Best Dispersed Camping near Interlochen, MI
The forested areas surrounding Interlochen, Michigan feature a range of dispersed camping options within an hour's drive, particularly in the Manistee National Forest. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness along Green Road offers free, spacious sites with privacy between campsites, while the Manistee River Trail provides backpacking opportunities with designated camping areas. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites, located northeast of Interlochen, offers a more secluded experience with drive-in and walk-in tent sites near multiple lakes. Government Landing Campground provides year-round access with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets for those seeking slightly more developed sites.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest service roads requiring careful navigation. As one camper noted, "Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips." While most areas are accessible with standard vehicles, deeper forest sites often benefit from high-clearance or 4WD capabilities. Cell service remains surprisingly available in many locations, though coverage can be spotty in more remote areas. Summer weekends see the highest visitation, with many campers reporting difficulty finding open sites during peak season. Ticks and mosquitoes are common in warmer months, with several reviewers recommending "screens, hats and spray" for comfort.
Proximity to water features ranks as a primary attraction for campers in the region. The Manistee River Trail offers what one visitor called "beautiful sites and pleasant hiking" with campsites positioned along scenic bluffs. Fishing opportunities abound, particularly in the Sand Lakes area where one camper reported "some of the best fishing I have ever done." Several reviewers mentioned concerns about trash left by previous visitors, emphasizing the importance of Leave No Trace practices. Fall camping receives particularly high marks for reduced crowds and beautiful colors. Sites range from "spacious to road-side turnouts" according to visitors, with the most private locations typically requiring more effort to access but rewarding campers with solitude and natural surroundings.
