Best Dispersed Camping near Wellston, MI

Manistee National Forest provides several free dispersed camping options around Wellston, Michigan. Green Road offers numerous pull-off sites with sandy terrain and pine forests. These sites vary from spacious clearings to roadside turnouts, spaced 50-200 feet apart with existing fire rings. The road is navigable for most vehicles, though some sections become challenging after rain and may be difficult for larger rigs due to tight curves.

The Manistee River Trail features backcountry camping opportunities with sites offering river views. While technically dispersed, the eastern side has designated sites that can accommodate larger groups. Government Landing Campground provides riverside primitive camping that's free during off-season months. According to one visitor, "Sites are large with fantastic views. Walking trails, bike trails and ORV routes are in close proximity." Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area offers additional primitive camping with beach access via a short hike. Campers should be prepared with sufficient water and waste disposal plans as most sites have no toilets, drinking water, or trash facilities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wellston, Michigan (11)

    1. Government Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "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."

    2. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "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."

    3. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    17 Reviews
    Free Soil, MI
    23 miles

    "First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace". "

    "This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem."

    4. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    7 Reviews
    Ludington, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes."

    "These dispersed sites in the national forest are fantastic! Level for tents. Spread out enough that you aren’t on top of neighbors. We couldn’t see anyone from our site. Really great biking paths."

    6. Neil's Secret Spot

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    24 miles
    +1 (352) 480-8860

    "No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."

    7. Sawkaw Lake

    6 Reviews
    Bitely, MI
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    10. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    46 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness. This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wellston, MI

48 Reviews of 11 Wellston Campgrounds


  • Darwin N.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    NF dispersed camping

    First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace".  Other than that I had a great time.

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    For Forest Dwellers and Lake Lovers

    This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem. Forest service roads will take you deep into the forests if your vehicle can handle it. 4WD is recommended if you want to go deep. There are plenty of great spots though for big rigs or for those without 4WD. 15-30 minute drive to Lake Michigan. Local convenience store is only a few miles down the road. Try this place out. You won’t regret it.

  • Bobbi Jo K.
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    A Hidden Gem

    This was our first time boondocking in this area. It was beautiful, especially in the fall. Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far. Had a 19 foot trailer with high clearance (only trailer brave enough to camp here!). Very peaceful off the grid camping. Even had cell service!

  • Alyson M.
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    My Go-To Camping spot

    I’ve camped here many times, in summer, fall, and spring. The campsites are large and spread out so you get a bit of privacy. It can get busy on weekends since many people know about this spot. It is a short drive to the beach and nordhouse dunes which is known for hammock camping on the beach so you have options. The last 2 times I’ve went there was lots of trash at the campsites, which is very upsetting. Please follow “Leave No Trace” ethics so we can keep enjoying this space.

  • Kimberly S.
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    First time dispersed camping

    This was our first time trying out dispersed camping and this location was perfect! We loved being a short drive away from Lake Michigan and plenty of hiking trails. It is in a beautiful wooded area and there were hardly an mosquitos where we were. My only complaint is that the previous visitors at our campsite left trash everywhere and had clearly had fires in at least 4 different areas. The campsite was covered in ash because of it. It’s disappointing to see that some people really just don’t care about taking care of public land.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Nice boondocking spot with access to Lake Michigan!

    Spent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road heading south. Sites ranged from spacious to road-side turnouts with a wide range between. Verizon service was fair. Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves. Will definitely stay again next time we visit Michigan!

  • Josh D.
    Jul. 22, 2020

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Great trail

    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.

    Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Manistee National Forest dispersed campsite

    This is such a beautiful site, we stayed here a few days two years ago. Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes. Many sites were available to us, we chose to utilize our favorite site.


Guide to Wellston

Primitive camping near Wellston, Michigan offers natural forest settings on sandy terrain within Manistee National Forest. The region features a mix of dunes, riverside areas, and dense pine stands, with elevation changes of 600-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights often dropping into the 50s.

What to do

Hiking the North Country Trail: Access points near Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping provide connections to longer treks. "I'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," reports Colin E.

Freshwater fishing: The lakes around Sawkaw Lake offer productive fishing spots. "We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast," shares Dan K. Anglers should bring their own tackle and check local fishing regulations.

Swimming spots: Lake Michigan beaches are accessible from several dispersed sites. At Lake Michigan Recreation Area, Tam E. notes, "Site 15 is a great spot off the road with a firepit," providing a base for beach trips. Water temperatures in summer reach the mid-60s to low 70s.

Fall foliage viewing: The forest colors peak in early October. "It was beautiful, especially in the fall. Roads are great until you get to the road to camp," describes Bobbi Jo K. who visited Green Road during autumn.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed campsites offer good separation from neighbors. At Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF, Hunter G. notes, "Plenty of space between sites and from the main road." Site selection is important as some areas become crowded on weekends.

Riverside views: Sites along the Manistee River provide scenic water views. "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," explains Shelagh R.

Lake access: Several camping areas feature nearby lakes. At Sand Lakes Quiet Area, Roger V. appreciates the "great spots near lakeside" and mentions "hiking nearby" with a "quiet, hardly saw anyone" experience.

Wildlife viewing: The forest setting supports diverse animal populations. "The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears," shares Maddy T. about her experience at Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites.

What you should know

Seasonal availability: Many free dispersed sites operate on different rules seasonally. "You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters," explains Kevin D. about Government Landing Campground.

Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping areas vary in quality. At Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road, Connor N. observed, "Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves."

Weekend crowds: Weekdays offer better chances for solitude. "Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September," reports Kevin D. who still found camping despite challenging conditions.

Pack out requirements: No trash facilities exist at most dispersed sites. "My only complaint is that the previous visitors at our campsite left trash everywhere and had clearly had fires in at least 4 different areas," notes Kimberly S., highlighting the importance of proper waste management.

Tips for camping with families

Dunes exploration: Kids enjoy the sand dunes near some camping areas. "Next time I'm coming back to hammock camp. Place is awesome. Not much bugs," reports Jeff D. about the Nordhouse Dunes area, making it suitable for families concerned about insects.

Swimming safety: Lake Michigan has unpredictable currents. At Government Landing Campground, Brittany D. cautions, "River access at bottom of steep hill and gets deep fast," important information for families with young children.

Camping amenities: Some sites have basic facilities that help with family camping. "Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail," shares Fiona about Sawkaw Lake's facilities.

Activity options: Multiple recreation opportunities keep kids engaged. "Me and my dad went camping here rode our motorcycles into the parking area and had a nice little hike to the camp ground! Very nice camp sites once we got set up we went down to fish and the lake is beautiful clear water and a lot of fish!!" explains deven S. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Narrow forest roads restrict larger vehicles. "Had a 19 foot trailer with high clearance (only trailer brave enough to camp here!). Very peaceful off the grid camping," shares Bobbi Jo K. who managed to access Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed with a smaller trailer.

Turn-around space: Some sites lack adequate space to maneuver larger rigs. "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," cautions Brittany D.

Level site selection: Many dispersed areas have uneven terrain. "Spent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road," explains Connor N., highlighting the importance of finding suitable spots for vehicles.

Off-season advantages: Shoulder seasons offer better availability for RV camping. "Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov," notes Truly W., providing cost-saving information for RV campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wellston, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wellston, MI is Government Landing Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wellston, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Wellston, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.