Tent camping near Onekama, Michigan offers access to the Huron-Manistee National Forest's 978,906 acres of public lands. Located on the western shore of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Onekama sits at an elevation of 614 feet above sea level with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F. The region's sandy soil conditions make tent stakes challenging to secure in some dispersed camping areas, so campers often bring extra-long stakes or deadman anchors.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Insta-Launch Campground & Marina, tent sites positioned along the river provide excellent fishing access. One reviewer noted, "Its quiet here a nice cleaning station lots of 🐟" while another mentioned the campground has "tent sites right off the river with docks to fish from and launch your boat from."
Waterfall viewing: On the Manistee River Trail, a mini-waterfall can be found near mile marker 3. A camper recommends: "Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!" The trail offers multiple scenic points along the 23-mile loop.
Lighthouse hikes: From Jackpine Hike-In Campground at Ludington State Park, tent campers can access the historic lighthouse via a one-mile hike. As one visitor shared, "Walk to lighthouse is one mile... We walked to the lighthouse for sunset and was not disappointed."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: The Manistee River Trail offers tent sites with river views and natural separation. A camper observed, "The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far. No matter where you end up setting up camp, you're in for a beautiful and gentle hike."
Budget-friendly options: Crystal Forest Campground provides tent camping with basic amenities at lower rates than state facilities. According to a visitor, "This campground is the quintessential fish camp. Regulars have their gear here all season long. Sue, the host, is lovely and accommodating."
Clean facilities: Several tent campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms and showers. At Insta-Launch Campground, a reviewer appreciated the "flush toilets, free showers, and coin laundry! Wifi throughout the campground allowed us to watch tv from inside our tent."
What you should know
Water availability: Many tent campgrounds have limited or seasonal water sources. At Jackpine Hike-In Campground, a camper noted, "Signs said the well was closed; not sure if that was seasonal or permanent," while another clarified "Water is 1 mile and 200 feet away. Just like to be clear."
Reservation requirements: First-come, first-served sites are common at smaller campgrounds. At Healy Lake State Forest Campground, "The campground itself was large with plenty of sites to choose from, first come first serve. I think it was something like $13. Bring cash!"
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and ticks in woodland camping areas. One Jackpine camper warned, "Great camping be very careful ticks are around at this site due to us being in their habitat," while a Manistee River Trail hiker mentioned, "Think it's just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike."
Tips for camping with families
Easy hike-in options: For families new to tent camping, certain sites offer manageable hiking distances to semi-primitive camping. At Jackpine, "It was chilly when we went, since you are right on the lake during the first week of April. Once the sun was out it was great. There's a camp store. Many hiking trails & these sites are literally a dune walk to the beach."
Group-friendly sites: The Manistee River Trail has several larger tent sites that work well for family groups. A reviewer explained, "Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups. The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far."
Transportation strategies: When bringing tent camping gear to hike-in sites, families use creative solutions. As one Jackpine visitor shared, "We brought a wagon to pull additional stuff and pulling just one bundle of wood was a little challenge. Lots of raccoons!"
Tips from RVers
Short-term stays: White Pine Backcountry Camp near Sleeping Bear Dunes offers a tent-only experience within driving distance of Onekama for RVers wanting a primitive camping night. A visitor described it as "an adorable little 'backcountry' camp in the middle of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Just 1.5 miles on a very easy sandy trail from the parking area."
RV-tent combinations: Some campers maintain an RV at a developed campground while tent camping elsewhere. Crystal Forest has "regulars have their gear here all season long" according to one reviewer, making it suitable for long-term RV placement while exploring tent camping options in the surrounding area.
Weather considerations: RVers transitioning to tent camping should prepare for temperature changes. A camper at Jackpine advised, "It was chilly when we went, since you are right on the lake during the first week of April. Once the sun was out it was great."
