Top Free Dispersed Camping near Luther, MI

Looking for the best Luther dispersed camping? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Michigan excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Luther, MI (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Landing Campground

    2. Government Landing Campground

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    114 Saves

    Manistee National Recreation River This camping area is named for Government Island. The 3 campsites are part of the Forest Services' 41 designated dispersed sites along the Upper Manistee River. The main access road along the powerline is a snowmobile trail in the winter. Brochure with map : Manistee River This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. Flickr Photo Albums Manistee River

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    3. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    150 Saves

    Dispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".Plan Your Trip: Dispersed Camping

    Some things to keep in mind when planning where you will be camping are: There is no camping within 200 feet of any body of water, except at designated sites. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Camping is only allowed at designated sites within the river corridors for the designated Wild and Scenic sections of the Pere Marquette, Pine, Manistee and Au Sable Rivers. Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to fourteen (14) days. After sixteen (16) days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. A permit is NOT required to camp on National Forest System lands outside of designated campgrounds. Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    • No image available

      5. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

      Be the first to review!
      34 Saves

      Dispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".Plan Your Trip: Dispersed Camping

      Some things to keep in mind when planning where you will be camping are: There is no camping within 200 feet of any body of water, except at designated sites. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Camping is only allowed at designated sites within the river corridors for the designated Wild and Scenic sections of the Pere Marquette, Pine, Manistee and Au Sable Rivers. Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to fourteen (14) days. After sixteen (16) days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. A permit is NOT required to camp on National Forest System lands outside of designated campgrounds. Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map.

      • Pets
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
      • No image available
        • No image available

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Luther

        38 Reviews of 8 Luther Campgrounds


        • d
          Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
          May. 26, 2024

          Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

          Awesome fishing and great camp sites

          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!!

        • lThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sawkaw Lake
          May. 15, 2024

          Sawkaw Lake

          Peaceful

          Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday.

        • Rachael T.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
          Aug. 17, 2023

          Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

          Beautiful but difficult to find!

          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. You park in this small lot with a yellow gate that is in-front of the trail and then walk down for about 10 min until you see a smaller trail to left follow that down and you will see the campsites!

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
          Mar. 26, 2023

          Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

          Amazing area

          Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody. Fires were allowed ample firewood available for processing multiple lakes great hiking. 

          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.

          Beautiful nature area I loved hiking in and hiking around the various lakes seeing what the area had to offer. One of the best times I’ve ever had camping. Great company also helps. 

        • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          Oct. 24, 2022

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          For Forest Dwellers and Lake Lovers

          This 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.

        • Alyson M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 9, 2022

          Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

          Great Campsites!

          Did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night. Spots for a fire and very peaceful! We actually had a spot on the NCT side, the spots along the MRT side were much more spacious and were on the water!

        • Alyson M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          Jul. 20, 2022

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          My Go-To Camping spot

          I’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.

        • Jay D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sawkaw Lake
          Jun. 10, 2022

          Sawkaw Lake

          Little Half Moon Lake

          Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite. Depending on the spot, there could be some people around, but most the most part, it was pretty tranquil. There are even some hike paths around the area.

        • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          Dec. 9, 2021

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          Nice boondocking spot with access to Lake Michigan!

          Spent 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!

        • F
          Camper-submitted photo from Sawkaw Lake
          Oct. 8, 2021

          Sawkaw Lake

          It's quite deep in the forest

          Was planning on staying at Highbank Campground but it was closed. Thankfully had the Dyrt App to see this spot.

          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!

        • N
          Camper-submitted photo from Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping
          Sep. 23, 2021

          Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

          Nice spot for van camping

          The directions take you to a parking lot. 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.

        • Troy L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
          Sep. 11, 2021

          Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

          Good for a 2-day camp.

          Great river trail with a decent amount of campsites. We arrived late Friday and most spots were taken. I’d imagine most spots are scoped out earlier in the evening. A lot of people camping/running/hiking. 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. Plenty of firewood to salvage on both sides, albeit some of it was wet. We went in late May and it got down to freezing temps the first night. Hammock was not the best option but always made for a good story to tell your friends. Second night was good. We stayed atop the crest of a hill on the west side down a path. There are designated camp sites with markers but we didn’t opt for making it a point to find one. Any place off the beaten path will do. You will see some spots that people have camped.

