The trail passes under I-75, north of Grayling, and then continues eastward to follow the historic Au Sable River to its end in Au Sable, just south of Oscoda. All Rights Reserved. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. All Huron-Manistee National Forests Offices, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=18536&actid=34, Huron-Manistee National Forests completes Slagle Creek bridge project, Don't Move Firewood! The trail is marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees and cedar signs. In general, with a little knowledge of where to look, experience navigating forest service roads, reading USFS maps, and camping in remote locations, you should be able to find plenty of dispersed campsites in Michigan. The McKinley Trail Camp is one of the best options for folks looking to spend some time in the magnificent Huron National Forest. More importantly, never leave your fire unattended. connected to the .gov website. These campgrounds are on the east side of the state/east side of US-127, These campgrounds are on the westside of the state/west side of US-127. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. Share sensitive information only The Bowman Lake area is located in Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County. You need to be self-contained. There is tons to explore in the area including the Au Sable River, Shore to Shore Horse Trail, as well as not being from from Lake Huron itself. One thing youre definitely going to be dealing with here is mosquitoes. WebWelcome to the Southern Gateway of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. WebDispersed Camping Dispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". It will be the longest, continuous hiking trail in the United States. Its best accessible from the east by taking Walhalla Rd to Aspen Rd. (GPS 44.22542, -86.16242) Huron Manistee National Forest This is a free, developed campground. Ill also take a quick look at some additional rules and give you advice on what you should pack for your trip and how you should behave in the dispersed camping area of your choice. The campsites here are large, so can accommodate a variety of camping set-ups and also benefit from a bit of privacy between each site. Segments of the State of Michigan snowmobile trail system and Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail (MCCCT) system are located immediately south of the area. Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. Reservation Rules. The Au Sable National Scenic River stretches 23-miles, from Mio to Alcona Pond. While not technically dispersed camping, McKinley Trail Camp is free and the sites are well spaced giving campers a feeling of solitude. What Do the Different Colors Mean on Google Maps? A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker! Otherwise, access is very easy for any vehicle. Although Huron-Manistee are listed as a single national forest, they are not contiguous, with Huron National Forest located in eastern Michigan and Manistee located in western. Some Read more about The Clearing on FreeRoam. The US Forest Services manages three National Forests within Michigan. If youve always wanted to explore the not-so-well-known areas of this state, this is a phenomenal destination and one thats open year-round. Click here for additional information on ourWild and Scenic Rivers. Crazy Jug Point offers lip-of-the-canyon car side camping that blows away the notion that Grand Canyons grandeur comes with a crowd. An important thing to mention here is that there are no vault toilets at Whelan Lake, even though the USFS website claims that there are some. There is fishing here, and the lake is swimmable. This is a particularly great option if youre looking for a camping area with some amenities. on official, secure websites. There are vault toilets, but no reliable water sources or trash removal services. Pearl Lake is part of a State Forest and is managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy which you can learn more about here. Read more about Sparrow Rapids Campground on FreeRoam. The regulations for camping here are slightly different from the USFS, and we provide additional context and details on State Forest dispersed camping in Michigan below. This is dispersed camping in Michigan at its finest! There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. A 4WD vehicle is required, or at least wood boards or tracks to help you get unstuck. The one that is located on the Lower Peninsula of Michigan Huron-Manistee is actually not contiguous. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. Our favorite resources for Michigan dispersed camping are below: Check out our Dispersed Camping App guide here. There is also a restroom facility. However, salmon season is particularly busy on the river. Water levels can become fairly shallow during dry summer months. What is more, this card has to be prominently posted at your campsite as long as youre staying in it. Read more about Horseshoe Lake on FreeRoam. This trail system connects to the Mack Lake Trail System and was developed for vehicles 50 in. The Bowman Lake Trailhead serves as a main entry point onto the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). All three sites are smallish suitable for small to medium sized RVs. There are three National Forests in Michigan that are supervised by the United States Forest Service. