Best Tent Camping near Evart, MI
Tent campsites in the Evart, Michigan region include several rustic options within Manistee National Forest and nearby state forest campgrounds. Haymarsh State Game Area offers lakeside tent camping with direct water access, while Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground provides spacious sites on both Big and Little Leverentz lakes. Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground and Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground round out the primary tent camping destinations within a short drive of Evart.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Campers should note that while drinking water is available at several locations through hand pumps, many sites require visitors to bring their own water supply. The typical cost ranges from $10-15 per night for state forest campgrounds, with some locations operating on a first-come, first-served basis requiring cash payment. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, though a review mentioned that "vault toilets are available but HOO boy do they smell, so if you have a Luggable Loo or equivalent portable toilet I definitely recommend it."
Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations including Gleasons Landing, where all sites require a short walk from the parking area to reach campsites. A camper noted that "most sites have direct river access. All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area." Sites throughout the region typically provide adequate spacing between campers, with Leverentz Lake receiving particular praise for its site layout. The campgrounds near Evart generally offer good tree coverage, providing shade during summer months and protection from wind. Many tent campgrounds connect to trail systems, with Bray Creek State Forest Campground featuring a walking trail within the campground boundaries. Fishing opportunities are abundant, with multiple campgrounds offering direct lake or river access for anglers.
