Best Tent Camping near Harrietta, MI

The forested Manistee National Forest area near Harrietta, Michigan provides several tent camping options ranging from established state forest campgrounds to dispersed backcountry sites. Manistee River Trail offers tent-focused dispersed camping with multiple established sites along a scenic river corridor. Long Lake State Forest Campground and Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground provide more structured tent camping environments with basic amenities during their April to October operating season.

Most tent sites throughout the region feature primitive amenities. State forest campgrounds typically provide vault toilets, trash collection, and hand pumps for drinking water, while dispersed areas along the Manistee River Trail lack facilities entirely. Fire rings are standard at established campgrounds but may not be present at backcountry sites. The terrain varies from flat, wooded sites to more challenging terrain along river bluffs. During peak summer weekends, arriving early is essential as these first-come, first-served locations fill quickly, especially at Hopkins Creek and Leverentz Lake campgrounds.

Tent campers frequently use the Manistee River Trail as a basecamp for hiking the connected loop with the North Country Trail, which spans approximately 23 miles. The eastern Manistee River Trail side features designated tent sites with river views, while the western North Country Trail section allows more flexible dispersed camping options. Sites along river bluffs offer scenic vistas but require longer walks to water sources. A camper noted, "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." Leverentz Lake provides spacious lakeside tent sites with good separation between campers. During fall, these areas offer exceptional solitude, with one visitor reporting, "We were basically the only ones there. Big spacious sites, lake access and good hikes from the campground."

Best Tent Sites Near Harrietta, Michigan (47)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Harrietta, MI

987 Reviews of 47 Harrietta Campgrounds


  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Bliss

    Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun. A short walk will get you to Lake Michigan and it’s sandy beach. Each site has a nice picnic table, a designated tent pad (if it’s a tent site) and a fire ring with a grill top. Firewood is available on site for $5/bundle, vault toilets are also available. No shower facilities. Lots and lots of poison ivy! Stay on the paths!! And tIcks! Stay in trails and out of tall grass or weeds. The tent pad is very compacted ground, definitely need a hammer or decent sized rock to pound in the tent stakes, and also definitely bring a sleeping pad or air mat. Tent sites are only $20/night, but you also need a National Park Pass, which is $20/1 week or $40/ 1 year, so be aware of that! Stayed at site 88, seemed to be a slightly more “roomy” site than others, as there were no neighbors behind us. PLUS thIs Is located very near to thw sleepIng bear dunes and natIonal lake shore!

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Perfect Proximity

    This campground is in this system ( the Dyrt) like 3 times under similar names, and I just want to be sure you all know how great it is! This is a first-come-first-served campground, so get there earlier in the day if you want a site, even on a weekday. There are rustic bathrooms, no flushing, no sink, nothing. No showers available here, either. However, it is so close to Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, Empire, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The location is truly fabulous. You are able to take a short walk down to Lake Michigan from your site. The sites are hard packed ground, dirt, rocks...so bring a mallet or hammer to pound in your tent stakes! I would also advise a sleeping pad or air mat for this same reason. The tent pads are nice and level though, which is awesome. It rained quite a bit over night when I stayed, so I’m thankful for the level ground. There is LOTS of poison ivy on location, so stay on the trails!!! Sites were only $20/night but you also need a National park pass which is $20/week or $40/year, so be mindful of that. This is also an “Active Black Bear Site,” so everything with a scent—clothes, candles, etc., must be stored in your vehicle. No, we did not see any bears while we were there. Everyone was very friendly, and the campground was so much more quiet than anticipated. It was very peaceful and serene. Firewood is available for purchase on site through a wood vending machine basically, so have $5 bills on hand. Stayed at site #88

  • Hilary S.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Walk-in sites practically on top of each other

    Pros: Designated dish-washing sink, as well as shower/bathroom building for walk-in sites specifically. Short 0.8 mile hike from camp to Lake Michigan. Bear boxes are shared between only two adjacent campsites, and are large. 

    Cons: Walk-in sites have essentially no privacy and are much less secluded than other walk-in sites where I have stayed at other parks. I was at site A003, which abutted adjacent A-loop sites as well as B-loop sites. The other sites were visible, and folks at a neighboring site were playing music late into the night.

  • Gemma G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

    There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.

    The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).

    The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.

    There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.

    The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.

    There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.

