on staying at Highbank Campground but it was closed. Thankfully had the Dyrt App to see this spot," shared one camper about finding Sawkaw Lake as an alternative.

Tips for camping with families

Choose established sites with toilet access: While most dispersed camping lacks facilities, some areas do have vault toilets. Sand Lakes Quiet Area has "breathtaking" scenery with basic facilities: "You park in this small lot with a yellow gate that is in-front of the trail and then walk down for about 10 min until you see a smaller trail to left follow that down and you will see the campsites!"

Watch for hunting seasons: Several areas permit hunting, requiring extra caution with children. One camper at Lime Lake noted: "We stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season." Similarly, at Green Road near Nordhouse Dunes: "We went in mid september only stayed in this spot for a night... it is definitely around hunting land so wear bright colors if going during season."

Check for wildlife hazards: Ticks and poison ivy are common in warmer months. A camper mentioned, "Think it's just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike." Another visitor warned, "Be aware of poison ivy" when describing their camping spot.

Tips from RVers

Smaller trailers only: Most free camping areas have limited space for RVs. "Had a 19 foot trailer with high clearance (only trailer brave enough to camp here!). Very peaceful off the grid camping. Even had cell service!" shares Bobbi Jo K. about Green Road dispersed camping.

Turning radius challenges: Government Landing received this practical warning: "At site #33 which is technically not governments landing, but felt it was good information. Camping with a 20ft trailer, It was very beautiful and peaceful stay. This was a very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident."

Cell service is spotty but available: Multiple sites report some connectivity. One camper at Green Road noted, "Verizon service was fair," while others mentioned getting texts and calls through with various carriers in different areas of the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Copemish, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Copemish, MI is Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Copemish, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Copemish, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.