Tent camping around Free Soil, Michigan offers access to deep forest habitats within Manistee National Forest where sandy soil creates unique drainage conditions. The area sits approximately 800 feet above sea level and features several small lakes and streams that flow toward Lake Michigan. Camping options range from designated campsites to more remote backpacking locations where summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Explore the North Country Trail: Access sections of this 4,600-mile trail system via Timber Creek Campground. "It's an entrance to the North Country Trail so it's a busy place," notes one camper who visited Timber Creek Campground in May 2020.
Fish from riverside docks: The Manistee River provides multiple fishing spots with easy access. "Its quiet here a nice cleaning station lots of 🐟," according to a review of Insta-Launch Campground & Marina, which offers both tent sites and full-service options.
Hike to waterfalls: The Manistee River Trail features small waterfalls and river views. "Make sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!" advises a camper who visited Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping in July 2020.
View wildlife: Local campgrounds provide habitat for various animals. At Sulak Campground, a camper reported: "Lots of trees. Some raccoon critter friends. Some birds that scream like people, which is pretty comical."
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Many tent camping areas offer good separation between sites. "Each camp is pretty surrounded by trees. Each camp have a fire pit and a picnic table which is very convenient," reports a visitor at Sulak Campground.
Easy access to Lake Michigan: Some locations provide beach access via short trails. "There's a trail from the campground up over a dune to Lake Michigan," notes a camper who stayed at Jackpine Hike-In Campground in May 2022.
Affordable pricing options: State forest campgrounds typically charge less than developed areas. "It was significantly cheaper than the state parks. Of course, you are trading off beach access for price, but with a Lake Michigan beach under three miles away, it is worth it," explains a cyclist who stayed at Insta-Launch.
Lake views from campsites: Several campgrounds offer scenic water views. "Many of the sites are on a hill looking over the lake," notes a camper who visited Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground in July 2020.
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Ticks are present in multiple locations. "It was infested with ticks," warns a camper about Timber Creek Campground, while another mentions to "be very careful ticks are around at this site due to us being in their habitat" at Jackpine.
Limited facilities at remote sites: Most primitive campgrounds have minimal amenities. "No amenities except for a table but the spot is free and clean," explains a visitor to Bowman Lake Campground.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs between locations. "No Phone service! Love that!" reports a camper who stayed at Jackpine in April, while another mentions "decent cell service for Verizon and Google Fi" at Leverentz Lake.
Self-registration systems: Many campgrounds lack staffed entrances. "There is no DNR staff on site so bring cash or check to drop into the payment pipe," advises a Leverentz Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible walk-in sites: Some campgrounds offer manageable hiking distances for kids. "The hike in is very flat and, other than a few deeper sandy spots, really easy to traverse," describes a family that visited Jackpine.
Consider transport options for gear: Equipment transportation varies by location. "We brought backpacks and carried everything in, but other people used other methods. One group had pulled everything in on a wagon and another family had used kids bike trailers on the back of their bikes," shares a Jackpine visitor.
Verify water sources before arrival: Water availability differs by season and location. "Signs said the well was closed; not sure if that was seasonal or permanent," notes a camper about Jackpine, while Timber Creek offers "water pump is available, though I can't speak to the quality."
Select sites with lake activities: Several campgrounds provide water recreation. At Whelan Lake Campground, a visitor notes "access to the river from the site down a 70 degree descent, so not ideal for small kids or old folk."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions limit large rigs: Most forest campgrounds accommodate only small RVs. "All sites are in good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents," explains a camper who visited Leverentz Lake.
Consider tent camping alternatives: Some RV-friendly campgrounds offer tent options with more amenities. "They have a big camp shop, excellent ice cream, flush toilets, free showers, and coin laundry! Wifi throughout the campground allowed us to watch tv from inside our tent," shares a cyclist who stayed at Insta-Launch.
Prepare for dirt and gravel roads: Access to remote sites may require suitable vehicles. "Got there fairly easy using gps. A lot of dirt and gravel roads," reports a visitor to Whelan Lake Campground.
