2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Several primitive tent camping options surround Luther, Michigan in the Manistee National Forest, with a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Bray Creek State Forest Campground and Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground provide accessible tent camping locations with basic amenities. These sites are typically situated 5-10 miles from Luther proper, offering tent campers scenic lakeside spots within the dense forest setting of northwestern Michigan.
Tent campsites within these state forest campgrounds typically feature dirt or gravel pads with natural surroundings. Most established tent areas include fire rings and picnic tables, while vault toilets are available at many locations including Leverentz Lake and Timber Creek Campgrounds. Drinking water is accessible via hand pumps at select sites, though availability varies seasonally. Sites at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground cost approximately $15 per night on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Many primitive tent areas observe a 14-day stay limit and prohibit collecting fallen wood for campfires.
The tent camping near Luther offers substantial privacy between sites, particularly at Leverentz Lake and Timber Creek. According to a review on The Dyrt, "The sites are large enough and spaced far enough apart that even if it were full you would not feel crowded in at this campground." Tent-only areas like Gleasons Landing provide riverside camping with access to the Pere Marquette River, making them popular with paddlers and anglers. Many sites feature adequate tree cover for shade and hammock camping. While some locations like Timber Creek receive minimal use, others can fill quickly on summer weekends. As one camper noted, "It's probably the least used campsite I have ever been to and I love it. There's no electricity, my cell service is crap here, and the vault toilets are clean normally."
"We chose a site on the Big Lake. There are also a few sites on the Litte Lake. The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. We had plenty of room between sites."
"the big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. the little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses (more mosquitos at the time too"
from $15 / night
"A nice rustic campground, it’s small but has steps leading to the creek that’s perfect for kids to play in and a few trails. There is a hand pump for water and two vault toilets."
Available next weekend
from $20 / night
"Upon arrival at Pine Meadows, we followed the short red bark path through the trees to our cabin tent, which was next to a lovely meadow and near a small pond."
from $135 / night
"Tent camping only. Four family sites and two group sites. Hard to get a reservation on the weekends. Campground is at the end of a canoe/kayak company's trip. "
"All sites are "walk to" from the parking lot. Overlooks the Pere Marquette river and has a small sandy shore where you can get into the water to cool off or do some fishing."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $90 / night
"Very rustic and walk-in only, but great place to get away for a bit. Barely any people as well. Make sure you bring bug spray"
"Great little camp spot right off the lake. You have to hike in to the camp locations but its not bad."
"The campsites are a perfect size, there is an easy-hike walking trail, and the view of the stars at night is truly out of this world (pun kind of intended)."
from $10 / night
"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."
"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 do have some neighbors but they are far enough away. Each camp is pretty surrounded by trees. Each camp have a fire pit and a picnic table which is very convenient."
"Cant see your neighbors. Pit toilet clean and supplied. Needs a little maintenance. Shaded and cool."
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
ScoutVery rustic and remote. Bring wood or a saw there are tons of down trees but not a whole lot of places to get wood. For pit toilets they where clean and well kept. If your in need of help it comes within 45 mins (bring solar chargers) out of the way enough to not have a good cell signal (what we where looking for) but enough signal to call for help...we killed our car battery charging phones.. must check out if your into remote areas
ScoutFree, sites are awesome. Many well off the dirt road. Mine had a fire pit. This is one I'd gatekeep.
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
TravelerBig camping spots, nice fire pit, clean outhouse, lake right by and nice trails. $10 a night, first come first serve.
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideBack off a dirt road , 2 sites..bathroom.
ScoutIt truly feels like our home away from home, and we’ve made so many wonderful memories over the years. We wouldn’t want to spend our summers anywhere else! 🏕️❤️
GuideNice small lake. Sites a little rough
The Manistee National Forest surrounding Luther, Michigan offers primitive camping options on sandy soil at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping experiences cooler nights in the 40s. Most tent sites in this area accommodate standard dome tents with adequate clearance for setup on the predominantly flat terrain.
Fishing access: At Gleasons Landing, campers can fish directly from the riverside campground. "Overlooks the Pere Marquette river and has a small sandy shore where you can get into the water to cool off or do some fishing," notes reviewer Amy R. Most sites have direct river access.
Trail hiking: Several campgrounds connect to local trail systems. At Timber Creek Campground, "It's an entrance to the North Country Trail so it's a busy place," according to James V. The campground features "an easy-hike walking trail" with vault toilets available for hikers.
Kayaking routes: The Pere Marquette River offers paddling opportunities. "Gleasons Landing is at the end of a canoe/kayak company's trip," explains Jessica V. For multi-day adventures, tent camping at Manistee River Trail gives access to "river bends" where Colin E. notes you can both hike and kayak the trail.
Privacy between sites: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "We had plenty of room between sites," reports Theresa W. The campground includes "newer vault toilets" and fire rings at each site.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the solitude available. Timber Creek Campground is particularly noted for this quality, with Jon G. reporting: "It's probably the least used campsite I have ever been to and I love it. I've been coming to this campsite for about 15 years now and it's still as quiet as the first year."
Fall colors: The area shines in autumn with seasonal foliage. Jeff W. describes Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground: "Reviews of the lake and the Fall colors, it really just doesn't get any better than this." The campground features vault toilets, a water pump, and a fishing pier.
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds operate from April to October with significant seasonal differences. At Bray Creek State Forest Campground, facilities include "a hand pump for water and two vault toilets" according to Ryan M. Weather affects site conditions throughout the season.
Insect preparation: Ticks can be prevalent in warmer months. James V. reported Timber Creek "was infested with ticks" during a May visit. Josh D. similarly advised: "Make sure to pack bug spray" when visiting Manistee River Trail.
Water sources: Water availability varies between campgrounds. R.B. noted that at Leverentz Lake "both sides have trash collection" and there's "access to drinking water," while at other locations campers must bring their own water supply.
Child-friendly water play: Bray Creek offers water features suitable for children. Ryan M. describes: "A nice rustic campground, it's small but has steps leading to the creek that's perfect for kids to play in and a few trails."
Forest activities: Several sites offer nature exploration opportunities. At Pine Meadows, Shelly B. reports: "There is a spot among the pine trees with a large fairy display and little hide-aways for kids. Honesty, I can't wait to bring my grandchildren to this!"
Gaming options: Some campgrounds provide recreational equipment. Pine Meadows "has many yard games available, such as cornhole and badminton, making this a great location for families," according to Shelly B.
Site size constraints: While most areas accommodate tents, RV options are limited. At Sulak Campground, Sarah S. notes that while the sites are good for smaller setups, "Each camp is pretty surrounded by trees," which can limit maneuverability for larger vehicles.
Parking considerations: Many campgrounds require walking to sites. Jessica V. explains that at Gleasons Landing, "All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area." Similarly, Leverentz Lake can "handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents," according to Ari A., but larger rigs will struggle.
Leveling requirements: The terrain impacts vehicle positioning. Most campsites near Luther have slight slopes requiring leveling blocks for RVs. Timber Creek is described as having $10 per night sites with uneven terrain requiring preparation for comfortable trailer or van camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Luther, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Luther, MI is Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Luther, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Luther, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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