Best Tent Camping near Mesick, MI

Tent campers exploring the Manistee National Forest near Mesick, Michigan have several dispersed and established options for overnight stays. The Manistee River Trail offers backcountry tent sites along a scenic hiking route, while Long Lake State Forest Campground provides lakeside tent camping with more amenities from April through October. Healy Lake and Hopkins Creek State Forest Campgrounds also accommodate tent campers in the broader region, with the latter remaining open year-round.

Most primitive tent sites in the area feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between established and dispersed locations. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Long Lake and Hopkins Creek, while dispersed camping along the Manistee River Trail lacks toilet facilities entirely. Drinking water is available at some state forest campgrounds via hand pumps, but backcountry campers should plan to filter water from lakes or rivers. Sites typically have flat, sandy or dirt surfaces suitable for tent setup, with varying degrees of tree cover for shade and privacy.

The Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers backcountry tent camping with more seclusion than roadside alternatives. Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for day hikes or fishing excursions, with multiple lakes accessible via connecting trails. The Manistee River Trail dispersed camping area provides tent sites along bluffs overlooking the river, though water sources may require short hikes to reach. A visitor commented that "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." Timber Creek Campground offers another primitive tent camping option, described by one camper as "the least used campsite I have ever been to," making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

Best Tent Sites Near Mesick, Michigan (49)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mesick, MI

952 Reviews of 49 Mesick Campgrounds


  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Bliss

    Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun. A short walk will get you to Lake Michigan and it’s sandy beach. Each site has a nice picnic table, a designated tent pad (if it’s a tent site) and a fire ring with a grill top. Firewood is available on site for $5/bundle, vault toilets are also available. No shower facilities. Lots and lots of poison ivy! Stay on the paths!! And tIcks! Stay in trails and out of tall grass or weeds. The tent pad is very compacted ground, definitely need a hammer or decent sized rock to pound in the tent stakes, and also definitely bring a sleeping pad or air mat. Tent sites are only $20/night, but you also need a National Park Pass, which is $20/1 week or $40/ 1 year, so be aware of that! Stayed at site 88, seemed to be a slightly more “roomy” site than others, as there were no neighbors behind us. PLUS thIs Is located very near to thw sleepIng bear dunes and natIonal lake shore!

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Perfect Proximity

    This campground is in this system ( the Dyrt) like 3 times under similar names, and I just want to be sure you all know how great it is! This is a first-come-first-served campground, so get there earlier in the day if you want a site, even on a weekday. There are rustic bathrooms, no flushing, no sink, nothing. No showers available here, either. However, it is so close to Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, Empire, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The location is truly fabulous. You are able to take a short walk down to Lake Michigan from your site. The sites are hard packed ground, dirt, rocks...so bring a mallet or hammer to pound in your tent stakes! I would also advise a sleeping pad or air mat for this same reason. The tent pads are nice and level though, which is awesome. It rained quite a bit over night when I stayed, so I’m thankful for the level ground. There is LOTS of poison ivy on location, so stay on the trails!!! Sites were only $20/night but you also need a National park pass which is $20/week or $40/year, so be mindful of that. This is also an “Active Black Bear Site,” so everything with a scent—clothes, candles, etc., must be stored in your vehicle. No, we did not see any bears while we were there. Everyone was very friendly, and the campground was so much more quiet than anticipated. It was very peaceful and serene. Firewood is available for purchase on site through a wood vending machine basically, so have $5 bills on hand. Stayed at site #88

  • Hilary S.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Walk-in sites practically on top of each other

    Pros: Designated dish-washing sink, as well as shower/bathroom building for walk-in sites specifically. Short 0.8 mile hike from camp to Lake Michigan. Bear boxes are shared between only two adjacent campsites, and are large. 

    Cons: Walk-in sites have essentially no privacy and are much less secluded than other walk-in sites where I have stayed at other parks. I was at site A003, which abutted adjacent A-loop sites as well as B-loop sites. The other sites were visible, and folks at a neighboring site were playing music late into the night.

  • Gemma G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

    There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.

    The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).

    The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.

    There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.

    The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.

    There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.

  • Kate K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Kinda overcrowded these days

    2-3 mile hike-in backcountry camping on the dunes of Lake Michigan. This is a gorgeous area that has unfortunately gotten a little overpopulated. The over night area used to be a quiet and peaceful place to unplug and unwind, but now it feels more like a party beach. Very crowded and loud. Also, too many inexperienced campers come out carrying too much stuff and leave there garbage and unwanted items all over the dunes rather than practicing “leave no trace”

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    Small campground, big ambiance

    This campground has the feel of a hike-in campground while being accessible by vehicle. It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious. Sites are divided by small stands of trees providing some privacy from neighboring sites. 4 of the sites are facing the lake. Fire ring, picnic table, vault toilets and hand pump water. Surprisingly good cell reception. There is a dirt boat ramp, but only for trolling motor, canoes and kayaks. Very quiet campground.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Small Sites h

    DH Bear. Sept 2023 (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.75 Price 2023: Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Most sites are not real great.
    Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Fine Road Noise: Bone Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No. Platt River CG has electricity. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Be careful. Some sites do not allow generators. The more private sites are in the No-generator loop . Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Setting: Forest Weather: Very nice Bugs: Not bad Solar: Most sites do not offer enough sunlight .

  • A
    Sep. 11, 2021

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Great spots, close to beach

    Great campsite with spacious sites not too close to each other. Sites are close to the beach (3-5 min walk). Vault toilets are to be expected. Quiet at night when I was there. Easy access to hiking trails and Glen Arbor. Would stay again! $20 for basic tent site (non-electric).

  • R
    Jul. 24, 2022

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    D H Day Campground

    Enjoyed the D H Day Campground. Really liked the elevated boxes for tent placement and the site was clean. Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash. Make sure you have bug spray. Great proximity to Glen Arbor and Empire. Short drive to the dunes for hiking and cannot over recommend Empire Beach to watch a sunset.


Guide to Mesick

Tent camping near Mesick, Michigan offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities.

Tips for tent camping near Mesick

  • Healy Lake State Forest Campground provides a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a great choice for spontaneous trips. Healy Lake State Forest Campground
  • For those looking for a rustic experience, Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground is known for its beautiful, secluded setting and is open year-round. Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground
  • If you prefer a more developed site, Crystal Forest Campground offers full hookups and is popular among regular campers, ensuring a comfortable stay. Crystal Forest Campground

Tent campers should check out Long Lake (Wexford) State Forest Campground

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing and hiking in a serene environment, perfect for unwinding after a long week. Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground
  • The scenic beauty of the area around Healy Lake State Forest Campground makes it ideal for kayaking and canoeing, providing a great way to explore the water. Healy Lake State Forest Campground
  • For those who enjoy wildlife, the peaceful surroundings of Long Lake (Wexford) State Forest Campground are perfect for birdwatching and spotting local fauna. Long Lake (Wexford) State Forest Campground

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mesick, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mesick, MI is Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mesick, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near Mesick, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.