Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road, near Manistee, Michigan, is a fantastic location for those seeking a true escape into nature. This area offers spacious, dispersed sites that provide a sense of privacy, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors without the usual campground hustle.

Visitors rave about the stunning surroundings, with large open sites nestled among trees, making it perfect for your furry friends to roam. The sandy roads can be a bit rough, but many have successfully navigated them with larger vehicles, and there are plenty of spots accessible for all types of campers. As one camper noted, “Absolutely one of the most beautiful sites that I have seen yet.”

If you're a fan of Lake Michigan, you're in luck! The beach is just a short drive away, and the nearby trails offer excellent hiking opportunities. Campers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, with many mentioning the lack of pesky bugs, making it ideal for hammock camping. Just remember to pack in your essentials, as amenities are minimal—no toilets or water hookups here.

While some visitors have pointed out the need for better trash management, the overall vibe is one of tranquility and connection with nature. Whether you're looking to relax by a campfire or explore the nearby dunes, Nordhouse Dunes is a great choice for your next outdoor adventure.

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

Join the fun near Free Soil. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Free Soil is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Free Soil camping trip.

Free Soil

The Best Camping Near Free Soil, Michigan

There are plenty of really rustic pull-offs north and south of those coordinates on Green Rd. There are actually quite a few that are harder to find or even get a vehicle to without 4WD, but most of it is easily accessible in a 2WD vehicle. There are a LOT of ORVers so be prepared for people zooming up and down the road with super loud engines. Other than that, free is free.

Free rustic camping near Lake Michigan

Years ago I used to hike out to Nordhouse Dunes from the Nurnberg trailhead and it was amazing. That has since been ruined now that the site has become overrun &amp; overcrowded with people carrying too much stuff, leaving too much garbage, and taking too much of the beautiful scenery for granted. Now when I go, I camp here and hike to the surrounding areas without having to listen to drunken ramblings of 9 other groups directly next to us. The last time we camped we didn’t see another person all weekend. That is my kind of escape! Highly recommended if you’re up for adventure, have 4 wheel drive, and are looking to escape the masses. 

Best Dispersed Camping Around!

We vowed to return in a month and driving there now for a long Labor Day weekend. Quiet, though our site was adjacent to a trailhead. The forest is stunning and mesmerizing! 5 min hike to dunes/beach. Never want to camp at a campground again. 

We love it here!

All up and down green Rd. there’s a ton of quiet pull offs, some with fire pits some without. We don’t have 4wd and it was fine (we went in October). And if it’s not what you’re looking for there’s also a more traditional campsite, $27 per night right up the road with facilities. The free spots were perfect for us tho!

Beautiful & free rustic camping spots!

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!

A Hidden Gem

Sites are nice and easy to access... no issues with the road coming in... the dispersed camping is free but if you drive and park in the lots for the dunes/beach access it requires a pass or 5$ a day fee

Nice Spot...Easy Access

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.

First time 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.

NF dispersed camping

Easy access, and the sites are about 50 to 200ft from each other! I love the pine tree+fern forrest. Super sandy area, but it’s nice to walk around barefoot. Haven’t seen any thorn bushes while collecting firewood. There’s no toilets or water so bring a few gallons and be prepared to poop in a hole. 

Awesome spaced out large sites 

A relaxing getaway from the bustling city... 

Quite

Beautiful area with a lot of dispersed campsites, accessible by pretty much any vehicle, although the road is a bit sandy, so maybe take precautions after rain. Large sites, some with more privacy than others, and plenty of ideal hammocking trees. Also, there's a few more sites if you take the road (right side on main rd) across the street from the entrance into this area. I had no problem finding firewood around the area, but there's a general store less than 10 minutes away that sells firewood and basic necessities, cash only during my visit on 03SEP2021 (beer, schnacks, etc.) No toilets or glamping amenities. 

Dispersed campsites  

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!

Nice boondocking spot with access to Lake Michigan!

Next time I'm coming back to hammock camp. Place is awesome.  Not much bugs. 

The dunes were amazing!

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.

My Go-To Camping spot

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. 

For Forest Dwellers and Lake Lovers

Absolutely one of the most beautiful sites that I have seen yet. Secluded enough for my dog to roam. Large open site surrounded by trees. 
I have a promaster and made it through the rough sand road. 

Photos of Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

Real photos from real campers