Best Dispersed Camping near Free Soil, MI

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Free Soil? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Free Soil's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Free Soil, MI (10)


Recent Dispersed Reviews in Free Soil

31 Reviews of 10 Free Soil Campgrounds


  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawkaw Lake
    May. 15, 2024

    Sawkaw Lake

    Peaceful

    Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday.

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Oct. 24, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    For Forest Dwellers and Lake Lovers

    This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem. Forest service roads will take you deep into the forests if your vehicle can handle it. 4WD is recommended if you want to go deep. There are plenty of great spots though for big rigs or for those without 4WD. 15-30 minute drive to Lake Michigan. Local convenience store is only a few miles down the road. Try this place out. You won’t regret it.

  • Alyson M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 9, 2022

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Great Campsites!

    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. 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!

  • Alyson M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    My Go-To Camping spot

    I’ve camped here many times, in summer, fall, and spring. The campsites are large and spread out so you get a bit of privacy. It can get busy on weekends since many people know about this spot. It is a short drive to the beach and nordhouse dunes which is known for hammock camping on the beach so you have options. The last 2 times I’ve went there was lots of trash at the campsites, which is very upsetting. Please follow “Leave No Trace” ethics so we can keep enjoying this space.

  • Jay D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawkaw Lake
    Jun. 10, 2022

    Sawkaw Lake

    Little Half Moon Lake

    Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite. Depending on the spot, there could be some people around, but most the most part, it was pretty tranquil. There are even some hike paths around the area.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Nice boondocking spot with access to Lake Michigan!

    Spent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road heading south. Sites ranged from spacious to road-side turnouts with a wide range between. Verizon service was fair. Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves. Will definitely stay again next time we visit Michigan!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawkaw Lake
    Oct. 8, 2021

    Sawkaw Lake

    It's quite deep in the forest

    Was planning on staying at Highbank Campground but it was closed. Thankfully had the Dyrt App to see this spot.

    It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail.

    Loved it!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    Nice spot for van camping

    The directions take you to a parking lot. There looks like there are trails off of the parking lot. No signs that say no overnight parking. I'm in a van and this worked great for me. Quiet area and right off the lake.

  • Troy L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Good for a 2-day camp.

    Great river trail with a decent amount of campsites. We arrived late Friday and most spots were taken. I’d imagine most spots are scoped out earlier in the evening. A lot of people camping/running/hiking. The east side of the river is more hilly but has an abundance of water spots to fill up. The west side of the river doesn’t have any water spots until about the last mile north at a small bridge. Plenty of firewood to salvage on both sides, albeit some of it was wet. We went in late May and it got down to freezing temps the first night. Hammock was not the best option but always made for a good story to tell your friends. Second night was good. We stayed atop the crest of a hill on the west side down a path. There are designated camp sites with markers but we didn’t opt for making it a point to find one. Any place off the beaten path will do. You will see some spots that people have camped.

  • evi L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Dispersed campsites

    Beautiful area with a lot of dispersed campsites, accessible by pretty much any vehicle, although the road is a bit sandy, so maybe take precautions after rain. Large sites, some with more privacy than others, and plenty of ideal hammocking trees. Also, there's a few more sites if you take the road (right side on main rd) across the street from the entrance into this area. I had no problem finding firewood around the area, but there's a general store less than 10 minutes away that sells firewood and basic necessities, cash only during my visit on 03SEP2021 (beer, schnacks, etc.) No toilets or glamping amenities.

  • Cameron
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Awesome spaced out large sites

    Easy access, and the sites are about 50 to 200ft from each other! I love the pine tree+fern forrest. Super sandy area, but it’s nice to walk around barefoot. Haven’t seen any thorn bushes while collecting firewood. There’s no toilets or water so bring a few gallons and be prepared to poop in a hole.

  • Darwin N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    NF dispersed camping

    First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace".  Other than that I had a great time.

  • Kimberly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    First time dispersed camping

    This was our first time trying out dispersed camping and this location was perfect! We loved being a short drive away from Lake Michigan and plenty of hiking trails. It is in a beautiful wooded area and there were hardly an mosquitos where we were. My only complaint is that the previous visitors at our campsite left trash everywhere and had clearly had fires in at least 4 different areas. The campsite was covered in ash because of it. It’s disappointing to see that some people really just don’t care about taking care of public land.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    May. 22, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Nice Spot...Easy Access

    Sites are nice and easy to access... no issues with the road coming in... the dispersed camping is free but if you drive and park in the lots for the dunes/beach access it requires a pass or 5$ a day fee

  • Bobbi Jo K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    A Hidden Gem

    This was our first time boondocking in this area. It was beautiful, especially in the fall. Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far. Had a 19 foot trailer with high clearance (only trailer brave enough to camp here!). Very peaceful off the grid camping. Even had cell service!

  • Courtney K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Beautiful & free rustic camping spots!

    All up and down green Rd. there’s a ton of quiet pull offs, some with fire pits some without. We don’t have 4wd and it was fine (we went in October). And if it’s not what you’re looking for there’s also a more traditional campsite, $27 per night right up the road with facilities. The free spots were perfect for us tho!

  • Shelagh R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful sites and pleasant hiking

    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. The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far. No matter where you end up setting up camp, you're in for a beautiful and gentle hike.

  • Deanna A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    We love it here!

    We vowed to return in a month and driving there now for a long Labor Day weekend. Quiet, though our site was adjacent to a trailhead. The forest is stunning and mesmerizing! 5 min hike to dunes/beach. Never want to camp at a campground again.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Free Soil, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Free Soil, MI is Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road with a 4.9-star rating from 16 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Free Soil, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Free Soil, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.