Best Tent Camping near Mullett Lake, MI
State forest lands surrounding Mullett Lake, Michigan provide several options for tent camping in northern Michigan's wooded landscapes. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground in Millersburg offers tent campsites along the Ocqueoc River, just across from Michigan's only handicap-accessible waterfall. Stoney Creek Trail Camp in Onaway provides dispersed tent-only camping with both drive-in and walk-in access options. For those seeking more seclusion, Pigeon River State Forest offers dispersed tent camping opportunities with multiple access points, while Camp Darling features walk-in and hike-in tent sites for a more primitive camping experience.
Most tent campgrounds in the Mullett Lake region operate seasonally from April to October, with limited winter access. Ocqueoc Falls maintains 14 first-come, first-served tent sites that cost approximately $20 per night on an honor system. Sites typically include basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets and hand-pump wells for water at established campgrounds. Primitive tent camping areas like De Cheau Lake require campers to bring their own water and supplies, as no facilities are provided. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry to most state forest campgrounds, with additional fees possible for out-of-state visitors.
Fall camping provides the most peaceful tent camping experience in the region. One camper noted that September visits to Ocqueoc Falls offered "quiet and peaceful" conditions with "beautiful sites along the babbling river." The campground connects to approximately 7 miles of hiking trails with various loop options, allowing tent campers to explore diverse ecosystems. At Stoney Creek Trail Camp, visitors appreciate that "most sites are dispersed" and "you can pull your car up to the site for unpacking," making it convenient for tent campers with gear. Water features are prominent throughout the region's tent campgrounds, with many sites offering direct river or lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities.