Best Tent Camping near Curran, MI
The Huron National Forest near Curran, Michigan offers several primitive tent camping options, with the Reid Lake Foot Travel Area and Hoist/Reid Lake Areas providing secluded backcountry experiences. These tent-focused sites are situated within forested settings, offering campers a chance to experience Michigan's northeastern woodlands away from developed facilities. Negwegon State Park Campground, located along Lake Huron's shoreline, provides additional tent-only camping options with sites accessible via hiking trails.
Most tent campsites in this region require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal or nonexistent. The Reid Lake area features walk-in and hike-in access only, with no drinking water, electric hookups, or modern restroom facilities available. Fire rings are present at some locations like Hoist/Reid Lake Areas, but campers should verify current fire regulations before their trip. Vault toilets can be found at select locations, but many backcountry sites have no toilet facilities whatsoever. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry to state-managed areas, and campers should pack out all trash as most sites lack waste disposal services.
Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for multi-day hiking excursions through the surrounding forest. A review mentioned that Reid Lake is "perfect for an overnight or a weekend getaway" with trails that are "easy to follow and camping areas simple to find." The relative isolation of these sites provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing without light pollution. In fall, the camping experience is enhanced by colorful foliage, though temperatures can drop significantly at night. As one camper noted about the Hoist/Reid Lake Areas, "We saw canine prints and heard the call of the wild during our winter hike, and had zero issues with meeting our predator neighbors." Tent sites throughout the region tend to be more available on weekdays, with weekend use increasing during summer and early fall.