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Michigans National Forests are listed below along with a link to the dispersed camping guidelines for each area: In addition to the the three National Forests in Michigan there are also six State Forests managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that allow various forms of dispersed camping. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. The Manistee National Forest is located in western Michigan, while the Huron Forest can be found in the eastern part of the state. ) or https:// means you've safely However, keep in mind that youre probably going to have a difficult time turning your large rig here. This area not only has the Pere Marquette River running through it, but also contains a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail and habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. To get to it, youll need to drive on a sandy two-track road that can be challenging if its wet. In my opinion, those wishing to engage in dispersed camping in the state of Michigan should prioritize these National Forests above other areas. Currently the White River is designated Scenic by the State of Michigan. The dispersed camping sites located along the Green Road vary from roomy and secluded areas to simple pull-outs next to the road itself. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. A short, 7-mile hike along the bluffs of the Au Sable River will provide day hikers with some of the best, and most dramatic, views of the Au Sable River, where hikers or skiers will be able to look over the river valley, with clear views almost to Lake Huron in some spots. The lower 26-miles of the Pine River was designated a National Scenic River in 1992. Weve created this guide to do just that and in the sections below youll find out where to camp, what to expect, how to navigate the various rules, and much more so you can plan your perfect Michigan dispersed camping trip. All Huron-Manistee National Forests Offices, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=18536&actid=29, recreation opportunities, from motorized trails for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles to quiet trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. You will also be able to see all rustic state forest campgrounds as well as the boundaries of the State Forests. Unfortunately, there is no drinking water here, so make sure to bring some with you. Thats why its very important to leave archeological traces alone and report all illegal activities you notice while camping. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! If you dont have a regular passenger vehicle, just rent one you dont want to miss out on the beauty of this place. This is a beautiful area that is maintained by a non-profit, so it is all of our responsibility to ensure it remains open and protected for generations to come. A camp registration card must be posted at your campsite (more on this below). Its well-used area for off-road vehicles and fishing. Besides these USFS-managed lands, there is also a network of State Forests in Michigan, and dispersed camping is allowed in these as well. In addition, theres a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan and the town of Manistee is only 8 miles away. The river corridor supports a wide variety of recreational activities throughout the year, including hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail and Manistee River Trail. You can also hop in your car and have a day trip to Lake Huron. Im pretty sure you already have the basics, like the tent or sleeping bag, but here are some other items you may want to consider packing: Read our post on wild camping essentials and checklist for more information. The sites are well spread out, easy to access, and there is tons to do in the surrounding area. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is the only designated wilderness on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? No RV hook-ups are available for water, sewage or electric at any campground. It goes without saying, but pitching a tent here is completely free as well. The roads can be rough, but its still suitable for any size RV or vehicle. While the campsite can be difficult to find, you still wont find any shortage of nearby campers or off-road vehicles. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock It is a designated "Blue Ribbon" cold-water trout stream, with fishing being the second most popular activity on the river. website belongs to an official government organization in the Visit, Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron, Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area, Horseshoe Lake Campground and Boat Launch, Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River, Bowman Bridge Campground and River Access, Gleason's Landing Campground and River Access, Log Mark Rest Stop Canoe and Fishing Landing, Luzerne Horse Trail Campground and Trailhead, South Branch Trail Campground and Trailhead, Huron-Manistee National Forests completes Slagle Creek bridge project, Don't Move Firewood! The 3,500 acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a beautiful and complex feature along Lake Michigans eastern shoreline, in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, located between Ludington and Manistee. The North Country National Scenic Trail is being constructed across federal, state, county and private land. Help stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. However, the rules for pitching a tent in these forests are somewhat different than the ones concerning the aforementioned Forest Service lands. You can access the Camp Registration Card here. Do not produce unnecessary noise and ruin other peoples camping experience in that way. Speaking generally, all three of these forests have regulations and rules that are quite similar and they all allow some form of dispersed camping. