The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Harrietta, MI

48 Reviews

The Manistee National Forest surrounding Harrietta offers several free dispersed camping options. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping provides secluded tent sites accessible primarily by hiking in, with campers noting that "spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night." The east side follows the river with more spacious waterfront sites, while the west side offers hillier terrain. Fires are permitted at established rings, but no facilities are available.

Several drive-in primitive sites exist within 30 minutes of Harrietta. Government Landing near Brethren allows camping along backwaters of Tippy Dam with vault toilets available. Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides backcountry sites requiring short hikes from parking areas. A visitor noted "we found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it" though others mentioned "directions were unclear" for finding designated sites. Additional options include Spruce Road Pulloff and Green Road dispersed areas, both offering free camping with minimal amenities. All locations permit pets and campfires, though most lack drinking water or toilet facilities.

Map showing campgrounds near Harrietta, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Harrietta, Michigan (11)

    1. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike."

    "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."

    2. Government Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "This was a very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident."

    "Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond."

    3. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    17 Reviews
    Free Soil, MI
    37 miles

    "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". "

    "This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem."

    4. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    33 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness. This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

    5. Neil's Secret Spot

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    29 miles
    +1 (352) 480-8860

    "No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."

    6. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    7 Reviews
    Ludington, MI
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes."

    "These dispersed sites in the national forest are fantastic! Level for tents. Spread out enough that you aren’t on top of neighbors. We couldn’t see anyone from our site. Really great biking paths."

    7. Lime Lake

    2 Reviews
    Lake Ann, MI
    33 miles

    "little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove"

    "Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes."

    8. Sawkaw Lake

    6 Reviews
    Bitely, MI
    39 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    "Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite."

    9. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    10. Lake Michigan Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Free Soil, MI
    37 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Harrietta Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Harrietta, MI

56 Photos of 11 Harrietta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Harrietta, MI

48 Reviews of 11 Harrietta Campgrounds

  • Darwin N.
    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.

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Bobbi Jo K.
    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!

  • Kimberly S.
    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.

  • Alyson M.
    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.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Josh D.
    Jul. 22, 2020

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Great trail

    Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike.

    Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Manistee National Forest dispersed campsite

    This is such a beautiful site, we stayed here a few days two years ago. Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes. Many sites were available to us, we chose to utilize our favorite site.

Guide to Harrietta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Harrietta, Michigan, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of options for those looking to escape into the wild without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Enjoy Scenic Hiking Trails while Free Camping Near Harrietta

  • The Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping provides access to beautiful hiking paths along the river, making it a perfect spot for backpackers seeking adventure.
  • For those who enjoy a more rugged experience, the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road offers trails that lead to stunning views of Lake Michigan, ideal for both hiking and exploring.
  • The Sawkaw Lake area features nearby hiking paths that allow campers to immerse themselves in the tranquil forest surroundings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Harrietta, Michigan

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Beautiful Water Access Points

  • The Sawkaw Lake offers picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for fishing or simply relaxing by the water.
  • At the Government Landing Campground, campers can enjoy river access that provides opportunities for swimming and fishing, enhancing the outdoor experience.
  • The Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping features spots along the river, allowing for easy access to water activities and stunning views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Harrietta, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Harrietta, MI is Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Harrietta, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Harrietta, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring