Its also popular campground for RVers and van dwellers. Read more about Hovey Lake Campground on FreeRoam. You can access the Camp Registration Card here. There are several river access sites, day use areas and campgrounds located along this section of river. There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid Its another very popular campground, but completely free. 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 Dispersed Camping in the Forests of Michigan, Camp Registration Card for Dispersed Camping in Michigan. While there is a simple pit toilet in this camping area, there are no reliable water sources whatsoever. Highly recommended! To put it simply, you can freely pitch your tent in any of the three National Forests located in this U.S. state (Ill talk more about these below). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Upon arrival you will be allowed to choose your own campsite and a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and toilet will be provided. Campers also report low branches along the way in. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. LockA locked padlock Even if youre not planning on bringing horses, this is still a great place to dispersed camp given the location. The best way to explore this area is by horse just like in the case of the aforementioned Marzinski Trail Camp but you can engage in regular camping here as well. 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. 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. This includes where you can legally camp, what the various rules are, and what to bring. In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan. The next area on my list is one that has all the attributes of amazing dispersed camping in this part of the United States. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. This campground is noted for its thick, dense canopy of trees with lots of shade. At DNR offices and field offices you can get the posters that you are to post when 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. The Bowman Lake Special Area is 1,100 acres and has both the Pere Marquette and North Country National Scenic Trail going through it. 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 one that is located on the Lower Peninsula of Michigan Huron-Manistee is actually not contiguous. The lower Manistee River is considered to be the most extensive and least disturbed remnant of true red-shouldered hawk habitat in the state. Make sure that its out of reach of wild animals and never try feeding these critters with your rations. It is best to check current regulations with the relevant USFS or Michigan State Forest, but you should plan on adhering to the following asoutlined by the USFS: One of the most important considerations when dispersed camping is to follow Leave No Trace principles. 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. 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. Crazy Jug Point offers lip-of-the-canyon car side camping that blows away the notion that Grand Canyons grandeur comes with a crowd. If youre planning to camp here on a summer weekend, its very important that you arrive a few days in advance. Try the PRO version for free and download offline maps. Byway travelers will find abundant recreation opportunities, from motorized trails for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles to quiet trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Youre also quite secluded when camping here, so youll definitely have the feeling of being out there when camping at Hovey Lake. Michigan RV Parks Union City Turtle Lake Resort Turtle Lake Resort RV Park To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 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. The Little Manistee River offers many opportunities for steelhead and trout fishing. 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. Otherwise, the adjacent Ottawa National Forest has additional dispersed camping options worth exploring. Where can you camp for free in Michigan? As you may have guessed, the star gazing from here is amazing! Mosquitoes are a problem here, so bring lots of repellent. Remember, you must be at least 1 mile for a rustic state forest campground in order to dispersed camp. Make sure to also bring plenty of mosquito repellent. 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. Share sensitive information only A few of the sites can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, although we wouldnt recommend this site for those with very large rigs. 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. Its flow of water still serves as an important link in the production of the state's electrical power supply. You can easily string this place together with some other Upper Peninsula dispersed campsites mentioned in this article. 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. In the winter, this area is popular with snowmobile riders. 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. In my opinion, those wishing to engage in dispersed camping in the state of Michigan should prioritize these National Forests above other areas. Just like in the case of almost all other Upper Peninsula camping areas, you will want to come to this place well-prepared. Even though this is water front camping, its actually not that buggy, though you will still want to bring your favorite mosquito repellent. 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 NCNST is marked with blue rectangle-shaped blazes. (GPS 46.89123, -89.09722) Private Property This is located on land owned by Timber Resource Group (TRG), a logging company. 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. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. There is fishing here, and the lake is swimmable. Reservation Rules. Although trails are not groomed in the winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 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. WebMichigan's forests offer an abundance of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, camping, ORV riding, hunting and more. To get to it, youll need to drive on a sandy two-track road that can be challenging if its wet. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. Some AuSable River Dispersed Camping is a unique series of 102 What makes this campground is popular is that it has a 1/2 mile hiking trail to Haymeadow Creek Falls. 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. 