Looking for the best dispersed campgrounds in Michigan? The Dyrt showcases a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking and everything in between. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Lying between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, the nearly one-million-acre Huron-Manistee National Forests are located in a transition zone between forested lands to the north and agricultural lands to the south. The Huron-Manistee National Forests contain rare ecological features, such as dry sand prairie remnants, coastal marshlands, dunes, oak savannahs, fens, bogs and marshes. Working hand in hand with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other partners, the Huron-Manistee National Forests have made great progress in recovering these lands but a great deal of work remains, much of which is being done through partnerships.The Huron-Manistee National Forests provide recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife, and resources for local industry.
$10 - $14 / night
Traveler
Visited the site in a winter storm. A little worried before getting on the wild cat road. Turned out no issue at all. Road is covered with heavy snow, no issue with an AWD camper van. Snow shoeing in the woods and alone the lake beach. Fantastic!
Traveler
Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍
Traveler
There is signs posted just about everywhere “no camping or overnight parking” don’t waste your time
TravelerAbsolutely gorgeous! Right on the lake, wouldn’t suggest driving all the way back just park and take all your stuff to your spot. There is a “no drive thru” sign ignore it and drive back the pathway you’ll find it 😍 two other campers there and they were lovely (they also found this place off the dyrt app). You truly can’t beat this place, we even seen the Northern lights
Traveler
Super close to manistee beach, came in on the weekend mid September, almost all the camp spots were taken. Forest was super eerie but beautiful.
TravelerAbsolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!
Scout
Tons of mosquitos right next to a small danky pond.
TravelerI rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description.
I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful.
I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug.
There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.
Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.
ScoutWe spent about an hour exploring the surrounding roads for a better spot but it's all residential with some narrow and overgrown logging roads. Ended up coming back down to this spot which is just a little parking round-about. It's not private but no one drove by until morning and it's flat and spacious for bigger rigs.
ScoutThere are several signs saying “No Camping” and “Day Use Only.”
Scout
To many people and yelling kids but breath taking for sure
ScoutEasy in and out. open area and trees on perimeter. Looks like its an ATV staging area. No starlink, no Cell service. Bring your bug spray!
Traveler
Several spots in this rustic stop. The spot was amazing. Got to see a beautiful sunset and sunrise fun to watch bikers cross from the river and even saw a sea plane land on the beach.
Traveler
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.
Scout
We went down a very deeply rutted and muddy one lane road in for about 1.5-2 miles. We have a 21 ft travel trailer. Although we stayed one night and made it to and from unscathed, we do not recommend towing down this road. We were able to kayak and it was beautiful and very private. Rain was expected the following day so we only chanced it for one night afraid a tree would block the road and the mud would get worse.
Scout
Beautiful scenery
Guide
Very nice n open for pulling in and doing dispersed camping, nice overview of the lake from the hill , quite too, fire pit made of rocks
Guide
DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service. That being said, risking my lifted 4WD SUV was well worth it. I may have forgotten to get a permit. Oops. There’s a large turnaround at the end of the road with spectacular views. I turned left at the outhouse and found a similar spot. Flies and mosquitos were abundant but didn’t kill my vibe. Make sure to check the weather before you go. If it had rained overnight, I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it out.
GuideGreat spot on superior
ScoutMe 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!!
TravelerBeautiful camp spots right on the lake. I have a 20 foot sprinter. I wouldn’t bring anything much bigger than that in here couldn’t make it to the last two camp spots tree overhang smaller vehicle could’ve made it through again beautiful spot. I’m gonna be here a few days.
ScoutPer michigan laws;
STATE LAND RULE – GAME AREAS – EXCERPT(S) 926 On state game or wildlife areas it is unlawful to: • Camp between May 15 and September 10, except in areas specifically designated for camping.
I don’t see any camping spots specifically on the official map of this place.
Traveler
Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday.
GuideI spent an overnight in this beautiful place. I was all alone in the campground. A few people drove down to the water while I was there. The place is a "lovers lane" of sorts.
The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that.
There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents.
LegendNice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow. A couple of the campers looked like they’re long-termers, but there was still plenty of room. It’s a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so. A couple of the spots are right down at the water.
There’s also a little trail by the water but the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it. Though this is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really nice and peaceful overnight.
There was a little road noise but not bad at all. Some interesting animal calls overnight as well. There was good cell reception for Verizon and ATT.
Legend
We were a little confused here, as we thought the camping spots were the concrete pads leading up to the old airfield. But there are big rocks blocking the way from Rd 3536 to the airfield, so I don’t know if that’s a recent addition or what. There’s a large concrete pad on the west side of the rocks, and when we got there there was a nice looking (not sketchy) travel trailer set up for long term camping. Lots of trucks parked everywhere with trailers; they had hauled their ATVs in and were out riding for the day. They came back on their ATVs in the late afternoon, hung out for a few hours, then left (except for the trailer). All surprisingly quiet and respectful.
Zero cell service with Verizon but ATT had good service, mostly. It would randomly drop now and then but it would come back. We found a good spot to tuck into for the night, while staying out of the way of all the trucks parked everywhere. Very quiet and serene.
This is dispersed camping so of course no amenities whatsoever. Please handle your waste appropriately and let's keep this area clean.
LegendReally cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers. Scope out the road and proceed as you feel comfortable.
The trees are really overgrown and low hanging, and there were lots of pot holes and mud holes when we were there. Definitely no place for our 26ft class c. There are two sites before you reach the river shore road, maybe three if you want to squeeze into a littler spot, and those are nice and big for RVs, and clear and open for solar panels, but were taken when we went. So we went a mile back up the road to a little pullout along a lake that looked like it was cleared out a bit and stayed there for two wonderful relaxing peaceful nights.
Some road traffic from people going to the bay, but the road condition is such that everyone was going really slowly, so that was nice. Road going in was doable, but you’d definitely need to take it slow because of all the potholes and dips. We did have cell service, though it wasn’t the greatest (Verizon & ATT).
Nice peaceful area to hang out right at the water. Bugs weren’t too bad, mostly bumble bees going about their business. Biting flies did bite through my socks though.
Michigan offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the tranquility of nature through dispersed camping. With its diverse landscapes and well-maintained sites, campers can enjoy a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
