Top Free Dispersed Camping near Manistee, MI

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Manistee? We've got you covered. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Manistee. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Michigan excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Manistee, MI (7)

    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 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

    2. 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 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

    3. 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
    • No image available
      • No image available
        • No image available

          6. 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
          • No image available

          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Manistee

          27 Reviews of 7 Manistee Campgrounds


          • 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.

          • 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!

          • 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

          • Bobbi Jo K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
            Oct. 13, 2020

            Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

            A Hidden Gem

            This 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!

          • Courtney K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
            Oct. 10, 2020

            Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

            Beautiful & free rustic camping spots!

            All up and down green Rd. there’s a ton of quiet pull offs, some with fire pits some without. We don’t have 4wd and it was fine (we went in October). And if it’s not what you’re looking for there’s also a more traditional campsite, $27 per night right up the road with facilities. The free spots were perfect for us tho!

          • Shelagh R.
            Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
            Sep. 16, 2020

            Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

            Beautiful sites and pleasant hiking

            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. The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far. No matter where you end up setting up camp, you're in for a beautiful and gentle hike.

          • Deanna A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
            Sep. 3, 2020

            Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

            We love it here!

            We vowed to return in a month and driving there now for a long Labor Day weekend. Quiet, though our site was adjacent to a trailhead. The forest is stunning and mesmerizing! 5 min hike to dunes/beach. Never want to camp at a campground again.

          • Shelly B.
            Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
            Aug. 1, 2020

            Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

            MI Backpacking at its Finest!

            Too much to say about this!

            Start at Red Bridge Access, and you can do a 23 mile loop covering miles on the North Country Trail (west side) and the Manistee River Trail (on the east side).

            Note; NCT side allows camping anywhere. MRT has specific spots.

            My review describes some of the MRT spots.

          • Josh D.
            Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 22, 2020

            Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

            Great trail

            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.

            Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!

          • Kate K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
            Jul. 20, 2020

            Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

            Best Dispersed Camping Around!

            Years ago I used to hike out to Nordhouse Dunes from the Nurnberg trailhead and it was amazing. That has since been ruined now that the site has become overrun & overcrowded with people carrying too much stuff, leaving too much garbage, and taking too much of the beautiful scenery for granted. Now when I go, I camp here and hike to the surrounding areas without having to listen to drunken ramblings of 9 other groups directly next to us. The last time we camped we didn’t see another person all weekend. That is my kind of escape! Highly recommended if you’re up for adventure, have 4 wheel drive, and are looking to escape the masses.

          • Andrew G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
            Jan. 28, 2020

            Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

            Free rustic camping near Lake Michigan

            There are plenty of really rustic pull-offs north and south of those coordinates on Green Rd. There are actually quite a few that are harder to find or even get a vehicle to without 4WD, but most of it is easily accessible in a 2WD vehicle. There are a LOT of ORVers so be prepared for people zooming up and down the road with super loud engines. Other than that, free is free.



          Guide to Manistee

          Camping near Manistee, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.

          What to do

          • Explore the Dunes: The nearby Silver Lake State Park Campground is perfect for those who love sand dunes. One visitor mentioned, "The location is awesome due to its proximity to the Silver Lake Off Road Vehicle Area, Lake Michigan, and the Little Sable Point Lighthouse."
          • Hiking Trails: Check out the trails at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. A reviewer said, "The dunes are a quick walk and well worth it. There is a trail from the campground right down to the beach."
          • Fishing and Boating: At Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One camper noted, "Good pan and bass fishing. The local grocery store is close, as well as a dollar store, mini golf, ice cream, and restaurants."

          What campers like

          What you should know

          • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to traffic or nearby roads. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "The park isn’t connected to the bay... it’s close to an airport and near a busy road, so it was a little noisy."
          • Site Privacy: Privacy can vary between campgrounds. A camper at D.H. Day Group Campground mentioned, "Most sites are not real great for privacy."
          • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Orchard Beach State Park Campground pointed out, "No beach access anymore at this campground."

          Tips for camping with families

          • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper at Silver Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Great playground, right next to the beach."
          • Plan for Bathroom Breaks: Some campgrounds have bathrooms that are a bit of a walk. A visitor at Orchard Beach State Park Campground noted, "The bathroom is a pretty distant walk so prepare for that."
          • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "If you’re looking for quiet, nature, and easy access to swimming then it’s not my #1 choice."

          Tips from RVers

          • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Silver Lake State Park Campground said, "Check your rig size against the site you are planning on reserving."
          • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have closely packed sites. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park noted, "We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site."
          • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading out. A visitor at Lake Michigan Recreation Area mentioned, "Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied."

          Camping near Manistee, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

          Frequently Asked Questions

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

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Manistee, 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 Manistee, MI?

            TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Manistee, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.