Best Tent Camping near South Branch, MI
Dispersed camping options in the Manistee National Forest provide tent campers with numerous primitive sites near South Branch, Michigan. The Manistee River Trail offers free backcountry tent camping with established sites along the river's edge, particularly along the eastern side of the river. Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground provides more developed tent sites with lake access, vault toilets, and trash collection for those seeking basic amenities within the forest setting.
Most primitive tent camping areas near South Branch require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The Manistee River Trail dispersed camping zones have no facilities—no drinking water, no toilets, and no trash receptacles. State forest campgrounds like Leverentz Lake and Healy Lake offer vault toilets and hand pumps for drinking water. Many tent campsites include fire rings and small clearings for tents, though surface conditions vary from packed dirt to forest duff. According to one visitor, "The sites are large enough and spaced far enough apart that even if it were full you would not feel crowded in at this campground."
Tent campers at Manistee River Trail frequently use the area as a base for hiking the 23-mile loop that combines the North Country Trail on the west side with the Manistee River Trail on the east side. Walk-in tent sites along the river provide scenic views and privacy between campsites. A camper noted that "All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night." The backcountry camping experience includes access to small waterfalls, river bends, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Timber Creek Campground offers more accessible primitive tent sites with vault toilets and access to the North Country Trail, though several reviews mention tick activity during warmer months. Most backcountry tent areas in the region have a 14-day stay limit, with fees ranging from free at dispersed sites to approximately $15 per night at established state forest campgrounds.
