Dispersed camping near Curran, Michigan offers varied terrain with elevation changes from 500 to 1,200 feet across the region. Sites throughout the Huron-Manistee National Forest provide opportunities for backcountry camping with no reservations required at most locations. Temperatures range from below freezing in winter to 80°F in summer, with spring and fall offering the most moderate camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking along forest trails: The Huron-Manistee National Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities with maintained pathways. "We hiked al through the forest, tried lots of cool gear and discovered a new love for camping and nature," reports Agapes D., who camped at Government's Landing.
Backpacking multi-day routes: Plan extended trips on connected trail systems. "Hiked five days, four nights. Connects to NCT. Bring toilet paper. Water is stream is probably safe but bring a filter or enough water to last," advises Megan C. about her backpacking experience.
Kayaking and swimming: River access points provide water recreation opportunities throughout the warmer months. "You could spend so much time here, climbing around, swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the views," notes one visitor about river access in the forest.
Wildlife observation: De Cheau Lake Camping offers excellent wildlife viewing. "Beautiful lake, blessed by the Elk bugles nearby," reports camper J.H., who found the site more remote than expected despite proximity to some private properties.
What campers like
Spacious, secluded campsites: Many areas offer generous spacing between sites. "Quiet, spacious sites spaced far apart in a wooded area. Four different loops divided the whole camp into regions," describes Rachael M. about her camping experience.
Water access for supplies: The rivers provide necessary resources for longer stays. "The River trail supplied us with our water needs for cooking and drinking, from the Manistee River," shares Brenda M., who took 11 grandchildren on a backpacking trip.
Trail maintenance: Cut River Dispersed Campsite connects to well-kept paths. "I have dispersed camped here twice now and each time is such a pleasure, the trails are always so maintained, the sites are easy to find and always marked," explains Jessica D. about her experiences.
Proximity to other attractions: Many campers appreciate the location near other outdoor destinations. "This isn't far from the sleeping dunes national lakeshore or the empire bluff trail which is a must," notes one regular visitor about the regional attractions.
What you should know
Permits and passes: Some sites require documentation. At De Cheau Lake, campers note that a "Michigan Rec Passport Required" sign is posted at the southern entrance.
Limited facilities: Primitive camping near Curran means bringing supplies. "No campgrounds, but there are areas with clearings for camping. The nearest other campers were not within earshot nor could we see them," explains Megan C. about backcountry conditions.
Water filtration needed: Stream water requires treatment. "There are streams with decent drinking water but I would recommend a filter anyways," advises one backpacker who spent 5 days on the trails.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "Cell service was spotty, which was the goal," mentions a backpacker who spent multiple nights in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, highlighting the remote nature of many sites.
Tips for camping with families
Pack-in/pack-out training: Children can learn responsible backcountry practices. "We had 11 Grandkids with us, and we had 9 backpacking tents. The children all carried their own tents, sleeping bags, and food for 4 days," shares Brenda M. about their successful family trip.
Parking access options: Some locations provide easy entry points for families with young children. "We parked at seton valley campground and paid $9 for parking," notes one visitor describing their trail access point.
Marked campsites: Look for established clearings when camping with children. "The sites are easy to find and always marked," reports Jessica D., making navigation simpler for groups with varied hiking abilities.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Several dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles. De Cheau Lake Camping is noted as big-rig friendly according to site information, though minimal amenities exist.
Road noise considerations: Some sites balance accessibility with quietness. J.H. notes about De Cheau Lake, "Can hear the state route from the site but it was low volume traffic. Didn't see anyone else during the stay."
Preparation essentials: For primitive camping near Curran with an RV, self-sufficiency is crucial. "We keep our Jeep ready for camping at any moment and places like this are why we do it," explains one visitor who travels prepared for spontaneous overnight stays.
