Dispersed camping opportunities near Empire, Michigan include several notable areas within driving distance. Lime Lake requires permits for camping, while Manistee River Trail offers free dispersed camping primarily accessible by hiking. Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides backcountry campsites with both drive-in and walk-in access. Government Landing Campground near Brethren features riverside sites with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Several campers note that Sand Lakes can be difficult to locate; one visitor recommends "parking in a small lot with a yellow gate, then walking about 10 minutes until you see a smaller trail to the left."
Manistee River Trail forms a 23-mile loop with the North Country Trail, offering different camping regulations on each side. The North Country Trail allows camping anywhere, while the Manistee River Trail has designated sites only. According to reviews, the east side of the river is hillier but has more water access points, while the west side has limited water sources. Sites along the MRT tend to be more spacious and closer to water. Weekend availability can be limited, especially during summer months, with campers reporting that "most spots were taken" when arriving late on Fridays.
Weather conditions vary significantly by season. Late May temperatures can drop to freezing overnight, making hammock camping challenging. Ticks are present in warmer months, particularly along trails; proper bug protection is essential. Sand Lakes Quiet Area is known for excellent fishing opportunities in clear waters, with bass being particularly abundant. Government Landing sites accommodate small trailers but require careful navigation; one camper warns it's "very difficult to turn around with a trailer" and advises against bringing one "unless very confident." Fire rings are available at most sites, with salvageable firewood typically found nearby.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also."
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
Travelergreat spots near lakeside
hiking nearby
quiet, hardly saw anyone
Travelerlittle 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 passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.
GuideAbsolutely 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.
ScoutThe campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.
ScoutI'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. Best thing to do is camp for 2 nights and take your time. Loved it.
ScoutWe love this place!! We’ve been back multiple times and always feel at home! The NCT is further from the river and a bit hilly, but the MRT sites are nicer :)
ScoutTo many people and yelling kids but breath taking for sure
ScoutMe and my dad went camping here rode our motorcycles into the parking area and had a nice little hike to the camp ground! Very nice camp sites once we got set up we went down to fish and the lake is beautiful clear water and a lot of fish!!
Dispersed camping near Empire, Michigan offers several remote camping options throughout the state forest lands and designated backcountry areas. Most sites maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from water sources and 200 feet from established hiking trails. Water accessibility varies significantly by location, with some sites requiring campers to pack in all necessary water supplies. During summer months, nighttime temperatures typically remain above 55°F, while spring and fall camping often requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F.
Hiking with waterfall views: The Manistee River Trail features multiple scenic stops, including a small waterfall near mile marker 3. "Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!" notes Josh D. about the Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping.
Fishing in clear waters: Sand Lakes offers exceptional fishing opportunities with visible fish in the transparent waters. "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast," reports Dan K. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites.
Water activities: Swimming access varies by site, with some offering immediate shoreline access while others require short hikes to reach suitable swimming areas. "Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable," shares Kevin D. about Government Landing Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant separation between campsites, providing a sense of solitude. "Did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night," writes Alyson M. about the Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping.
Proximity to regional attractions: Several camping areas provide convenient access to popular destinations. "Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes," mentions Mike W. about Lime Lake.
Firewood availability: Most dispersed sites allow campfires with abundant natural materials nearby. "Spots for a fire and very peaceful! We actually had a spot on the NCT side, the spots along the MRT side were much more spacious and were on the water!" explains Alyson M. about camping along the trail system.
Reservation requirements vary: Some sites require advance booking while others operate on first-come systems, especially during peak seasons. "Nice spot by the river. Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov," advises Truly W. about Government Landing Campground.
Site location challenges: Several camping areas have limited signage and can be difficult to locate without specific directions. "We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off," reports Rachael T. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area.
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity intensifies during warmer months, requiring appropriate precautions. "Campsites can be pretty buggy so bring your screens, hats and spray! Awesome backcountry camping spot in a populated area," recommends Angelia R.
Accessibility factors: Evaluate walking distances from parking areas to campsites before bringing children and equipment. "This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. From the trail head/parking it's about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping," notes Maddy T. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites.
Loop trail options: Consider the differing terrain between connecting trails when planning family hikes. "Start at Red Bridge Access, and you can do a 23 mile loop covering miles on the North Country Trail (west side) and the Manistee River Trail (on the east side)," suggests Shelly B.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential wildlife sightings and safety protocols. "The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears. I was the only one here," shares Maddy T. about the serene environment at Sand Lakes.
Site access limitations: Many dispersed camping areas have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger RVs or trailers. "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," cautions Brittany D. about Government Landing Campground.
Off-season availability: Consider camping during shoulder seasons for better site availability and fewer fees. "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," explains Kevin D.
Proximity to amenities: Most dispersed sites have limited or no facilities, requiring self-sufficiency. "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. We had our car parked right up next to our site," shares Alyssa A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Empire, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Empire, MI is Lime Lake with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Empire, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Empire, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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