Best Tent Camping near Custer, MI
The Manistee National Forest provides several tent camping options near Custer, Michigan, with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Whelan Lake Campground offers primitive tent sites with river valley views, while Timber Creek Campground provides a rustic tent camping experience with vault toilets and picnic tables. Jackpine Hike-In Campground within Ludington State Park features walk-in tent-only sites approximately one mile from the parking area, offering a more secluded experience.
Many tent sites have dirt or sandy surfaces with designated fire rings and picnic tables. Walk-in tent locations like Jackpine require campers to transport gear from parking areas, with some visitors using wagons or bike trailers to manage the trek. Most tent campgrounds provide vault toilets, though their cleanliness varies by location. Water availability differs significantly between sites - Jackpine and Leverentz Lake have drinking water pumps, while others like Whelan Lake and Sulak require campers to bring their own water. Campgrounds typically have a 14-day stay limit, with fees ranging from free dispersed sites to $10 per night at established locations.
Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. Bowman Lake Campground provides walk-in tent sites with lake access and minimal crowds, though bug protection is essential. The tent sites at Jackpine provide quick access to Lake Michigan over nearby dunes, with proximity to lighthouse hiking trails. Tree cover varies by location, with some sites offering ample shade and hammocking opportunities. Tent-only areas generally provide more space between sites than modern campgrounds. A visitor at Jackpine commented that "the sites are wooded and private. It's a short walk to the lighthouse." Another camper noted that despite Manistee National Forest's Sulak Campground having neighbors, "each camp is pretty surrounded by trees" creating natural separation between tent sites.
