This is a dispersed camping beginners and long-time backpackers can all enjoy. It’s roughly a mile hike in to where the campsites begin, and there’s a ton to choose from. The views are so beautiful. There is nothing like waking up in the woods to roll over and see the Lake Michigan shore line. If you are up to it, this is part of a six mile loop.

The hike is predominately on a sandy dirt terrain and your legs will burn on the hike in, but it doesn’t last long. It is a popular spot for backpackers especially from Grand Rapids but for beginner backpackers it can be comforting to not be completely isolated the first time you backpack.

Just to clarify this is a hike-in style of camping with no water wells, electricity, or outhouses. We recommend it to any person wanting to get started backpacking and plan on making it a yearly trip. The bugs were not bad from the wind off the shore.

Parking is $5