Best Dispersed Camping near Hesperia, MI

Dispersed camping near Hesperia, Michigan centers primarily in the Manistee National Forest, where several free primitive sites are available along forest service roads. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping and Green Road Dispersed areas provide multiple options for backcountry camping without facilities. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area contains numerous pull-off sites along Green Road, while additional dispersed camping can be found at Sawkaw Lake and along Spruce Road. These areas typically require no reservations and permit camping at established pull-offs and clearings.

Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that may become challenging after rain or in sandy conditions. Many campers report that high-clearance vehicles are beneficial, particularly for reaching more remote sites. Most areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire rings exist at some established sites, though campers should check current fire restrictions. Cell service varies throughout the region but is generally available at Green Road sites. A recent visitor noted, "The sites are about 50 to 200ft from each other with plenty of privacy in a pine tree and fern forest."

The camping experience in this region combines forest seclusion with proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and hiking trails. The Nordhouse Dunes area provides access to both forest camping and Lake Michigan shoreline within a short drive. Many sites feature sandy soil and pine forest surroundings, creating a distinctive camping environment. Visitors appreciate the spaciousness of sites and natural setting. According to reviews, weekends can become crowded during summer months, while weekday visits often provide more solitude. One camper remarked, "There are plenty of really rustic pull-offs north and south on Green Rd, with some harder to find spots requiring 4WD, but most are easily accessible in a 2WD vehicle."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hesperia, Michigan (9)

    1. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    8 Reviews
    Whitehall, MI
    12 miles

    "Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped."

    "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."

    2. Sawkaw Lake

    5 Reviews
    Bitely, MI
    15 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."

    3. Neil's Secret Spot

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

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

    4. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    17 Reviews
    Free Soil, MI
    42 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."

    5. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

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

    6. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    5 Reviews
    Ludington, MI
    41 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."

    "Tons of free dispersed camping sites on both roads. Plenty of space between sites and from the main road."

    7. Government Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    49 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hesperia, MI

36 Reviews of 9 Hesperia 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.

  • Degen G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    Great area to explore

    Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped. Very good area for those interested in back country camping and primitive camping, lots of forest to explore. There are also quite a few drive in sites as well for car camping. There was running water in a creek south of Sand Road.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • J
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    Wrong Location

    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.


Guide to Hesperia

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Hesperia?

Dispersed camping opportunities can be found in the Manistee National Forest near Hesperia. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road offers numerous dispersed sites with forest service roads taking you deep into the woods. Some sites are accessible with 2WD vehicles, while others require 4WD to reach. The area provides spacious campsites spread out for privacy and is particularly beautiful during fall. Another option is Neil's Secret Spot, which provides free, rustic camping with drive-in access. Remember that all dispersed camping follows Leave No Trace principles, and you should pack out everything you pack in.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Hesperia?

Dispersed camping sites in the Hesperia area are truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed and other forest sites, you'll need to be fully self-sufficient. There are no bathrooms, running water, garbage service, or electrical hookups. Some sites feature informal fire rings from previous campers, but you'll need to bring your own firewood. Lake Michigan Recreation Area is nearby, providing access to the lake for water activities. Most dispersed sites offer decent Verizon cell service. Be prepared to pack out all trash and waste, bring your own water supply, and have appropriate waste disposal systems if camping in an RV or trailer.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Hesperia National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in the Manistee National Forest near Hesperia. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF offers legal dispersed camping opportunities with multiple sites available. The national forest allows for primitive camping with some restrictions. A wilderness area boundaries the western edge, providing access to hiking trails. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping also offers dispersed camping opportunities, though some users have noted confusion about the exact location. When dispersed camping in national forests, always follow regulations including camping only in established sites, staying at least 100 feet from water sources, and adhering to any fire restrictions.