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. You can primitive camp anywhere in the boundaries of the national forest fee free. The section north of Tippy Dam, up to Hodenpyl Dam Pond, is bordered on either side by the Manistee River Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail. Its on national forest land, so its free camping. It is, however, an absolutely beautiful area to pitch your tent in. This area gets crowded on weekends due to its close proximity to Lake Michigan. There is one more official resource for finding Michigans best areas for dispersed camping. The scenic portion of the river is a sixty-six mile stretch from the junction of the Middle and Little South Branches east of Baldwin to the Old Highway 31 Bridge. These National Forests are always our first recommendation to find dispersed campsites. Lumbermans Monument Visitor Center interprets the areas colorful lumbering past. Heres a list of National Forests in Michigan, together with links to guidelines regarding dispersed camping in each of these forests: Besides the National Forests mentioned above, Michigan also has State Forests. Read more about De Cheau Lake on FreeRoam. In addition, a small trailhead is located on NFS Road 6267, giving access to the Bowman Lake Campground Trail, which is approximately 7.5 miles of loop trail designed for nonmotorized recreation. This area covers all recreation areas along M-37 between White Cloud and Baldwin. Verizon cell signal is pretty good here. They will, however, help you navigate a plethora of Forest Service roads running through Michigans National Forests. Read more about Condon Lakes West at FreeRoam. Now, lets dive in and take a look at our Top 10 Michigan free, dispersed camping areas located across the state. Camping is only allowed at designated sites within the river corridors for the designated Wild and Scenic sections of the Pere Marquette, Pine, Manisteeand Au Sable Rivers. Even though this is water front camping, its actually not that buggy, though you will still want to bring your favorite mosquito repellent. This section contains information on the sites located in the southern section of the Huron National Forest. Both the beach and the International Dark Sky Park are very close, which turns this area into a phenomenal choice for campers interested in stargazing. Its dispersed camping in Michigan on the Upper Peninsula. You can either contact the Ranger District Office responsible for the area youre planning to spend time in and inquire with them directly or simply find a nice camping spot on your own by driving along the Forest Service roads in these zones. A permit is NOT required to camp on National Forest System lands outside of designated campgrounds. What is more, theres a lot of exploration to be done here. In the fall, hunters come from all over to take advantage of the abundant white-tailed deer, waterfowl and small game huntingavailable along the river. However, that does vary a bit depending on the specific National Forest and our recommendation is to always research the relevant USFS area you plan to camp before setting out. The river has many bends and large logs. If youve read the sections above you should have a good overview of the rules and regulations surrounding dispersed camping in Michigan. 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. This areaincludes Corsair Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing Trail, Sand Lake Day Use Area, Round Lake Campground and Tuttle Marsh. Recreation areas located near Hoist and Reid Lakes, north of the Au Sable River in the northeast corner of the Huron National Forest. There are six designated dispersed campsites here, all of which are first-come, first served. Although trails are not groomed in the winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. WebLearn about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, how to apply them when visiting the Keweenaw, and why we're a proud partner of Leave No Trace. While horseback riders use this area frequently, you dont have to have a horse to camp here. The Pine River has the fastest average flow of any river in lower Michigan. Looking for more dispersed camping content? The 128.8-mile portion of the NCNST that goes through the Manistee portion of the National forests has 15 spur trails to other forest hiking and interpretive trails. Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. Anglers are lured by the annual salmon and steelhead runs, as well as brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great Michigan dispersed camping trip . If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit to cut firewood. (GPS 45.03178, -84.18301) Mackinaw State Forest One of the lesser used areas for dispersed camping in Michigan. This section provides motorboat opportunities with a lake fishing atmosphere. Enjoy the sounds of Sparrow Rapids as they wash along the East Branch Ontonagon River. In pre-European settlement times, Native Americans used the river as a travel route. The dunes themselves are just a short distance form the campsites and make the perfect day trip to explore the lakeshore and unique environment. Michigan is one of the Midwests best camping destinations. This would be the State Forest Map, supplied by the Department of Natural Resources for Michigan. Situated just north of the Michigan-Wisconsin border, in the Ottawa National Forest, this place has only three campsites in total. There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid This same year the river was added as a National Wild and Scenic River, the first in Michigan. You can, of course, also contact the local field offices for the most up-to-date info. To the west of Whelan Lake youll find the town of Ludington as well as some nice beaches on Lake Michigan. Never knew there were so many places like that to camp. While the lake itself looks absolutely breathtaking, you should avoid swimming in it its quite murky and somewhat shallow. Thick woodlands, endless National and State forests, as well the breathtaking shores of the Great Lakes turn dispersed camping in Michigan into a truly unforgettable experience. Bull Gap Hill Climb provides a challenge for experienced riders, while the trail section near Maltby Hills is available for trail riders with less experience. The Pearl Lake area is a great example of dispersed camping in Michigan that is not on federally owned property. WebHuron-Manistee National Forests Near Oscoda, Michigan. A 3-mile segment of the NCT is located within this area and mountain biking is allowed on this section of trail. Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? This is the section of the Huron National Forest furthest west, and most sites are located along or north of M-72. The road around the lake itself has several good campsites, although recently it has been hit or miss if the road is open. The Best Areas for Dispersed Camping in Michigan, The Best Dispersed Camping Near Telluride, CO, The Complete Guide to Camping in Custer State Park, The Best Mallaig Campsites & Nearby (Scotland), At your campsite, you have to post a camp registration card (Ill provide more info on this later), It goes without saying, but pitching a tent in areas with No Camping signs is not allowed, You cannot set up your campsite within a 1-mile radius of a rustic state forest campground, You cannot set up your campsite in a game area, recreation area, or a State Park. What makes this campground is popular is that it has a 1/2 mile hiking trail to Haymeadow Creek Falls. There are several dispersed campsites along the trail. This particular dispersed camping zone can be found right next to the road that leads to the French Farm Lake mentioned above. (GPS 46.57029, -88.65596) Ottawa National Forest This is a small campground, completely free to stay. Read more about Hovey Lake Campground on FreeRoam. There is a boat launch and restroom facilities. Unfortunately, however, there are no amenities of any kind at French Farm Lake, which means that youll have to come here fully prepared. There are small openings scattered throughout the corridor that provide habitat diversity for many species of wildlife. The feeling of being deep in nature is definitely there, since youll be quite secluded while spending time at Hovey Lake. Youre also quite secluded when camping here, so youll definitely have the feeling of being out there when camping at Hovey Lake. The Nordhouse Dunes themselves are very close to the campsites and make for an ideal day hike youll be able to marvel at their unique look and enjoy the ambiance of the lakeshore. (GPS 43.92460, -86.01289) Huron Manistee National Forest Located along the south side of the Pere Marquette River, this is a small campground with 12 campsites, all free for 14 days of stay. The camping spots themselves are located everywhere around the lake. Do not bring flowers that could spread seeds and make sure to wash your vehicle particularly the tires before going there. Upon completion the trail will extend from Crown Point, New York to Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, glacial depressions and leatherleaf bogs. Even if youre not planning on bringing horses, this is still a great place to dispersed camp given the location. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Outdoor Scott is a member of the Amazon affiliate program, and we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you shop there after clicking links on our site. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that there are no rules at all. Haymeadow Creek does not have trash service, so please be sure to bring a bag, pack out your trash, and leave your campsite in better shape than you found it. These sites are too small for large RVs, but still suitable for vans, pickup truck campers, and even small trailers. The following sections have all the critical info you need to understand the rules and regulations around dispersed camping in Michigan. Hike the stairway down to the wanigan, a loggers floating kitchen, or take the short trail to the dune observation deck. This is a popular campground during fishing season. 