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
"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."
"It's right by the second largest suspension bridge in Michigan. Great please to stay before you canoe or kayak the Manistee river."
"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."
"I've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan."
$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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutI've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is 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. Best thing to do is camp for 2 nights and take your time. Loved it.
GuideNice spot by the river. Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov
ScoutNice, convenient, lightly used.
TravelerDrove 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.
ScoutTypical rustic camper, so camping close to others is not my typical cup of tea, but I messed up my rustic campsite reservation by week and managed to get the last open spot for the weekend in the main campground. First up - Park Staff at check-in. 6/5. Incredibly helpful. Let me do a drive by of the site to check if I would fit, and stalled someone on the phone who called about that last site while I checked it out. Campsites- be prepared to deal with sloping ground. Bathrooms - clean, Camp store - kind of sparse. Campfire Wood - the stuff they sell works for a quick fire but not long lasting. Buy some larger logs from in town.
TravelerPretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish. The north country trail runs right through the campground and you can also hike the fife lake loop here
ScoutManton RV Campground is a place you want to include on your camping travels. Owner was very friendly and would swing by to see if we needed anything
Bath house was very nice with plenty of hot showers with great water pressure. That’s a number one seller for me, that and if they are clean, which they were. There is plenty of walking area to get some exercise for yourself and dogs.
I would highly recommend making this campground one to park your camper at!!!👍
TravelerA hidden gem near Cadillac. It’s nice and quiet and clean, bathrooms aren’t too far from campsites. Electrical hookups are provided and fire pits. We even got free firewood. Fun visit! The campground has a lot of activities to offer too as well as live bands.
TravelerSuper lively campground with lots of people and campsites close to each other. The airport is nearby as is the main road so don’t expect much peace and quiet. If noise isn’t an issue, this campground is clean, fun, and cozy! Bathrooms are all nearby.
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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