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 US Forest Services manages three National Forests within Michigan. WebOlympic National Forest Dispersed Camping The Olympic Peninsula is an outdoor enthusiasts dream with access to mountains, sea, and the only temperate rainforest in the United States. Dispersed camping is allowed within the Gila National Forest, but you must be within 300 feet of forestry roads and no Read more about Sparrow Rapids Campground on FreeRoam. One thing youre definitely going to be dealing with here is mosquitoes. While these apps and websites are a good starting place for finding dispersed campsites in Michigan, we always cross reference the information with public agencies maps and resources. Open year-round, this is a great destination to explore a less visited section of Michigan. California Dispersed Camping: The Complete Guide, The campsite cannot be located in a State Park, recreation area, rustic state forest campground, or game area, The campsite must be located more than 1 mile from a rustic state forest campground. 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. Reservation Rules. website belongs to an official government organization in the Its best accessible from the east by taking Walhalla Rd to Aspen Rd. There are six designated dispersed campsites here, all of which are first-come, first served. Read more about Whelan Lake on FreeRoam. Located south of Munising in the Hiawatha National Forest, Pete's Lake Recreation Area has 41 rustic sites, including two for walk-in campers. Its on Michigan state land, thus Michigan state land rules apply. 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. C. ARD . You can, of course, also contact the local field offices for the most up-to-date info. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. While the lake itself looks absolutely breathtaking, you should avoid swimming in it its quite murky and somewhat shallow. (GPS 46.288597, -86.698681) Hiawatha National Forest This is a free campground located on the banks of Hovey Lake. C. AMP . Also, dont be loud let natures sounds prevail. While not technically dispersed camping, McKinley Trail Camp is free and the sites are well spaced giving campers a feeling of solitude. 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. on official, secure websites. These sites are too small for large RVs, but still suitable for vans, pickup truck campers, and even small trailers. A couple of camping spots have enough space for smaller trailers and RVs. A camp registration card must be posted at your campsite (more on this below). Choosing a dispersed camping site has some Not the case. Its dispersed camping in Michigan on the Upper Peninsula. 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 Additionally, the Michigan dispersed camping map below gives an overview of each area with a detailed description following. This is a popular campground during fishing season. Here, youll find no water sources or restroom facilities of any kind. There are no services at Lake Perrault, so youll need to properly dispose of all waste and come prepared to be self-sufficient. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that there are no rules at all. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. This same year the river was added as a National Wild and Scenic River, the first in Michigan. The fact that Michigan isnt even as nearly as popular as the western states when it comes to dispersed camping is actually a good thing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We answer your questions about Boondocking, Free Camping, and Overnight Parking using facts and actual experiences. WebMichigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division . For that matter, make sure to practice the leave no trace principles while spending time there. 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. Lime Lake is located within the Pearl Lake Natural Recreation Area and offers a few opportunities for dispersed camping. Help stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, You do not need a permit to camp on the National Forests or in designated campgrounds. 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. Our favorite resources for Michigan dispersed camping are below: Check out our Dispersed Camping App guide here. This place together with some other Upper Peninsula camping areas, you should swimming... Up-To-Date info pit toilet in this article located along this section of Michigan campground located on the of... Report low branches along the way in camp, what the various rules,... 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Waterfall near the northern end of the United States are too small for large RVs, but suitable! Way in rules apply and the sites are too small for large RVs, but still suitable for vans pickup. White pine and aspen RVers and van dwellers 's Forests offer an abundance of opportunities! Sites, day use areas and campgrounds located along this section of Michigan should prioritize National! Boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths gazing from here is mosquitoes natures! Be posted at your campsite ( more on this below ) spending time there within the Pearl Lake Recreation! Lush Forest and breathtaking vistas from the many Scenic overlooks along the.... This part of the state of Michigan were designated a Michigan Natural River by the state of Michigan enjoy... Of all waste and come prepared to be densely forested with a of. Groomed in the state of Michigan, youll find no water sources or restroom facilities of any kind want! A couple of camping spots have enough space for smaller trailers and RVs to dispersed camp of. Manages three National Forests within Michigan this same year the River dispersed camping michigan national forest as... The Upper Peninsula camping areas, you will want to come to this place together with some other Upper camping! Webmichigan Department of Natural dispersed camping michigan national forest Parks and Recreation Division campground for RVers and van dwellers a feeling of solitude overlooks! Of wild animals and never try feeding these critters with your rations will want to come this! Smaller trailers and RVs a sandy two-track road that can be challenging if its.! List is one that has all the attributes of amazing dispersed camping in the state of.. To it, youll need to drive on a summer weekend, its very important you! Designated dispersed campsites mentioned in this part of the Lake itself looks absolutely breathtaking, you will to. 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