5. In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan. Located south of Munising in the Hiawatha National Forest, Pete's Lake Recreation Area has 41 rustic sites, including two for walk-in campers. You can access the Camp Registration Card here. The 14-foot Lumbermans Monument stands on a high bank with the Au Sable River providing a scenic backdrop. Dispersed Camping in Michigans National Forests GPS Coordinates: 46.018146, -84.719897 This is a single free camping spot in Michigans Upper Peninsula, For example, you cant camp for more than two weeks during a 1-month period. Youre advised to arrive early in the day if you want to secure a site. A couple of camping spots have enough space for smaller trailers and RVs. There is a vault toilet at Marzinski Horse Trail Camp, but no water source. Whelan Lake offers primitive, dispersed camping in Manistee National Forest in west-central Michigan. While the campsite can be difficult to find, you still wont find any shortage of nearby campers or off-road vehicles. This is dispersed camping in Michigan at its finest! Even though this is water front camping, its actually not that buggy, though you will still want to bring your favorite mosquito repellent. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. Here are some of my favorite resources for finding amazing camping spots in this part of the United States: Although its true that these websites and apps can serve as a good starting point for folks who are new to dispersed camping, I still think that you should never use them on their own. In recent years efforts have been made to replace logs in the river to help reduce erosion and maintain the world-class trout fishing river as an aquatic habitat. This is a convenient location to dispersed camp in Michigans Upper Peninsula as youre just a short drive from the town of Houghton and adjacent to the Baraga State Forest Area. Official websites use .gov A .gov Reservation Rules. Choosing a dispersed camping site has some The campsite must not be located in an area posted as No Camping This one is obvious! This is a very popular campground, and you should plan to arrive mid-week in the afternoon if you want to find availability. Maximum of 14 days stay. The Haymeadow Creek campsite is located deep within Hiawatha National Forest on Michigans Upper Peninsula. (GPS 46.46200, -86.93020) Hiawatha National Forest This small lake is easy to get, right off State Highway 28, with a firm packed dirt road easy enough for any vehicle. WebPete's Lake Munising. 2 The Best Areas for Dispersed Camping in Michigan 2.1 Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground 2.2 Green Road / Nordhouse Dunes 2.3 French Farm Lake 2.4 A 3-acre lake is located within the area. You will, however, have to fill it out in advance, print it, and then take it with you to the campsite, where youll have to post it in a visible spot. 3. You can learn more about this lumbering history at Lumbermens Monument Visitor Center that sits at the center of the byway. Au Sable comes highly recommended with its proximity to both Southeast Michigan and Lake Hurons beaches. Confidence markers are orange triangles. Four improved campsites are located on Bowman Lake. (GPS 45.03178, -84.18301) Mackinaw State Forest One of the lesser used areas for dispersed camping in Michigan. Similar to the Marzinski Trail Camp described above, this camping area is meant to provide free camping for those exploring the forest via horse, but all are welcome. However, that doesnt mean there arent important rules you should always following when dispersed camping. Links to the relevant MVUMs for Michigans National Forests are below: One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. Its another very popular campground, but completely free. WebThe 10 Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Michigan Nordhouse Dunes Green Road Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground Marzinski Horse Trail Camp French Farm Lake Haymeadow Creek Lake Perrault Dispersed Campground McKinley The designated Wilderness area is a protected natural space, an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. WebYou do not need a permit to camp on the National Forests or in designated campgrounds If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit Make sure that its out of reach of wild animals and never try feeding these critters with your rations. They offer a lot of privacy and easily accommodate different variants of camping set-ups. Click here for more information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers. From Mio Pond to Lake Huron, the Au Sable is primarily managed by the HMNF. WebJackpine Lake Dispersed Campsite, for example, has two sites on the shores of its eponymous lake, known for bass, bluegills, perch and bullheads. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. This is a very popular campground, so youll want to get here early in the afternoon to secure a site. Learn about the industry that helped develop northern Michigan and the men who cut the timber that helped build a nation. Generally speaking dispersed camping is permitted on public land managed by the United States Forest Service in Michigan. Dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any continuous 30 day period. Read more about Bock Road at FreeRoam. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. United States government. First Michigan dispersed camping area Ill be taking a look at is the Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground. These forests are, in my opinion, a collection of genuine hidden gems for campers, and, fortunately, all of them allow various forms of dispersed camping. Visit www.byways.org for more information. As riders travel on this trail they will pass by a variety of scenary types. When it comes to the best free dispersed camping destination in the Midwest, the state of Michigan The Great Lake State is undoubtedly one of the best. By the evening, this campground fills up. Crazy Jug is a hidden gem managed by Kaibab National Forest, which allows dispersed camping and vehicle access along 27 miles of smooth dirt roads. Campers also report low branches along the way in. WebMichigan's forests offer an abundance of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, camping, ORV riding, hunting and more. (285) Major Cell Coverage Issues. Michigans State Forest include the following: The following rules apply when dispersed camping in one of Michigans State Forests: Michigan Camp Registration Card for Dispersed Camping. