Tent camping around Evart, Michigan offers several rustic campground options within the Manistee National Forest region, with sites typically situated near rivers and lakes. Campsites in this area range from fully established campgrounds to more remote dispersed sites, all within a short drive of Evart. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day, dropping to 55-60°F at night, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Fishing access: Bray Creek State Forest Campground provides direct creek access that's "perfect for kids to play in," according to Ryan M., who notes it has "a hand pump for water and two vault toilets" plus "a few trails" for exploration.
River paddling: Gleasons Landing serves as a canoe and kayak trip endpoint. Jessica V. explains, "Campground is at the end of a canoe/kayak company's trip. Can get loud during the day when the trips come in. Other than that.. very quiet." Most sites have direct river access for launching personal watercraft.
Wildlife viewing: Leverentz Lake offers opportunities to spot local wildlife while kayaking. As Ari A. describes, it "makes a nice peaceful area to kayak around looking for wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats, etc. It has a boat ramp and a fishing pier."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing between sites at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground. Nicole C. notes the "very large and private lots with nice pits and tables," while R.B. confirms that even when "full on a late September weekend," it "still quiet and didn't feel crowded at all."
Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate direct water access. Benjamin A. observes at Gleasons Landing that "most sites have direct river access. All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area." Similarly, John N. highlights Leverentz Lake's "lake access and good hikes from the campground."
Peaceful environment: Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground receives high marks for its remoteness. Michael W. recommends "staying on the island" which is "more of a peninsula then an island but it's wonderfully cut off. You take a narrow dirt road over a nearly flooded over land bridge to a remote circle plot of campsites."
What you should know
Payment systems: Most state forest campgrounds require self-registration. Ari A. notes at Leverentz Lake: "The campsites cost $15 per night; they are not reservable. Also, there is no DNR staff on site so bring cash or check to drop into the payment pipe."
Facility conditions: While most campgrounds offer vault toilets, their condition varies. R.B. notes Leverentz Lake has "2 vault toilets" on the big lake unit and "1 vault toilet" on the little lake unit, both with "trash collection" available.
Water access: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground campers should plan ahead for utilities. Brad F. advises to "make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds have limited availability. Linda C. found Spruce Road Pulloff had different conditions midweek: "Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Deerfield Nature Park offers unique natural features. David F. recalls: "Lots of nature, seen a lot of colorful fungas...One of the coolest things I couldn't get a picture of, there is a bioluminescent fungas out there. At night we seen some blue chips glowing."
Beach options: Multiple beaches provide swimming opportunities. Angel reports Merrill-Gorrel is a "great spot for the family, 2 beaches. Quiet at night. Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! 🙌🏽 Lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff!"
Safe cycling: Many campgrounds have slow traffic patterns ideal for children on bicycles. Merrill-Gorrel gets high marks from families specifically because kids can safely bike throughout the campground with minimal traffic concerns.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most rustic campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. Chels notes at Leverentz Lake: "This is a nice campground. Its $15 per night, and out of state is another $9 per vehicle, in state is $17 per vehicle. Nice wooded campsites. On the lake with a boat launch."
Limited hookups: Pine Meadows and most state forest campgrounds lack electrical hookups. Consider generator-free alternatives like solar panels if staying multiple nights, as most campgrounds in the Evart area are rustic with minimal amenities.
Alternative glamping: For those seeking RV amenities without the RV, Pine Meadows offers glamping options. Shelly B. explains it's "the way to have my own private oasis" with "a cabin tent, which was next to a lovely meadow and near a small pond" plus "a large tent that will sleep four more people."
