Manistee National Forest camping is some of the best the midwest has to offer. You do not need a permit to camp on the National Forests or in designated campgrounds. If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit to cut firewood. Dispersed and Primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".
$30 - $45 / night
"We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."
"I love having a view from my campsite that has a lake on it! Not many big boats on it so there was no motor noise constantly like how it is on most inland lake campgrounds."
$30 - $80 / night
"It's right by the second largest suspension bridge in Michigan. Great please to stay before you canoe or kayak the Manistee river."
"You are surrounded by beautiful pines. I wasn't able to explore as much as I liked to but hear there are great trails and you are in walking distance of water."
$11 - $90 / night
"Nice private campground with good access to ATV trails as well as good proximity to big M for mountain biking. Sites are nice and spaced out as well."
"And while I will say it's not very hidden away from the other sites it was still plenty relaxing and served the purpose of somewhere to hang my hat at the end of the day."
"Absolutely gorgeous surroundings. Great hiking. One family had over 70 pumpkins carved and set up a trail. Impressive night walk. New owners. Like 8 days. Very accommodating."
"A few trails to walk around the property, and not far to Manistee (bakery downtown is the best in the state).
Will definitely be coming back here."
$20 / night
"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
$15 - $35 / night
"This campground is absolutely gorgeous, clean, well kept and each site area of pitching is nesseled into the woods while having easy access to vehicle. Therr is a restroom every 4 campsites."
"We decided the day before to go up to sleeping bear dunes for the weekend, and all the reservations across western Michigan were full, so we picked this one to try first come first served, and got lucky"
$20 - $78 / night
"Steps go right down to the river. Good fishing. When we were there the toilets were In need of a pump out desperately."
"Campsites are very clean and big, with nice trails to explore. Just a heads up, the sites with "lake access" don't actually have lake access - it's a steep drop to the water. Tumble at your own risk."
"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."
"Great river trail with a decent amount of campsites. We arrived late Friday and most spots were taken. I’d imagine most spots are scoped out earlier in the evening."
"This campground caters to trail bikers, kayakers & other groups."
"In the Manistee National Forest, close to major trailheads, and right between two prime access points to the Pine river for canoeing and kayaking. Less than a mile to river trip rental locations also."
"I hear it’s darn near impossible to find an open site During June-August. Sites are large with fantastic views. Walking trails, bike trails and ORV trails a d routes are in close proximity."
"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."
ScoutGreat campsite with trails nearby and amazing fishing opportunities! Close to Baldwin!
GuideLoved this campground! Really nice paved camping sites with fire pits and tables. Sites not too close to each other. Bathroom facilities were excellent and clean. Firewood is available to purchase in the campground.
ScoutGreat camping sites with river access. Fire pit and hook for hanging lantern. Beautiful place
GuideThe campground has 4 loops that have a lot of sites. If it were season, there would be no privacy. Clean campground with fire rings. No power, no water, compost toilets. Short walk to the beach. It says $40 for a site, but I am unsure of why it would be that much considering.
TravelerVery beautiful small campground. Lots and lots of trails for hiking. Good fishing at the Manistee river and pond nearby
TravelerVery secluded and peaceful. Clean bathrooms and friendly staff.
TravelerWow, what a great, quiet, beautiful rustic campground this was at one point and could be again. Unfortunately, a band of Deliverance locals has taken over this camp as their personal fifedom and runs it their way. That's a more and more common issue you'll unfortunately read about at many other State Forest Campgrounds. So the ruling group often trades prime sites from person to person, so sites never really open to the public for several weeks in a row. The boys have also decided they like having electricity available 24x7. Really, multiple large frame generators run all day and then all night -- ALL NIGHT. If one of the gang is anywhere near your site, you'll listen to gas engines 24 hours a day. If you mention to the boys that the posted quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM, they just laugh, tell you how many years they've been coming to this campground and camping this way, and who are you to tell them what to do? You get the idea. After the first night, we called the DNR and the field supervisor and new enforcement agent were genuine, caring, professional, responsive, fabulous people. The locals, however, know exactly how to game the system. The enforcement officer showed at 4 to tell one of the cabal boys to shut off his generator at 10. He ran it all night again and yelled to us while doing so, That loud enough for you, want to call the DNR on me again? They all know no officer is coming back after 10 and he can't write any tickets without witnessing the violation. All you can do is call 911 and tell the Sheriff your emergency is the guy at the next camp site won't shut off his generator. Good luck with that. It's sad this happens more and more across the state. I grew up camping at pretty much every state forest camp in the lower and upper peninsulas. There was always a spirt of cooperation, mutual respect, concern for others and humility that has mostly disappeared. If you want to run your own generator 24x7, listen to loud country or rock music after dark and drain a couple cases of Old Style with the boys, knock yourself out.
GuideGot here around 1730 on a Sunday. Have the whole place to myself. Not bad getting into, signal is poor. Lots of wildlife.
TravelerNice spot! I stayed here just passing through. Clean sites, very quiet when I was here. It’s right on Mud Lake great for canoe, kayak or boat. Lake access was literally 50 yards from my campsite. I will definitely be back!
Camping near Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, this area has something for you.
Camping near Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan, has a lot to offer, from beautiful nature to friendly campgrounds. Just be sure to check the specifics of each campground to find the best fit for your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Huron-Manistee National Forests offers a wide range of camping options, with 256 campgrounds and RV parks near Huron-Manistee National Forests and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Huron-Manistee National Forests is Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park with a 4.9-star rating from 17 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Huron-Manistee National Forests.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Huron-Manistee National Forests that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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