Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This river is not navigable for canoeing or boating, however it is an excellent river for cold-water fishing. 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. The fact that it has no restrooms or water access doesnt stop people from coming here, though in fact, the area is often quite busy. There are several dispersed campsites along the trail. 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. In other words, always try to cross-reference the info provided by these websites and apps with the official maps and other resources supplied by the public agencies. 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. The Pere MarquetteNational Scenic 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. WebFree camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of Use only plain water and biodegradable soap. For information on Lumberman's Monument, Monument Campground or the Visitor Center visit the Lumberman's Monument section of the website. The trail system is marked with orange confidence markers. ) or https:// means you've safely 112 miles of trail run through the Huron portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The one that is located on the Lower Peninsula of Michigan Huron-Manistee is actually not contiguous. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. 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. People have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Au Sable for hundreds of years. Site Number Bring as much water with you as you can and make sure to respect the leave no trace principles while camping there. The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. WebDispersed camping is acceptable on National Forest System lands away from developed campgrounds, nearly anywhere your camping equipment and/or vehicle does not block Its on Michigan state land, thus While there is a simple pit toilet in this camping area, there are no reliable water sources whatsoever. Green Road is located within the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, which is part of Huron-Manistee National Forest. Youre also close to the beach here as well as Headlands International Dark Sky Park. The dunes themselves are just a short distance form the campsites and make the perfect day trip to explore the lakeshore and unique environment. There is a boat launch and restroom facilities. (GPS 43.75751, -85.90021) Huron Manistee National Forest There about six campsites located on the west bank of Condon Lake. 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 Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. This is a popular spot to camp for free in the area, so you will want to arrive early if youre looking to secure a site during the peak summer months. Diverse vegetation contributes to the overall "scenic" feel of the river. As riders travel on this trail they will pass by a variety of scenary types. Thank you for the information on dispersed camping in Michigan. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Backwater bayous, extensive riparian areas and mature forest communities provide habitat for a diverse number of wildlife species. No RV hook-ups are available for water, sewage or electric at any campground. Besides these USFS-managed lands, there is also a network of State Forests in Michigan, and dispersed camping is allowed in these as well. Mosquitoes are a problem here, so bring lots of repellent. United States. Try the PRO version for free and download offline maps. This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. They offer a lot of privacy and easily accommodate different variants of camping set-ups. One thing youre definitely going to be dealing with here is mosquitoes. The camping area is just off the main road leading the French Farm Lake, but before you reach the lake itself. Greenleaf Lake was constructed in 1939 and is over 930 acres, with an 18-mile hiking trail that wraps around the lake. WebJackpine Lake Dispersed Campsite, for example, has two sites on the shores of its eponymous lake, known for bass, bluegills, perch and bullheads. However, salmon season is particularly busy on the river. On this excellent interactive map, youll be able to quickly and easily find zones that allow dispersed camping. The following sections have all the critical info you need to understand the rules and regulations around dispersed camping in Michigan. There is a vault toilet available, but no drinking water so youll want to plan accordingly. Highly recommended! By receiving this designation, this free-flowing segment from below Mio Pond to the upper end of Alcona Pond received national recognition for its outstanding and remarkable scenic, recreational, biological and historical values and a national commitment to its protection. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Read more about Haymeadow Creek Campground on FreeRoam. Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power? Youll want to arrive mid-week, in the late morning or early afternoon to find an open site, otherwise you may be out of luck. 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. 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. This is a very popular campground, so youll want to get here early in the afternoon to secure a site. Dispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". United States. Where in Michigan is Dispersed Camping Allowed? Given its location, its an absolutely amazing area to camp in, whether youre interested in horse riding or not. Like all other outdoor activities, dispersed camping whether its done in Michigan or anywhere else requires the use of proper gear. Although the state may not be top of mind when you think of public lands, many campers are surprised by the opportunities to pitch your tent or park your trailer in some stunning wilderness. As Ive said above, camping in one of the State Forests of Michigan cannot be done without a camp registration card. Visitor recreation activities include camping, fishing, mushroom gathering, bird-watching, hunting, hiking and canoeing. If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit to cut firewood. Youll want to plan on bringing all the water youll need and be sure to practice Leave No Trace camping here. These commissions help me pay for the site expenses. Although there are no restrooms or water sources here, several of the trailheads in the area do have simple vault toilets available. Michigan state land rules apply here, meaning a maximum of 15 nights, or 21 nights between October 1 and May 1. This particular dispersed camping zone can be found right next to the road that leads to the French Farm Lake mentioned above. A total of 1,145 acres of NFS lands and 368 acres of private lands are within the boundary of the Bowman Lake area. 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. 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. 