8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping opportunities around Paris, Michigan extend throughout the nearby Manistee National Forest, with free primitive campsites available at several locations. Sawkaw Lake provides dispersed camping with lake views and forest surroundings, while Spruce Road Pulloff offers roadside camping spots within the national forest. Government Landing Campground, though classified as dispersed, has designated sites along backwaters. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping and Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping provide additional options for those seeking remote camping within the region.
Access conditions vary significantly between locations. Sand Road requires four-wheel drive vehicles with good ground clearance due to deep sand conditions, as multiple reviewers warn about difficult access. Most sites lack drinking water, with Sawkaw Lake and Government Landing being exceptions offering basic amenities including vault toilets. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with some sites having established fire rings while others prohibit fires entirely. Camping is generally free at most locations except Government Landing, which requires reservations and fees during peak season but becomes first-come, first-served during off-season periods.
The primitive sites around Paris showcase Michigan's diverse forest and waterway ecosystems. Campers at Sawkaw Lake benefit from proximity to the North Country Trail and spacious sites overlooking the water. The Manistee River Trail offers particularly scenic dispersed camping with multiple reviews highlighting its natural beauty. According to one visitor, the trail "is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan" with "waterfalls, river bends, wildlife." Sites along this trail tend to fill quickly on weekends, with another camper noting "we arrived late Friday and most spots were taken." Wildlife encounters are common in these areas, with reports of coyotes at Sand Road requiring appropriate precautions for overnight stays.
"It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail. Loved it!"
"Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite."
"No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."
"Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped."
"Great for backcountry feel without being too far from civilization. But real talk: the access is no joke."
"This was a very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident."
"Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond."
"Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike."
"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."
TravelerCoordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped. Very good area for those interested in back country camping and primitive camping, lots of forest to explore. There are also quite a few drive in sites as well for car camping. There was running water in a creek south of Sand Road.
GuideGreat dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike.
Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!
ScoutThe coordinates lead you to a state that park if it is off sand road or Russell road it’s 30 minutes out for where coordinates are. Struggled to find any primitive camping anywhere nearby.
Scout@1000 games: This place is legit stunning– lots of variety in sites, from open wooded areas to spots right by the lake/river with that peaceful vibe. We found a perfect primitive site with a solid fire pit, plenty of space, and total privacy. Felt like we had the whole area to ourselves most of the time. Great for backcountry feel without being too far from civilization. But real talk: the access is no joke. Sand Road lives up to its name– deep sand in places, ruts, and loose stuff that will swallow a regular car. We have AWD with decent clearance and still had to air down tires+ go slow in 4-low a few times. If you don't have 4x4/AWD+ good ground clearance, seriously reconsider or plan to hike in from a safer parking spot. Also, the coordinates dropped us kinda off– led to a blocked/private area first, then we had to backtrack and find the right turnoff off Sand Road/Russell Road. Took extra 20-30 mins driving around. Wildlife is active here too. Heard coyotes howling at night(not super close to us, but definitely around). We kept food secured, fire going, and didn't have issues, but if you're with small kids or tiny pets, maybe think twice– they get bold after dark. Overall, if you're geared for it, this is one of the better free primitive spots around. Worth the hassle for the scenery and solitude. Just come prepared!
LegendThe directions take you to a parking lot. There looks like there are trails off of the parking lot. No signs that say no overnight parking. I'm in a van and this worked great for me. Quiet area and right off the lake.
ScoutArrived to the campsite around 5pm, everything was fantastic. Fire pit, and large open, wooded area all to ourselves. We loved it. However, once we got a fire lit, and the sunlight started to leave for the night we heard a pack of coyotes nearby. Deciding to press on, we shrugged it off hoping this was just a one off. 3 hours later, we hear them again. Only, this time we could tell they were even closer. We decided to head to the car and reevaluate our plan, but decided to stay a little longer before calling it quits. Not 30 mins later, the coyotes were back again, but even closer. They were less than 100 yards away from us, and we had no choice but to stay in our tent, and wait for them to pass while holding our protection in hand. We decided it was time to pack up and leave this time.
Please be aware, when camping here you may be in coyote territory, and they don’t seem to like it. So, maybe not a great spot for kids, or smaller pets.
TravelerWas planning on staying at Highbank Campground but it was closed. Thankfully had the Dyrt App to see this spot.
It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail.
Loved it!
GuideAlthough 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. 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.
ScoutI've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan. You have the option to do the loop, they allow dispersed camping, and there is plenty to see and do. Waterfalls, river bends, wildlife, this trail has it all. Best thing to do is camp for 2 nights and take your time. Loved it.
Primitive camping near Paris, Michigan offers access points throughout the Manistee National Forest with varying terrain and seasonal considerations. Most dispersed sites follow a 14-day stay limit, common in national forests, and require proper waste disposal with pack-in, pack-out practices. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during day and 50-60°F at night, requiring appropriate clothing and camping gear for comfort.
Hike connecting trails: The North Country Trail connects with many dispersed camping areas and provides extensive hiking options. At Sawkaw Lake, one camper noted, "It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail."
Explore waterways: Multiple water access points enable fishing, paddling, or swimming near campsites. A visitor to Government Landing Campground shared, "Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable."
Wildlife observation: Forested areas provide habitat for diverse wildlife, though requiring proper precautions. One camper reported at Sand Road, "However, once we got a fire lit, and the sunlight started to leave for the night we heard a pack of coyotes nearby. Deciding to press on, we shrugged it off hoping this was just a one off."
Solitude and quiet: Weekday camping typically offers more seclusion than weekends. At Sawkaw Lake, a visitor reported, "Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday."
River access: Sites with waterfront views receive consistent positive feedback. Along the Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping, a hiker mentioned, "The spots along the MRT side were much more spacious and were on the water!"
Established fire rings: Many primitive sites include existing fire rings, simplifying meal preparation and evening comfort. A visitor at Sawkaw Lake stated, "There are fire rings and lots of wood to collect. Not tons of trash but I cleaned up some left in fire pit."
Vehicle requirements: Deep sand conditions restrict access at some sites. One camper at Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping warned, "This spot is wonderful, but boy howdy does it live up to its name. If you do not have AWD and good ground clearance, don't even try to get there."
Reservation systems vary: Some areas transition between reservable and first-come status seasonally. At Government Landing, a visitor explained, "Nice spot by the river. Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov."
Site availability: Popular locations fill quickly, particularly on weekends. A Manistee River Trail camper shared, "We did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night."
Location verification: Some primitive sites can be difficult to locate or may have changed status. At Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed, a camper reported, "Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present."
Water access considerations: Swimming conditions vary significantly between sites. A visitor to Government Landing noted, "Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September."
Trail difficulty levels: When backpacking with children, consider terrain challenges. One hiker on Manistee River Trail advised, "The NCT is further from the river and a bit hilly, but the MRT sites are nicer."
Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs only with limited turnaround space. At Neil's Secret Spot, the owner mentions, "This is my spot. Tents are welcome if you're in a jam. No outhouse yet but town is near."
Access road conditions: Even smaller RVs face challenges on poorly maintained forest roads. A camper at Sand Road shared, "Free rusty camping. You can get RVs in there but will need 4x4. Hits the name. Sand Rd."
Loop configurations: Trailers require careful planning for sites without turn-around areas. A camper at Government Landing cautioned, "At site #33 which is technically not governments landing, but felt it was good information. Camping with a 20ft trailer, It was very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Paris, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Paris, MI is Sawkaw Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Paris, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Paris, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
