Best Dispersed Camping near Manistee, MI

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout Manistee National Forest near Manistee, Michigan, with several free primitive sites located along forest service roads. The Green Road area in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness provides multiple dispersed camping options, while additional sites can be found along the Manistee River Trail, at Government Landing, and near Sawkaw Lake. These areas allow campers to set up in undeveloped locations without designated facilities, typically at no cost and without reservations.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas. Many forest service roads, particularly Green Road, feature sandy surfaces that may become challenging after rain or for vehicles without adequate clearance. Four-wheel drive is recommended for accessing deeper forest sites, though some areas remain accessible to standard vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash collection. Campfires are generally permitted in existing fire rings, but campers must follow current fire restrictions and practice Leave No Trace principles.

The dispersed camping experience near Manistee offers a mix of forest and water access. Sites along Green Road provide proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and the Nordhouse Dunes, while river sites offer water views and fishing opportunities. The forest setting features pine trees and ferns, creating natural privacy between most camping areas. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions and occasional crowds during peak seasons. According to one visitor, "Sites are large and spaced out about 50 to 200 feet from each other in a pine tree and fern forest." Another noted that "Forest service roads will take you deep into the forests if your vehicle can handle it, with plenty of great spots for those without 4WD."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Manistee, Michigan (10)

    1. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    17 Reviews
    Free Soil, MI
    10 miles

    "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."

    2. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    5 Reviews
    Ludington, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "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."

    "Super close to manistee beach, came in on the weekend mid September, almost all the camp spots were taken. Forest was super eerie but beautiful."

    4. Government Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "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."

    5. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "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."

    7. Sawkaw Lake

    5 Reviews
    Bitely, MI
    40 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Neil's Secret Spot

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    36 miles
    +1 (352) 480-8860

    "No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."

    9. Lime Lake

    2 Reviews
    Lake Ann, MI
    40 miles

    "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."

    10. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Manistee, MI

35 Reviews of 10 Manistee Campgrounds


  • Darwin N.
    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.

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Bobbi Jo K.
    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!

  • Kimberly S.
    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.

  • Alyson M.
    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.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Manistee National Forest dispersed campsite

    This 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.

  • Josh D.
    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!

  • Andrew G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

Dispersed camping near Manistee, Michigan provides access to the Manistee National Forest's 540,000 acres of public land. The region features a mix of sandy soil, rolling hills, and extensive pine plantations at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, while spring and fall can drop to the 40s, creating variable camping conditions throughout the seasons.

What to do

Hiking to Lake Michigan: From Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road, access trails leading to Lake Michigan beaches and dunes. "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," notes Connor N.

Beach swimming: Multiple access points to Lake Michigan offer summer swimming options. "Super close to manistee beach, came in on the weekend mid September, almost all the camp spots were taken. Forest was super eerie but beautiful," reports William A. from Green Road Dispersed camping.

Backpacking loops: The 23-mile loop combining the North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail provides multi-day hiking opportunities. "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," shares Colin E.

Lake fishing: Several small lakes in the national forest offer fishing options. Sawkaw Lake provides boat access and shoreline fishing. "There are even some hike paths around the area," adds Jay D., who found spots around both Sawkaw and Little Half Moon Lake.

What campers like

Natural privacy: Sites along forest roads offer separation between campers. At Green Road, "Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday," observes Lori T.

Dark night skies: Rural location allows for excellent stargazing opportunities. "Absolutely amazing. So many stars. This was a great place to get away from the city," reports Sara W. about her experience at Green Road Dispersed camping.

Free camping options: Most dispersed sites have no fee. "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)," shares Courtney K. about Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness.

Riverside camping: Several areas offer water-adjacent sites. At Government Landing Campground, "Sites are large with fantastic views. Walking trails, bike trails and ORV trails and routes are in close proximity," explains Bruce L.

What you should know

Seasonal availability: Some areas transition between reservation and first-come systems. "You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites," explains Kevin D. about Government Landing.

Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly by season and weather. "Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek," reports Linda C. about Spruce Road Pulloff.

Facility limitations: Most rustic camping near Manistee, Michigan lacks amenities. "No toilets or glamping amenities," explains Evi L. about Green Road sites, though she notes "there's a general store less than 10 minutes away that sells firewood and basic necessities."

Weekend crowding: Popular areas fill quickly on weekends. "I hear it's darn near impossible to find an open site during June-August. Sites are large with fantastic views," adds Bruce L. about Government Landing.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner backpacking: The Manistee River Trail offers accessible backpacking for families. "Great for a 2-day camp. Great river trail with a decent amount of campsites," notes Troy L., adding that "The east side of the river is more hilly but has an abundance of water spots to fill up."

Lake access sites: Look for campsites near smaller lakes for family activities. "The campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better," explains Mike W. about Lime Lake.

Trash management: Some sites experience littering issues. "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," shares Kimberly S. about Nordhouse Dunes, though she warns "my only complaint is that the previous visitors at our campsite left trash everywhere."

Bug preparation: Bring appropriate insect protection. "Not much bugs," reports Jeff D. about his Nordhouse Dunes camping experience, though conditions vary by season.

Tips from RVers

Trailer access: Some dispersed sites accommodate small trailers with caution. "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!" shares Bobbi Jo K. about her experience at Nordhouse Dunes.

Turn-around space: Consider vehicle maneuverability when selecting sites. "At site #33 which is technically not governments landing, but felt it was good information. 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," warns Brittany D.

Road condition assessment: Sandy roads may require appropriate vehicles. "Depending on the spot, there could be some people around, but most the most part, it was pretty tranquil," says Jay D. about Sawkaw Lake, where road conditions generally allow access to smaller RVs and trailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is boondocking allowed along River Road in Manistee?

Yes, boondocking is allowed along River Road in the Manistee National Forest area. The Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping offers numerous spots for boondocking with scenic river views. This area can get busy on weekends but remains much less crowded than developed campgrounds. There are several pull-offs and established sites along the trail. Be prepared for rustic conditions with no facilities, and remember to pack bug spray as ticks have been reported in summer months. The beautiful setting includes a mini-waterfall near mile marker 3 that's worth exploring during your stay.

What are the regulations for free campsites in Manistee National Forest?

In Manistee National Forest, dispersed camping regulations require you to camp at least 200 feet from water sources, roads, and trails. The maximum stay is typically 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. At Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF, you must practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash and properly dispose of human waste. Campfires are generally allowed but check for seasonal restrictions during dry periods. Lake Michigan Recreation Area and surrounding dispersed areas follow similar rules. Vehicles must remain on established roads and camping spots, with no off-road driving permitted. There are no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Manistee, Michigan?

Manistee National Forest offers excellent free dispersed camping options. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road is considered a hidden gem for boondocking in Michigan, with spacious, private sites scattered throughout the forest. The area provides easy access to Lake Michigan and hiking trails. Another option is Government Landing Campground, which offers beautiful and peaceful sites, though some areas may be challenging to navigate with larger trailers. Both locations require you to follow Leave No Trace principles and be self-sufficient with water and waste management.