Dispersed camping near Lake Ann, Michigan centers primarily around the Sand Lakes Quiet Area, which provides backcountry campsites in a secluded forest setting. This primitive camping area features multiple lakeside sites accessible via hiking trails. The Manistee River Trail area, located approximately 30 miles south, offers additional dispersed camping options with sites positioned along the river corridor. Both areas maintain a natural, undeveloped character with minimal infrastructure and services.
Access to Sand Lakes Quiet Area requires parking at designated trailheads followed by short hikes to reach campsites. Many visitors report difficulty locating specific sites due to minimal signage and unmarked trails. The Manistee River Trail dispersed sites are primarily accessible by hiking, with some requiring several miles of trail travel. No drinking water is available at most locations, requiring campers to filter water from lakes or streams or pack in their own supply. Fires are permitted at established fire rings when no seasonal restrictions are in place. Camping is free at most sites, though some areas may require permits.
The dispersed camping experience near Lake Ann provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a quiet natural setting. Sand Lakes Quiet Area features clear lakes with excellent fishing opportunities, while the Manistee River Trail offers scenic river views and occasional waterfalls. Campsites typically provide good separation between groups, enhancing the wilderness experience. Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito activity in summer months and potential for crowding on weekends. "We found a quaint opening with gorgeous water where the colors complimented each other," notes one Sand Lakes visitor, while another Manistee River camper reports, "The east side of the river is more hilly but has an abundance of water spots to fill up."
"little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove"
"Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes."
"Absolutely 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."
"We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."
"Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike."
"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."
"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."
"It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also."
"I camp here with my horse - there are plenty of trails and there is river access with big stairs leading down to the nice footed river - it was my young horses first time being in the water and the stairs"
from $6 - $8 / night
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
Travelergreat spots near lakeside
hiking nearby
quiet, hardly saw anyone
Travelerlittle tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.
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.
ScoutThe campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.
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.
ScoutWe love this place!! We’ve been back multiple times and always feel at home! The NCT is further from the river and a bit hilly, but the MRT sites are nicer :)
ScoutTo many people and yelling kids but breath taking for sure
ScoutMe and my dad went camping here rode our motorcycles into the parking area and had a nice little hike to the camp ground! Very nice camp sites once we got set up we went down to fish and the lake is beautiful clear water and a lot of fish!!
Primitive camping opportunities abound in the northern Michigan forests surrounding Lake Ann. The region features primarily pine and mixed hardwood forest terrain with elevations ranging from 800-950 feet. Rustic camping near Lake Ann, Michigan typically requires self-sufficiency as most sites lack running water, electricity, or developed facilities. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during daytime with nighttime lows in the 50s.
Fishing opportunities: Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites offers excellent fishing in clear waters. According to visitor Dan K., "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast."
Hiking trails: The Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping area provides interconnected trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "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. You have the option to do the loop, they allow dispersed camping, and there is plenty to see and do," reports Colin E.
Waterfall viewing: Several small waterfalls can be found within a short hike of camping areas. Josh D. notes, "Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!"
Horseback riding: Goose Creek Trail Camp provides designated equestrian camping with river access. Brianna K. shares, "There are plenty of trails and there is river access with big stairs leading down to the nice footed river - it was my young horses first time being in the water and the stairs made it easier for him."
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between campers. Shelagh R. notes about Manistee River Trail, "Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups. The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far."
River access: Government Landing Campground provides direct river access for fishing and paddling. Marsha Y. describes her experience as "the most amazing, relaxing, beautiful, peaceful time that I've had in a long time when camping."
Multiple lake options: Several small lakes are accessible within short hiking distances. According to Alyssa A., "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it. We pitched our tent, stoked the fire, and didn't see another soul during our entire time there."
Free camping options: Many sites require no fee, particularly during off-season periods. Truly W. notes about Government Landing, "Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov."
Navigation challenges: Finding specific camping areas can be difficult due to minimal signage. Rachael T. shares about Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites, "We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off and that got us closer."
Site availability: Popular areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. Bruce L. reports, "I was there during September 2019 and was lucky to get a site. Every site was full. I hear it's darn near impossible to find an open site during June-August."
Tick awareness: Check for ticks regularly when camping in this region, particularly in summer. Josh D. mentions, "Think it's just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike."
Trailer access limitations: Many sites have difficult access for larger vehicles. Brittany D. warns about Government Landing, "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."
Fishing with kids: Children can enjoy successful fishing experiences in the clear lakes. Deven S. shares, "Me and my dad went camping here rode our motorcycles into the parking area and had a nice little hike to the camp ground! Very nice camp sites once we got set up we went down to fish and the lake is beautiful clear water and a lot of fish!!"
Noise considerations: Some areas experience varying noise levels on weekends. Gills and B. report about Sand Lakes, "To many people and yelling kids but breath taking for sure."
Walking distance preparation: Many sites require hiking to reach, so pack accordingly with children. Maddy T. notes, "From the trail head/parking it's about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping."
Water safety: Lake access points can get deep quickly in some areas. Brittany D. cautions, "River access at bottom of steep hill and gets deep fast."
Small trailer considerations: Lime Lake can accommodate smaller trailers and provides lake access. Mike W. reports, "The campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes."
Water planning: No hookups are available, so plan accordingly for water needs. Troy L. advises, "The east side of the river is more hilly but has an abundance of water spots to fill up. The west side of the river doesn't have any water spots until about the last mile north at a small bridge."
Parking constraints: Limited parking areas mean larger RVs should scout locations in advance. Katana H. shares, "We arrived somewhat late on the first night and had a hard time finding a proper area to camp."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, especially in spring and fall. Troy L. notes, "We went in late May and it got down to freezing temps the first night."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is dispersed camping available near Lake Ann, MI?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Lake Ann. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites offers secluded sites in northern Michigan wilderness with beautiful lakes and hiking trails. You'll need to park at the trailhead lot (marked by a yellow gate) and hike in about 10 minutes to reach camping areas. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping provides another excellent option with riverside sites, though many are designated rather than true dispersed camping. The trail offers beautiful river views, waterfalls near mile marker 3, and accommodates larger groups.
What amenities are available for dispersed camping at Lake Ann, MI?
Amenities at dispersed camping areas near Lake Ann are minimal, focusing on a rustic experience. At Grant Camping on Morton Road, you'll find drive-in access for convenience but few developed facilities. Lime Lake provides water access for fishing and swimming opportunities. Most dispersed sites include basic fire rings or pits, with ample firewood available for processing at some locations. Picnic tables are available at some designated rustic sites, particularly at state forest campgrounds. Don't expect running water, electricity, or bathroom facilities - pack in all necessary supplies and be prepared for self-sufficient camping.
What regulations apply to dispersed camping at Lake Ann, Michigan?
For dispersed camping near Lake Ann, permits are required in state park areas like Goose Creek Trail Camp, which is a rustic state forest campground. Be prepared to register at campgrounds, though camping cards may sometimes be unavailable due to forest service cuts. At Government Landing Campground, camping is permitted at designated sites, with special considerations for trailers (site #33 can accommodate trailers but has challenging turnaround space). Generally, practice Leave No Trace principles, follow fire regulations, and pack out all trash.
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