The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Ludington. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Ludington. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace". "
"This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem."
"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."
"Tons of free dispersed camping sites on both roads. Plenty of space between sites and from the main road."
"It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail.
Loved it!"
"Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite."
"Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped."
"There looks like there are trails off of the parking lot. No signs that say no overnight parking. I'm in a van and this worked great for me. Quiet area and right off the lake."
"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."
"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."
"No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."
GuideFirst time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace". Other than that I had a great time.
TravelerCoordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped. Very good area for those interested in back country camping and primitive camping, lots of forest to explore. There are also quite a few drive in sites as well for car camping. There was running water in a creek south of Sand Road.
GuideThis is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem. Forest service roads will take you deep into the forests if your vehicle can handle it. 4WD is recommended if you want to go deep. There are plenty of great spots though for big rigs or for those without 4WD. 15-30 minute drive to Lake Michigan. Local convenience store is only a few miles down the road. Try this place out. You won’t regret it.
TravelerThis was our first time boondocking in this area. It was beautiful, especially in the fall. Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far. Had a 19 foot trailer with high clearance (only trailer brave enough to camp here!). Very peaceful off the grid camping. Even had cell service!
LegendI’ve camped here many times, in summer, fall, and spring. The campsites are large and spread out so you get a bit of privacy. It can get busy on weekends since many people know about this spot. It is a short drive to the beach and nordhouse dunes which is known for hammock camping on the beach so you have options. The last 2 times I’ve went there was lots of trash at the campsites, which is very upsetting. Please follow “Leave No Trace” ethics so we can keep enjoying this space.
GuideThis was our first time trying out dispersed camping and this location was perfect! We loved being a short drive away from Lake Michigan and plenty of hiking trails. It is in a beautiful wooded area and there were hardly an mosquitos where we were. My only complaint is that the previous visitors at our campsite left trash everywhere and had clearly had fires in at least 4 different areas. The campsite was covered in ash because of it. It’s disappointing to see that some people really just don’t care about taking care of public land.
RangerSpent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road heading south. Sites ranged from spacious to road-side turnouts with a wide range between. Verizon service was fair. Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves. Will definitely stay again next time we visit Michigan!
TravelerThis 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.
GuideGreat 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.
Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ludington, Michigan, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be sure to find the perfect place to set up camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free dispersed camping options around Ludington for tent campers?
Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping provides free tent camping opportunities near Ludington. While some campers note the coordinates can be tricky (they lead to a parking area), the surrounding forest offers excellent backcountry and primitive camping with numerous spots accessible via hiking trails. Another option is Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF, which features beautiful free sites in a wilderness area. This location borders Nordhouse sand dunes to the west and offers a variety of site sizes. Both locations are ideal for tent campers looking for an authentic, no-fee wilderness experience.
Where can I find off-grid dispersed camping near Ludington, MI?
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road offers excellent off-grid camping opportunities near Ludington. Located in the Manistee National Forest, this area features spacious, secluded sites scattered throughout the woods. Forest service roads will take you into the forest with varying accessibility—4WD is recommended for deeper sites, though there are options for vehicles with less clearance. The area provides easy access to Lake Michigan and hiking trails in the Nordhouse Dunes. For a different experience, Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping offers more remote off-grid sites along a scenic trail with natural features like a small waterfall near mile marker 3.
What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in the Ludington area?
Dispersed camping in the Ludington area, particularly in Manistee National Forest, follows standard USFS regulations. No permits are required for most dispersed camping, but campers must follow Leave No Trace principles—a common concern noted at Government Landing Campground and similar areas. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Campsites must be at least 200 feet from water sources and 100 feet from trails. Campfires are permitted when fire danger is low, but fire rings should be used where available. Pack out all trash—visitors at Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed sites and other locations often report having to clean up after previous campers.
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