45 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campgrounds around Wellston, Michigan provide direct access to Manistee National Forest with several primitive and established camping options. The Manistee River Trail offers dispersed tent camping along a scenic trail system, while Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground provides more established tent sites with basic amenities. Timber Creek Campground offers year-round tent camping in a quieter forest setting approximately 10 miles southwest of Wellston.
Most tent sites in the Wellston area feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal site preparation. The Manistee River Trail dispersed camping area requires hikers to pack in all supplies as no drinking water, toilets, or trash collection are available. State forest campgrounds like Leverentz Lake and Healy Lake provide vault toilets, trash collection, and hand-pumped drinking water, though campers should bring their own toilet paper as supplies can be inconsistent. A 14-day stay limit applies at most locations. One camper noted, "Although this is listed as dispersed camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites."
Tent campsites around Wellston offer varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Manistee River Trail provides the most secluded experience with sites "very spread out so you get privacy at night," according to a reviewer. Sites along the river bluffs provide scenic views but may require longer walks to water sources. For tent campers seeking more amenities while maintaining a rustic experience, Timber Creek Campground offers eight primitive sites with picnic tables and fire rings featuring cooking grates. Seasonal considerations are important, as many trails and campsites become busy on summer weekends. Spring and fall camping provides more solitude but requires preparation for potentially cold nights, with temperatures occasionally dropping to freezing even in late May.
"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."
"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. Spots for a fire and very peaceful!"
"It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also."
"We camped here after visiting the Northern Natural Cider and Winery nearby which we highly recommend. The campground itself was large with plenty of sites to choose from, first come first serve."
"We chose a site on the Big Lake. There are also a few sites on the Litte Lake. The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. We had plenty of room between sites."
"the big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. the little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses (more mosquitos at the time too"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"The campsites are a perfect size, there is an easy-hike walking trail, and the view of the stars at night is truly out of this world (pun kind of intended)."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
TravelerStayed in the non electric sites. Short paved driveways were nice, but if not in a tent your just in a driveway. Bathrooms were super nice, and bear proof trash and mixed recycling outside. Private outside entry showers, and a camp sink room in the shower house. Lots of trails thru out the camp to get to the shower house.
ScoutVery rustic and remote. Bring wood or a saw there are tons of down trees but not a whole lot of places to get wood. For pit toilets they where clean and well kept. If your in need of help it comes within 45 mins (bring solar chargers) out of the way enough to not have a good cell signal (what we where looking for) but enough signal to call for help...we killed our car battery charging phones.. must check out if your into remote areas
ScoutFree, sites are awesome. Many well off the dirt road. Mine had a fire pit. This is one I'd gatekeep.
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
ScoutIt truly feels like our home away from home, and we’ve made so many wonderful memories over the years. We wouldn’t want to spend our summers anywhere else! 🏕️❤️
GuideNice small lake. Sites a little rough
The Manistee National Forest surrounds Wellston, Michigan, providing multiple tent camping options within a mixed hardwood forest ecosystem at elevations ranging from 600-900 feet. Camping conditions vary significantly between river corridors, inland lakes, and upland forest areas. Many sites aren't reservable and require first-come arrival, especially during peak summer weekends.
Hiking along waterways: Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping offers access to multiple hiking options with varied terrain. One camper reports, "Waterfalls, river bends, wildlife, this trail has it all. Best thing to do is camp for 2 nights and take your time." The trail includes a waterfall near mile marker 3, worth packing extra water to reach.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers find multiple access points along the Manistee River. Driftwood Valley provides river access with several deep fishing holes. At other sites, one camper mentioned, "It's really cheap to use as well," making fishing trips affordable for budget-conscious campers.
Paddling routes: Several boat-in campsites allow multi-day paddling trips. The Manistee River offers calm sections suitable for beginners and families. Some campers bring inflatable kayaks that can be carried to river access points when vehicle access is limited.
Privacy between sites: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground offers spacious sites that provide separation from neighboring campers. A visitor noted, "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."
Peaceful lake settings: Many campers appreciate the quiet lakeside locations. A reviewer at Timber Creek Campground shared, "The view of the stars at night is truly out of this world." The reduced light pollution in the area creates exceptional stargazing conditions.
Affordability: Most state forest campgrounds cost $13-15 per night without reservations. A camper at Timber Creek mentioned, "Pricing is $10/night and $5/day pass, with a 14(?) day limit on your campsite stay."
Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas provide only basic facilities. At Crystal Forest Campground, "Full hook up at each site, and pit toilets if needed," but many other sites offer significantly less.
Toilet conditions: Vault toilets can be problematic at certain times. One camper warned, "Vault toilets are available but HOO boy do they smell, so if you have a Luggable Loo or equivalent portable toilet I definitely recommend it."
Tick awareness: The forest ecosystem harbors ticks, especially in spring and early summer. A camper reported, "It was infested with ticks," so bringing proper repellent and performing regular tick checks is essential.
Water source reliability: Hand pumps may be the only water source, and not all work consistently. A camper at Leverentz Lake noted there's "access to drinking water," but mentioned it was located at the entrance, requiring planning for campsite water needs.
Lake options for children: Insta-Launch Campground & Marina provides family-friendly amenities. A visitor shared, "Its quiet here a nice cleaning station lots of 🐟" making it good for teaching kids to fish.
Trail difficulty considerations: When hiking with children, stick to the Manistee River Trail rather than the more challenging North Country Trail. A camper advised, "The NCT is further from the river and a bit hilly, but the MRT sites are nicer."
Weekend timing: Family groups should arrive Thursday or early Friday to secure prime spots. A reviewer warned, "We arrived later in the evening at the campground. There were several sites to choose from," but this isn't always the case during peak seasons.
Size limitations: Most forest sites accommodate smaller rigs only. One camper observed that sites "could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents."
Access road conditions: Forest roads can be challenging. One visitor warned, "Would not recommend wasting your time going through the washboard roads to get to it," referring to deteriorated access conditions.
Utility availability: While most tent camping in Wellston offers no hookups, some exceptions exist. A camper at Insta-Launch Campground noted, "There was an electric hook up at our site with a drinking water spout too!" which provides more comfort for those with small campers requiring power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wellston, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wellston, MI is Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wellston, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Wellston, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
