Best Tent Camping near Onekama, MI
Tent campgrounds in the Onekama area of northwestern Michigan range from established campgrounds to more primitive dispersed sites within the surrounding forests. The Manistee River Trail offers free dispersed camping specifically designed for tent campers, with sites positioned along scenic river bluffs. Healy Lake State Forest Campground near Bear Lake provides a rustic tent camping experience with basic amenities and lake access just 15 minutes from Onekama.
Most tent sites in the region feature natural, ungraded surfaces with varying amounts of tree cover. The Manistee River Trail dispersed camping area requires hikers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, as no facilities are provided. Potable water is available at Healy Lake State Forest Campground, along with vault toilets and trash receptacles, but no shower facilities or electrical hookups. Tent pads are not designated at most sites, so campers should be prepared for potentially uneven ground. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete fire bans possible during dry summer months.
Areas farther from the main roads provide greater seclusion and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Manistee River Trail dispersed camping area offers tent campers multiple established sites along the river bluffs with excellent privacy. A camper noted 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." At Healy Lake, tent sites provide direct access to fishing and swimming. Recent visitors described the campground as "quiet, rustic, and a nice inland lake" with "plenty of sites to choose from" on a first-come, first-served basis. During weekdays and non-summer months, tent campers often have entire sections of these campgrounds to themselves.