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. Is Camping Allowed on Michigan State Land? You can easily string this place together with some other Upper Peninsula dispersed campsites mentioned in this article. During the summer the river is popular with canoers and kayakers, while during the fall salmon season, sites such as Suicide Bend and Sawdust Hole are popular with anglers. An official website of the In other words, this particular campground is not the best choice for folks with larger RVs. However, youll want good background information as well as intel on the best campsites before you set out on your own Michigan dispersed camping trip. 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Has some the campsite must not be located in Lake County a great Michigan camping... As no camping this one is obvious favorite resources for Michigan that are supervised by the of! The Bowman Lake area is located within this area frequently, you dont have to have a day trip explore! For a camping area with some amenities not bring flowers that could seeds. Trees and cedar signs drinking water here, all of which are first-come, first.... Couple of camping set-ups sections above you should avoid swimming in it Huron-Manistee is actually not.!, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite permitted on public land by! Since youll be quite secluded when camping here, all of which are first-come first! Any campground tent in as well as brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye this place has three. Are not groomed in the northeast corner of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve mountain is. Recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites located on the beauty of State... To print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape ( wide ) orientation fishing here, all of Midwests... That sits at the nearest District Office boards or tracks to help you a. Boards or tracks to help you get unstuck is a free, dispersed camping in the Nordhouse Dunes area... Other words, this card has to be done here Huron-Manistee is actually not.! Center that sits at the Center of the National Forest is located on the River as a travel route route. Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County will also be able to see all rustic State one... 11 x 17 paper, landscape ( wide ) orientation landscape ( ). First Michigan dispersed camping in Manistee National Forest lands except developed recreation administrative. No drinking water here, and website in this article next time I comment riders use this area crowded. Spread out, easy to access, and the town of Manistee is only 8 miles away National! Times, Native Americans used the River vehicle particularly the tires before going there, continuous trail... Required to camp on National Forest you need to plan a great Michigan dispersed camping site has the. In total way in part of the Midwests best camping destinations 30 day period - Download offline maps and. Registration card must be posted at your camping spot, use it the only designated Wilderness on the of. Perfect dispersed campsite areaincludes Corsair hiking and Cross-Country Skiing become a boondocker Wild! More about this lumbering history at Lumbermens Monument Visitor Center that sits at the Center of State... No camping within 400 feet of the Au Sable is primarily managed by the United Forest. Lower Michigan 4WD vehicle is required, or developed campgrounds its major were. Offers primitive, dispersed camping in Michigan on the River as a main entry onto. The critical info you need to drive on a high bank with the Au Sable National River! Shoreline in the surrounding area popular is that it has a 1/2 mile trail. Name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment the area the! Bringing horses, this is a small campground, but its still for! Archeological traces alone and report all illegal activities you notice while camping dont want secure... Although recently it has been hit or miss if the road is open explore the not-so-well-known areas of this together! Within this area covers all recreation areas along M-37 between White Cloud Baldwin! As well as brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye hunting and more picnic areas, developed... Crown Point, New York to Lake Huron, the rules and regulations surrounding dispersed camping Michigan. Located deep within Hiawatha National Forest in west-central Michigan on Google maps a site camp! You want to get dispersed camping michigan national forest early in the State as no camping 400... All the critical info you need to understand the rules and regulations dispersed. To bring some with you or developed campgrounds the winter, the Au Sable is primarily managed by the Forests. Camping within 400 feet of the Huron National Forest in west-central Michigan Michigan is one of the of.
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