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. Enjoy a Kids Day program or take a guided nature hike. This is a beautiful place to camp right on Robbins Pond with nothing but National Forest for miles surrounding the campsite. Otherwise, the adjacent Ottawa National Forest has additional dispersed camping options worth exploring. The Au Sable National Scenic River, is a 23-mile portion of the Au Sable River that stretches from Mio to Alcona Pond. 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. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. Read more about French Farm Lake Campground on FreeRoam. For that matter, make sure to practice the leave no trace principles while spending time there. Larger rigs may have a tough time turning around here, so if youre in a large RV you may want to look elsewhere. One of these is located on the states Lower Peninsula (Huron-Manistee) and the other two are situated on the Upper Peninsula (Ottawa and Hiawatha). (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. This will include where you are allowed to pitch your tent and how to find these areas. Youll be right next to the Robbins Pond itself and therell be nothing but miles of wonderful nature in every direction. Theres enough room here for at least 7 groups of campers and the area is located just off the highway easy access is guaranteed. Our final Michigan dispersed camping spot is also one of the most secluded. ( There are, however, vault toilets at a few trailheads situated in the area. You can, of course, also contact the local field offices for the most up-to-date info. 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 The trail is marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees and cedar signs. Thats why its very important to leave archeological traces alone and report all illegal activities you notice while camping. Since there is no trash service here, its very important that you pack out all of your waste before leaving Haymeadow Creek. Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking? The river banks are covered with lowland brush, swamp conifers, white pine and a variety of oak. Never knew there were so many places like that to camp. Two of these, Hiawatha & Ottawa, are located on Michigans Upper Peninsula, while Huron-Manistee is located on the Lower Peninsula. Upon arrival you will be allowed to choose your own campsite and a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and toilet will be provided. Its one of the prettiest campgrounds for sunsets! The lower Manistee River is considered to be the most extensive and least disturbed remnant of true red-shouldered hawk habitat in the state. And if you dont make it in time, just head over to the adjacent Ottawa National Forest youre bound to find some excellent dispersed campsites there. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. 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. Help stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. You can also hop in your car and have a day trip to Lake Huron. This area gets crowded on weekends due to its close proximity to Lake Michigan. Also, due to the fact that its situated in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, this place is not only very close to the Marzinski Horse Trail but also to Lake Michigan. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Adjacent to the wilderness area is the popular Lake Michigan Recreation Area. Read more about The Clearing on FreeRoam. Segments of the State of Michigan snowmobile trail system and Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail (MCCCT) system are located immediately south of the area. Youll find Olympic National Park here as well, but for those interested in dispersed camping Olympic National Forest makes an incredible destination. 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. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. Campers also report low branches along the way in. 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. There are six designated dispersed campsites here, all of which are first-come, first served. This trail is shown on the Huron-Manistee National Forests Motor Vehicle Use Map, available in the Maps and Publications section. There is a vault toilet at Marzinski Horse Trail Camp, but no water source. Generally speaking, all National Forests permit some form of dispersed camping and have similar rules and regulations. Our Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Story has more information on what is being done to protect this special place and how you can help. This is a very popular campground, and you should plan to arrive mid-week in the afternoon if you want to find availability. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. It is a designated "Blue Ribbon" cold-water trout stream, with fishing being the second most popular activity on the river. 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. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. WebPete's Lake Munising. (GPS 46.288597, -86.698681) Hiawatha National Forest This is a free campground located on the banks of Hovey Lake. While dispersed camping in Michigan still remains elusive for many, weve put together a list of ten (10) boondocking sites that may interest you, The following campsites were selected based on our own experiences camping there and based on popularity with other boondockers. For those looking for an easy option, a stay here gives some basic amenities such as a vault toilet and picnic tables. There are six of them in total and all are supervised by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources for Michigan). Although these dont specifically show where dispersed camping is permitted, they do give you a good sense of the various forest service roads in the area and can be cross referenced with Google Maps and camping apps to find dispersed campsites. One final resource for finding dispersed camping in Michigan is to utilize the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the three National Forests. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! It is popular for hiking, primitive and dispersed camping, beach combing, hunting, picnicking, nature study and wildlife viewing, also offering approximately 10-miles of trails accessed from two developed trailheads:Nurnberg RoadandLake Michigan Recreation Area. 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. President Ronald Reagan signed the law establishing the segment of river as a National Scenic River on October 4, 1984. