Top Free Dispersed Camping near Free Soil, MI
Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Free Soil? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Free Soil, MI (8)
1. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
16 Reviews•58 Photos•512 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
2. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
3 Reviews•8 Photos•150 SavesDispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".Plan Your Trip: Dispersed Camping
Some things to keep in mind when planning where you will be camping are: There is no camping within 200 feet of any body of water, except at designated sites. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Camping is only allowed at designated sites within the river corridors for the designated Wild and Scenic sections of the Pere Marquette, Pine, Manistee and Au Sable Rivers. Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to fourteen (14) days. After sixteen (16) days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. A permit is NOT required to camp on National Forest System lands outside of designated campgrounds. Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
3. Government Landing Campground
3 Reviews•6 Photos•114 SavesManistee National Recreation River This camping area is named for Government Island. The 3 campsites are part of the Forest Services' 41 designated dispersed sites along the Upper Manistee River. The main access road along the powerline is a snowmobile trail in the winter. Brochure with map : Manistee River This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. Flickr Photo Albums Manistee River
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
5. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
4 Reviews•5 Photos•192 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed
Be the first to review!•34 SavesDispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".Plan Your Trip: Dispersed Camping
Some things to keep in mind when planning where you will be camping are: There is no camping within 200 feet of any body of water, except at designated sites. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Camping is only allowed at designated sites within the river corridors for the designated Wild and Scenic sections of the Pere Marquette, Pine, Manistee and Au Sable Rivers. Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to fourteen (14) days. After sixteen (16) days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. A permit is NOT required to camp on National Forest System lands outside of designated campgrounds. Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Pets
- Tents
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Free Soil
31 Reviews of 8 Free Soil Campgrounds
William A.
Traveler
Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
Great place
Super close to manistee beach, came in on the weekend mid September, almost all the camp spots were taken. Forest was super eerie but beautiful.
- AAmber R.Traveler
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
Breathtaking
Absolutely one of the most beautiful sites that I have seen yet. Secluded enough for my dog to roam. Large open site surrounded by trees. I have a promaster and made it through the rough sand road.
Dmario
Scout
Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
Site 2
Beautiful scenery
- llori T.Traveler
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.
- HHunter G.Traveler
Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
Beautiful
Take green road toward cooper creek road and find an empty spot! Tons of free dispersed camping sites on both roads. Plenty of space between sites and from the main road.
- Sara W.
GuideGreen Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
Great dry camping
Absolutely amazing. So many stars. This was a great place to get away from the city.
- AAshley H.Traveler
Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
Perfect
Camp here every year! Perfect for big families or even solo camp! Spots big and small plenty to choose from and even some great riverside camping!
Corey M.GuideNordhouse 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.
Legend
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.Legend
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.ScoutSawkaw 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.
Jeff D.ScoutNordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
The dunes were amazing!
Next time I'm coming back to hammock camp. Place is awesome. Not much bugs.
Connor N.
RangerNordhouse 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!
- FFionaTraveler
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!
- NNoah E.Legend
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.GuideManistee 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.TravelerNordhouse 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.
- Drew M.Scout
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
Quite
A relaxing getaway from the bustling city...
CameronGuideNordhouse 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.GuideNordhouse 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.Guide
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.
- MMarinoTraveler
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.TravelerNordhouse 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.ScoutNordhouse 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!
Dennis N.ScoutSand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
Rustic camping
Free rusty camping. You can get RVs in there but will need 4x4. Hits the name. Sand Rd.
- Shelagh R.Guide
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.Traveler
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.
Guide to Free Soil
Camping near Free Soil, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking and biking: Explore the scenic trails around Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park. One camper mentioned, “The surrounding area is beautiful with hiking, biking, kayaking etc.”
- Beach access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Lake Michigan Recreation Area. A visitor shared, “The dunes were amazing! A short walk from the camping loops, the dunes open to the amazing shore of Lake Michigan.”
- Fishing and kayaking: Head to Betsie River Campsite for some fishing fun. One camper noted, “This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites... There are many places to put into the river.”
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Silver Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “Nice large site with clean restrooms and friendly staff.”
- Friendly atmosphere: Many enjoy the welcoming vibe at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park. One guest mentioned, “Staff was friendly. Campground was quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly.”
- Natural beauty: The stunning landscapes at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness are a big hit. A camper remarked, “The stars at night are worth the trip by themselves. The night sky was astonishing.”
What you should know:
- Crowded sites: Some campgrounds, like Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park, can get busy. One reviewer noted, “Although this campground is a little crowded and busy, the park itself makes up for it.”
- Limited beach access: At Orchard Beach State Park Campground, beach access is no longer available due to erosion. A visitor mentioned, “You must travel 4 miles away to Douglas park to use a beach.”
- No cell service: Many campgrounds, like Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road, have limited or no cell service. One camper warned, “Be warned- there is no cell service or wifi, so plan ahead.”
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities, like Dunes Harbor Family Camp. A parent shared, “The campground in itself is a blast... tons of activities for kids.”
- Choose shaded spots: When booking, try to find sites with shade. One camper at Dunes Harbor noted, “We were lucky to get a shaded spot but several are pretty exposed.”
- Plan for bathroom trips: Some campgrounds, like Orchard Beach State Park Campground, have bathrooms that are a bit of a walk. A visitor mentioned, “The bathroom is a pretty distant walk so prepare for that.”
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your RV against the campground sites. A reviewer at Silver Lake State Park Campground advised, “Make sure you check your rig size against the site you are planning on reserving.”
- Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds are far from stores, so stock up before you arrive. A camper at Lake Michigan Recreation Area noted, “Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied.”
- Be prepared for wildlife: Keep an eye out for critters, especially mice. One camper at Lake Michigan Recreation Area mentioned, “Mice and mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the campsite even if you’re careful about crumbs.”
Camping near Free Soil, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
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 8 dispersed camping locations near Free Soil, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.