Best Dispersed Camping near Montague, MI
Several dispersed camping options exist in the Manistee National Forest near Montague, Michigan. Primary camping areas include Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness along Green Road, and Sawkaw Lake dispersed camping. These primitive sites typically have fire rings but lack amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, or designated camping pads. Most locations permit camping without reservations, though some areas may require permits. The forest service land provides multiple pull-off spots along forest roads with varying degrees of accessibility.
Road conditions present significant challenges at some sites, particularly Sand Road, which requires all-wheel drive vehicles with good ground clearance. As one review notes, "If you do not have AWD and good ground clearance, don't even try to get there." Green Road offers numerous spots but includes tight curves that may limit access for larger vehicles. Most sites have unimproved dirt or sand surfaces without designated parking areas. Camping is free at most locations, though some areas show signs indicating permits may be required in the future. Fire restrictions vary by season, with most sites allowing campfires when conditions permit.
These forest camping areas provide access to natural features including Lake Michigan, Nordhouse Dunes, and smaller inland lakes. The sites typically offer substantial privacy between camping areas, though weekend crowding can occur at popular locations. Wildlife encounters are common, with one camper reporting, "We heard a pack of coyotes nearby... they were less than 100 yards away from us." The dispersed sites near Green Road provide convenient access to the Nordhouse sand dunes and Lake Michigan beaches. Many locations support tent camping and smaller RVs, with one reviewer describing the Green Road area as having "many sites available... each of them were gorgeous, some very large and very private."