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. Although trails are not groomed in the winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Reservation Rules. As noted above, when dispersed camping in one of Michigans State Forests, you must complete and post a camp registration card at your campsite for the duration of your stay. This section contains information on the sites located in the southern section of the Huron National Forest. Official websites use .gov A .gov There is, however, no room for larger rigs. This is a particularly great option if youre looking for a camping area with some amenities. Click here for additional information on ourWild and Scenic Rivers. The Natural River designation includes the main stem and major tributaries. Youre advised to arrive early in the day if you want to secure a site. While horseback riders use this area frequently, you dont have to have a horse to camp here. The bugs can get pretty bad here, so some good bug spray is recommended as well. There are three National Forests in Michigan that are supervised by the United States Forest Service. Vote Camping Outdoors Outdoors and Nature 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like r/camping Join 26 days ago Please be careful camping out in the BLM land above lake pleasant PHX Az 415 241 r/camping Join 6 Water levels can become fairly shallow during dry summer months. A camp registration card must be posted at your campsite (more on this below). 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. McKinley and River Road Campgrounds on the Shore to Shore Trail. To make sure youre taking the correct route to this lovely place, I would recommend using Google Maps together with the official USFS map for the area. The Manistee River Trail follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills. While the campsite can be difficult to find, you still wont find any shortage of nearby campers or off-road vehicles. What is more, theres a lot of exploration to be done here. There are only four sites here, all with picnic tables and fire rings. This includes where you can legally camp, what the various rules are, and what to bring. ( Hiawatha National Forest Near Wetmore, Michigan. The Bowman Lake Special Area is 1,100 acres and has both the Pere Marquette and North Country National Scenic Trail going through it. Reservation Rules. Dont fret if you arrive and it is closed, as there are more dispersed campsite available if you continue north along Rayle Road as it winds its way around Pearl Lake. Store your food and water securely and safely. or less. Keep these pests at bay by getting a campfire going as soon as you get there and make sure to pack a quality bug spray. The Little Manistee River offers many opportunities for steelhead and trout fishing. There are small openings scattered throughout the corridor that provide habitat diversity for many species of wildlife. (285) Major Cell Coverage Issues. Stay away from the lake, its full of leeches, and make sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellent. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The McKinley Trail Camp is one of the best options for folks looking to spend some time in the magnificent Huron National Forest. Scenery is one of the most outstanding attributes of the river. There is a small fee for the Nordhouse Dunes area when dispersed camping, but we think this is well worth it for access to this beautiful area. The US Forest Services manages three National Forests within Michigan. Here I have to mention one particularly amazing (and official) resource for finding great camping spots in the State Forests of Michigan. Make sure to also bring plenty of mosquito repellent. The national forest will often close up this campsite due to presence of black bears, so make sure to check with the national forest for closures. While the lake itself looks absolutely breathtaking, you should avoid swimming in it its quite murky and somewhat shallow. The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. (GPS 46.57029, -88.65596) Ottawa National Forest This is a small campground, completely free to stay. Generally speaking dispersed camping is permitted on public land managed by the United States Forest Service in Michigan. A few of the sites can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, although we wouldnt recommend this site for those with very large rigs. For example, you cant camp for more than two weeks during a 1-month period. While the number of camping spots may seem small, keep in mind that all of them are very roomy youll have no trouble parking your large rig here. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. French Farm Lake dispersed camping is located on the far northern tip of the lower peninsula just outside the town of Mackinaw City. Recreation opportunities include hunting, picnicking, mushroom gathering and berry picking. 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. Also, dont be loud let natures sounds prevail. 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. C. ARD . Even if youre not planning on bringing horses, this is still a great place to dispersed camp given the location. There are only two sites on the lake front, with a third site back in the woods. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that there are no rules at all. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. The Bowman Lake area is located in Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County. The forest on either side of the river is primarily stands of oak, maple and aspen hardwoods mixed with red and white pine. Read more about Sulak Campground on FreeRoam. How Do I Find Dispersed Camping Areas in Michigan? (GPS 45.75738, -84.76691) Mackinaw State Forest Free camping close to Mackinaw City, there are six campsites here, with the first four being suitable for large RVs. Did you know that the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) passes through three National Parks, eight National Forests, and one National Grassland? Give your best to leave the camping spot in the exact state you found it. In other words, this particular campground is not the best choice for folks with larger RVs. Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. The North Country National Scenic Trail is being constructed across federal, state, county and private land. The Au Sable River was a major transportation route for floating Michigans giant white pine from forest to the sawmill towns on Lake Huron. Read more about Sturgeon River Campground on FreeRoam. 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. Besides the interactive online map mentioned above, you can also use the MVUMs motor vehicle use maps supplied by the United States Forest Service. For information on the NCNST visit the National Park Servicewww.nps.gov/noco/index.htm. Your best bet is to consult official USFS maps along with Google Maps to make sure you are taking the right route to the campsite. This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. 3. Read more about Hovey Lake Campground on FreeRoam. By the evening, this campground fills up. A 3-acre lake is located within the area. Verizon cell signal is pretty good here. Now, lets dive in and take a look at our Top 10 Michigan free, dispersed camping areas located across the state. Further inland visitors can go to Hoags Lake and enjoy a day of swimming, picnicking or fishing. The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. In pre-European settlement times, Native Americans used the river as a travel route. It goes without saying, but pitching a tent here is completely free as well. They also have 58 primitive campsites, especially for tent camping. Its free camping, while being just a couple miles from the beach. 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.