  • Kate K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Kinda overcrowded these days

    2-3 mile hike-in backcountry camping on the dunes of Lake Michigan. This is a gorgeous area that has unfortunately gotten a little overpopulated. The over night area used to be a quiet and peaceful place to unplug and unwind, but now it feels more like a party beach. Very crowded and loud. Also, too many inexperienced campers come out carrying too much stuff and leave there garbage and unwanted items all over the dunes rather than practicing “leave no trace”

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    Small campground, big ambiance

    This campground has the feel of a hike-in campground while being accessible by vehicle. It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious. Sites are divided by small stands of trees providing some privacy from neighboring sites. 4 of the sites are facing the lake. Fire ring, picnic table, vault toilets and hand pump water. Surprisingly good cell reception. There is a dirt boat ramp, but only for trolling motor, canoes and kayaks. Very quiet campground.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Small Sites h

    DH Bear. Sept 2023 (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.75 Price 2023: Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Most sites are not real great.
    Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Fine Road Noise: Bone Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No. Platt River CG has electricity. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Be careful. Some sites do not allow generators. The more private sites are in the No-generator loop . Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Setting: Forest Weather: Very nice Bugs: Not bad Solar: Most sites do not offer enough sunlight .

  • A
    Sep. 11, 2021

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Great spots, close to beach

    Great campsite with spacious sites not too close to each other. Sites are close to the beach (3-5 min walk). Vault toilets are to be expected. Quiet at night when I was there. Easy access to hiking trails and Glen Arbor. Would stay again! $20 for basic tent site (non-electric).

  • R
    Jul. 24, 2022

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    D H Day Campground

    Enjoyed the D H Day Campground. Really liked the elevated boxes for tent placement and the site was clean. Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash. Make sure you have bug spray. Great proximity to Glen Arbor and Empire. Short drive to the dunes for hiking and cannot over recommend Empire Beach to watch a sunset.


Guide to Harrietta

The forested Manistee National Forest region surrounding Harrietta offers rustic tent camping experiences with varied terrain and water access. State forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with minimal facilities, costing approximately $15-17 per night depending on residency status. Winter camping is available at select locations such as Hopkins Creek, though most campgrounds close from November through March.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground provides fishing from multiple access points including a dedicated pier. "Reviews of the lake and the Fall colors, it really just doesn't get any better than this," notes Jeff W., who enjoyed the Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground.

Backpacking loops: The 23-mile loop combining Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail offers varied terrain for multi-day hikes. Colin E. describes Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping as "one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan. You have the option to do the loop, they allow dispersed camping, and there is plenty to see and do. Waterfalls, river bends, wildlife, this trail has it all."

Seasonal wildlife viewing: Fall provides optimal conditions for wildlife observation with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. "We were there on a rainy October weekend and we were one of two total sites occupied," reports John N. about Healy Lake State Forest Campground, where solitude enhances wildlife spotting.

What campers like

Lake access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for paddling and swimming. At Healy Lake State Forest Campground, John N. found "a nice inland lake" with "a good boat launch" that supports various water activities despite limited facilities.

Spacious sites: State forest campgrounds typically provide larger, more separated campsites than developed parks. Nicole C. appreciated Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground for its "very large and private lots with nice pits, and tables" with good spacing between neighboring campers.

Fall solitude: October-November camping offers exceptional privacy and quiet. "First come first serve in the fall- we were basically the only ones there. Big spacious sites, lake access and good hikes from the campground. Gorgeous and quiet," reports John N. about Leverentz Lake during autumn.

What you should know

Water source considerations: Many rustic campgrounds have limited water access. At Leverentz Lake, campers note "one hand pump water source at the entrance," while at Long Lake State Forest Campground, Loni P. mentions "a hand pump for water" among the basic facilities.

Cash payment systems: State forest campgrounds typically require self-registration with cash or check. John N. advises about Healy Lake: "I think it was something like $13. Bring cash!" since no staff are present to process credit cards.

Seasonal road conditions: Access roads to remote sites deteriorate during wet seasons. Steve A. warns about Healy Lake: "Would not recommend wasting your time going through the washboard roads to get to it," particularly after rainfall when unpaved surfaces worsen.

Tips for camping with families

Lake quality awareness: Some lakes have excessive vegetation affecting swimming. D.G. notes about Long Lake that it's "a very weedy lake - caught a few fish though," suggesting families should research water conditions if swimming is a priority.

Campsite selection strategy: For families with small children, choose sites closer to water pumps and toilet facilities. "The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far," reports Shelagh R. about Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping, helping parents plan site selection based on amenities.

Bug preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are common throughout the camping season. Josh D. warns: "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!" - important advice for families with children or pets.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most forest campgrounds accommodate small trailers but not large RVs. Ari A. notes about Leverentz Lake: "All sites are good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents," but larger rigs won't fit.

Amenity planning: No hookups are available at any state forest campgrounds in the region. Chels from Leverentz Lake emphasizes: "Nice wooded campsites. On the lake with a boat launch. One hand pump water source at the entrance, no electric," requiring RVers to be self-contained.

Seasonal accessibility: Spring thaw creates challenging access for larger vehicles. Troy L. recommends planning RV visits for late May through September: "We went in late May and it got down to freezing temps the first night," indicating earlier visits may encounter difficult ground conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Harrietta, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 47 tent camping locations near Harrietta, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.