        • evi L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          Sep. 3, 2021

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          Dispersed campsites

          Beautiful area with a lot of dispersed campsites, accessible by pretty much any vehicle, although the road is a bit sandy, so maybe take precautions after rain. Large sites, some with more privacy than others, and plenty of ideal hammocking trees. Also, there's a few more sites if you take the road (right side on main rd) across the street from the entrance into this area. I had no problem finding firewood around the area, but there's a general store less than 10 minutes away that sells firewood and basic necessities, cash only during my visit on 03SEP2021 (beer, schnacks, etc.) No toilets or glamping amenities.

        • Cameron
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          Aug. 4, 2021

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          Awesome spaced out large sites

          Easy access, and the sites are about 50 to 200ft from each other! I love the pine tree+fern forrest. Super sandy area, but it’s nice to walk around barefoot. Haven’t seen any thorn bushes while collecting firewood. There’s no toilets or water so bring a few gallons and be prepared to poop in a hole.

        • Darwin N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          Jul. 25, 2021

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          NF dispersed camping

          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".  Other than that I had a great time.

        • Kimberly S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          Jun. 22, 2021

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          First time dispersed camping

          This 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.

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
          May. 22, 2021

          Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

          Nice Spot...Easy Access

          Sites are nice and easy to access... no issues with the road coming in... the dispersed camping is free but if you drive and park in the lots for the dunes/beach access it requires a pass or 5$ a day fee



        Guide to Luther

        Camping near Luther, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there's something for everyone in this area.

        What to do:

        • Explore the outdoors: The area is surrounded by stunning nature. Many campers enjoy hiking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The location is beautiful," highlighting the scenic views available at Sulak Campground.
        • Visit local beaches: While some campgrounds like Orchard Beach State Park Campground no longer have direct beach access, nearby beaches are just a short drive away. A camper noted, "A short drive up the road leads to a wonderful local beach."
        • Enjoy water activities: Many campgrounds, such as Brower Park Campground, offer boating and fishing opportunities. One visitor said, "Ample boating, fishing swimming," making it a great spot for water lovers.

        What campers like:

        • Quiet and peaceful atmosphere: Campers appreciate the tranquility of places like Sherman City Acres. A reviewer shared, "If you enjoy camping without the crowd, this is an ideal location."
        • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, including Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily."
        • Friendly hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming nature of campground hosts. At Poncho's Pond RV Park, a visitor said, "People were very friendly from the get-go willing to help you if you needed any help."

        What you should know:

        • Limited beach access: Some campgrounds, like Orchard Beach State Park Campground, have lost beach access due to erosion. A camper warned, "This park does not have a beach anymore and will probably never have one."
        • Cell service can be spotty: Many areas, including Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, have limited cell service. One reviewer mentioned, "Verizon service was fair," so plan accordingly.
        • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds, like Silver Creek State Forest Campground, do not provide firewood. A camper noted, "Finding firewood in the campground is near impossible."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Look for family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Traverse City KOA offer playgrounds and pools. A visitor said, "Lots of kids though as they have a massive kids playground."
        • Choose spacious sites: Many campgrounds have large sites that can accommodate families. One camper at Coolwater on the Pine River Campground mentioned, "We were at one of the big group sites overlooking the pond."
        • Plan for quiet hours: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours, so be mindful of noise. A reviewer at Traverse City KOA noted, "They have what they call a strict 10pm-8am quiet hours."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site sizes. A camper at Sulak Campground mentioned, "Sites aren't bad. All will accommodate at 25ft RV."
        • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds, like Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, have rough access roads. A reviewer advised, "4WD is recommended if you want to go deep."
        • Bring extra supplies: Campgrounds like Brower Park Campground may have additional fees for amenities. One camper noted, "Be prepared for extra fees for your cars and boats."

        Camping near Luther, Michigan, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Luther, MI?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Luther, MI is Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road with a 4.9-star rating from 16 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Luther, MI?

          TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Luther, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.