Dispersed camping near Hesperia, Michigan features a mix of forest and river environments across the Manistee National Forest. Elevations range from 600-900 feet above sea level with sandy soil conditions typical of this region. Temperatures fluctuate seasonally from summer highs around 80°F to winter lows often below freezing, with the most favorable camping weather occurring May through October.
What to do
Fishing access: Several dispersed camping areas provide direct water access, with Government Landing offering particularly good fishing spots. "Nice spot by the river. Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov," notes a visitor to Government Landing Campground.
Hiking opportunities: The North Country Trail runs near Sawkaw Lake, providing connections to longer trail systems. "Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite... There are even some hike paths around the area," says a reviewer at Sawkaw Lake.
Swimming spots: Lake Michigan beaches are accessible from several camping areas. "Drove out to this campsite after spending the day swimming in Lake Michigan at the Recreation area which is down the road. There's ~15 sites down this road, and each of them were gorgeous, some very large and very private," reports a camper at Green Road Dispersed.
Wildlife observation: The forest areas host various wildlife including coyotes. "Arrived to the campsite around 5pm, everything was fantastic. Fire pit, and large open, wooded area all to ourselves... However, once we got a fire lit, and the sunlight started to leave for the night we heard a pack of coyotes nearby," cautions a visitor to Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed sites offer good separation from neighboring campers. "Not a lot of privacy between sites, but they are very large so you don't feel on top of another and having the lake right there was nice," explains a camper at Sawkaw Lake.
Cell phone coverage: Unlike many backcountry areas, some sites maintain reasonable connectivity. "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... Even had cell service!" shares a reviewer at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road.
Proximity to water: Many campsites offer access to lakes, rivers, or Lake Michigan. "At site #33 which is technically not governments landing, but felt it was good information. Camping with a 20ft trailer, It was very beautiful and peaceful stay. 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. River access at bottom of steep hill and gets deep fast," explains a visitor to Government Landing.
Spacious camping areas: Sites typically provide ample room for multiple tents or activities. "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!" notes a visitor to Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads to dispersed sites are challenging, especially in certain weather conditions. "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," warns a camper about Sand Road.
Facility limitations: Most sites lack basic amenities. "There are signs on the sites saying permit required, but no info for that purpose. No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site, toilet is nice. Lake has boat access. There are fire rings and lots of wood to collect," reports a visitor to Sawkaw Lake.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping often provides more solitude and sometimes free access to otherwise fee-based areas. "You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites," notes a camper at Government Landing.
Location accuracy: GPS coordinates for some sites may be inaccurate. "The coordinates lead you to a state that park if it is off sand road or Russell road it's 30 minutes out for where coordinates are. Struggled to find any primitive camping anywhere nearby," cautions a visitor to Sand Road.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: Choose areas away from potential wildlife encounters. "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," advises a camper about Sand Road.
Weekday visits recommended: For a quieter experience with children, avoid peak times. "Beautiful site with a firepit. 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," notes a visitor to Lake Michigan Recreation Area.
Swimming safety: Water access points often feature steep drops or challenging entry. "Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable," reports a camper at Government Landing.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles. "Free rusty camping. You can get RVs in there but will need 4x4. Hits the name. Sand Rd," explains an RVer.
Site accessibility: Some areas accommodate smaller trailers despite challenging access. "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. Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves," advises a visitor to Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF.
Turnaround space limitations: Many sites lack adequate space for larger rigs to maneuver. "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," shares a van camper at Sand Road.
