Dispersed camping near Gowen, Michigan provides options for backcountry experiences in the Manistee National Forest region. The area features sandy soil conditions that affect vehicle access to many sites, with elevation changes throughout the forest terrain. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal preparation essential for campers planning off-season visits.
What to do
Hiking access: Near Sawkaw Lake, campers can explore connecting trails in the surrounding forest. "There are even some hike paths around the area," notes Jay D., who found multiple camping spots around both Sawkaw and adjacent Little Half Moon Lake.
Lake activities: Several dispersed sites offer water access for recreation. At Sawkaw Lake, one visitor described their experience as a "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."
Wood collection: Forest camping areas typically allow gathering deadfall for fires. At Sawkaw Lake, camper Ileene R. mentioned that while there "are signs on the sites saying permit required... No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site... There are fire rings and lots of wood to collect."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many dispersed camping areas provide ample room between setups. At Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping, Ashley H. reports the area is "Perfect for big families or even solo camp! Spots big and small plenty to choose from and even some great riverside camping!"
Weekday solitude: Mid-week camping offers significantly more privacy and quiet. As one Sawkaw Lake visitor observed, "Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday."
Van camping options: Some areas accommodate vehicle camping with minimal setup. Noah E. found Sand Road suitable for this purpose: "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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Sandy terrain makes access challenging for standard vehicles. Logan P. warns about Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping: "This spot is wonderful, but boy howdy does it live up to its name. If you do not have AWD and good ground clearance, don't even try to get there."
Location verification: Several campers report navigation issues when trying to locate specific sites. Rick M. had trouble finding Sawkaw Lake: "We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night."
Wildlife presence: Local wildlife can affect camping experiences. Joseph C. reported at Sand Road: "Once we got a fire lit, and the sunlight started to leave for the night we heard a pack of coyotes nearby... 3 hours later, we hear them again. Only, this time we could tell they were even closer... They were less than 100 yards away from us."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose areas with adequate space for family activities. Ashley H. recommends Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed because it's "Perfect for big families or even solo camp! Spots big and small plenty to choose from."
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation, especially with children. One camper advises about Sand Road: "Please be aware, when camping here you may be in coyote territory, and they don't seem to like it. So, maybe not a great spot for kids, or smaller pets."
Water access options: Families appreciate lake access for recreational activities. Fiona found Sawkaw Lake had a "Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail. Loved it!"
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: RV campers should verify road conditions before attempting access. Dennis N. notes about Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping: "Free rusty camping. You can get RVs in there but will need 4x4. Hits the name. Sand Rd."
Pull-off options: For smaller rigs, some forest roads offer suitable pull-offs. Linda C. reports about Spruce Road: "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."
Toilet facilities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities, but some exceptions exist. At Sawkaw Lake, Ileene R. noted the "toilet is nice. Lake has boat access."
