Tent camping near Stanwood, Michigan provides access to state forest campgrounds and dispersed sites throughout the Manistee National Forest region. The area sits within Michigan's northern lower peninsula at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, featuring mixed hardwood forests interspersed with small lakes and wetlands. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with higher humidity in July and August, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground offers access to both Big and Little Leverentz lakes for anglers. According to one visitor, "Big Leverentz is large enough for small motor boats, and makes a nice peaceful area to kayak around looking for wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats, etc. It has a boat ramp and a fishing pier."
Hiking trails: Deerfield Nature Park features walk-in tent sites with trail access. One camper notes, "You can access by boat or it's a 1 mile hike. Very peaceful, there is only 10 site and pit toilets. Lots of nature, seen a lot of colorful fungas."
Paddling lakes: Haymarsh State Game Area provides lakeside camping with direct water access. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a hidden gem in northern Michigan, our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish."
Wildlife viewing: Condon Lake campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in a natural setting. A visitor shared that the campground is "scenic and rustic" and recommends bringing a water filter for overnight stays.
What campers like
Lake views: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground features spacious sites overlooking the water. A camper reported, "The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. We had plenty of room between sites. There were newer vault toilets."
Privacy between sites: Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground provides secluded camping on a peninsula. One visitor recommended, "I recommend staying on the island. It's more of a peninsula than an island but it's wonderfully cut off. You take a narrow dirt road over a nearly flooded over land bridge to a remote circle plot of campsites."
Fall colors: Fall camping at Leverentz Lake showcases spectacular seasonal foliage. A reviewer noted, "Reviews of the lake and the Fall colors, it really just doesn't get any better than this. There are 2 vault toilet and one water pump. The lake offers a fishing pier."
Quiet atmosphere: Dispersed camping at Spruce Road Pulloff provides solitude for tent campers. A visitor mentioned, "Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Road was very quiet midweek."
What you should know
Payment systems: At Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground, no staff are on-site for payment processing. A reviewer advised, "There is no DNR staff on site so bring cash or check to drop into the payment pipe."
Water access varies: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground requires campers to plan for utilities. One camper warned, "Make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."
Accessibility challenges: Some tent sites require appropriate vehicles. At Condon Lake, a visitor noted, "May need a taller vehicle to access some sights."
Site availability: First-come, first-served sites can fill quickly during peak seasons. A Tubbs Lake visitor advised, "There are about 20 rustic sites on the island and all first come first serve so plan to get there early because it fills up."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground offers family-friendly water features. A parent shared, "Great spot for the family, 2 beaches. Quiet at night. Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! Lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff! A great little campground."
Secure biking routes: Campgrounds with minimal traffic provide safe cycling for children. Woods and Water RV Resort has "spacious sites" and "wonderful trails for hiking" according to a visitor who added there are "lots of activities" making it a "great family park."
Bug preparation: Mosquito protection is essential, particularly in wooded sites near water. Bring repellent and consider screened shelters for eating areas during peak summer months when insects are most active.
Activity planning: Schedule morning activities during summer to avoid afternoon heat, and bring games for rainy periods. Haymarsh Lake sites offer both water activities and land-based recreation options within walking distance of campsites.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: While primarily a tent camping area, Leverentz Lake accommodates smaller RVs. A camper observed, "All sites are good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents."
Utility limitations: Most rustic campgrounds near Stanwood have no hookups. At Tubbs Lake, prepare for self-contained camping with no electrical or water connections at individual sites.
Ground conditions: RVers should check seasonal conditions before arrival as spring thaws can create soft ground in some areas, particularly at dispersed sites like Spruce Road Pulloff.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management before arrival as most rustic sites lack sanitary facilities. The nearest dump stations are typically at larger campgrounds like Woods and Water RV Resort.
