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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
TravelerBeautiful small state park campground. Very well maintained, clean facilities, beautiful beach. Easy walk into town to shops and restaurants.
TravelerYou 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. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. 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. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.
TravelerStaff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.
GuideAbsolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.
This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.
From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.
I’d love to come again.
ScoutNot 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
ScoutThere 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. Not tons of trash but I cleaned up some left in fire pit.
ScoutAwesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.
GuideAccess to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek.
ScoutThis 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.
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
Where are the best camping locations in Huron-Manistee National Forests?
The Huron-Manistee National Forests offer excellent camping opportunities across diverse settings. Benton Lake Campground is a standout rustic federal campground situated on a 33-acre lake perfect for kayaking and fishing, with spacious sites spread across two loops that provide privacy. For river enthusiasts, Peterson Bridge offers gorgeous wooded sites nestled among trees with easy vehicle access, clean facilities, and proximity to water recreation. Other noteworthy options include Seaton Creek Campground near Manistee and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness for those seeking a more primitive experience. The forests contain numerous campgrounds that provide access to lakes, rivers, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers seeking outdoor recreation.
What amenities are available at Huron National Forest campgrounds?
Huron National Forest campgrounds typically offer rustic to basic amenities. Riverside Park Campground provides access to the Pere Marquette River, known for excellent salmon and trout fishing, and is located just 15 minutes from Lake Michigan beaches. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park features water access, toilet facilities, and reservable sites. Most forest campgrounds include vault toilets, drinking water (typically from pumps or spigots), picnic tables, and fire rings. Some campgrounds offer more developed facilities with shower houses, while others maintain a more primitive setting. Trash collection varies by location, with many requiring pack-in, pack-out practices. Cell service is generally limited throughout the forest, allowing visitors to disconnect and enjoy nature fully.
How much does camping cost in the Manistee National Forest?
Camping costs in Manistee National Forest vary by campground type and amenities. At Orchard Beach State Park Campground, you'll find standard Michigan State Park pricing, requiring a Recreation Passport for entry plus camping fees. Platte River Campground in nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers shower and toilet facilities with moderate fees. Most rustic national forest campgrounds typically charge $10-20 per night, while dispersed camping in designated areas of Manistee National Forest, like Manistee River Trail, is often free but requires following Leave No Trace principles. For budget-conscious campers, the forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities that provide significant savings compared to developed campgrounds while still allowing access to the region's natural beauty.
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