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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
