Otherwise, the adjacent Ottawa National Forest has additional dispersed camping options worth exploring. 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. Read more about Condon Lakes West at FreeRoam. Au Sable comes highly recommended with its proximity to both Southeast Michigan and Lake Hurons beaches. This section includes all recreation areas along M-55 or a short distance from M-55 located between Cadillac andManistee, except the Pine and Manistee Rivers. The feeling of being deep in nature is definitely there, since youll be quite secluded while spending time at Hovey Lake. This is a particularly great option if youre looking for a camping area with some amenities. There are no services at Lake Perrault, so youll need to properly dispose of all waste and come prepared to be self-sufficient. It is, however, an absolutely beautiful area to pitch your tent in. The next area on my list is one that has all the attributes of amazing dispersed camping in this part of the United States. After sixteen (16) days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? Thank you for the information on dispersed camping in Michigan. The camping spots themselves are located everywhere around the lake. However, before setting out on your Michigan dispersed camping adventure, youll want to equip yourself with some good background information. The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. Official websites use .gov A .gov For that matter, make sure to practice the leave no trace principles while spending time there. 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. Youre also close to the beach here as well as Headlands International Dark Sky Park. McKinley and River Road Campgrounds on the Shore to Shore Trail. The dispersed sites along Green Road vary from simple pull outs on the side of the road, to larger areas that feel a bit more secluded. One final resource for finding dispersed camping in Michigan is to utilize the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the three National Forests. Verizon cell signal is pretty good here. There are only four sites here, all with picnic tables and fire rings. This map allows you to see state forest boundaries as well as rustic state forest campgrounds and look for areas that permit dispersed camping. 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 Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. 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. Although not traditional dispersed camping, the sites here are free and well spaced out. This river is not navigable for canoeing or boating, however it is an excellent river for cold-water fishing. The only services at Robbins Pond is a simple pit toilet, so youll need to come prepared with your own water. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. (GPS 44.08561, -86.41265) Huron Manistee National Forest This dirt road runs for about 2 miles through a small portion of the Huron Manistee National Forest and provides several small boondocking sites. Want a more rustic camping experience? Backpacking or car camping (also known as dispersed camping) is permitted on state forest land as long as your site is located more than one mile from a state forest campground. In addition, there are designated sites in state parks and recreation areas that typically can only be reached by foot or boat. Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard? Getting to Whelan Lake can be a little tricky as Google Maps doesnt seem to correctly route campers here. 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. You can download the camp registration card on this website. A map is also located on the MI-DNRE website. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. 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. 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. Campers also report low branches along the way in. Located south of Munising in the Hiawatha National Forest, Pete's Lake Recreation Area has 41 rustic sites, including two for walk-in campers. This will include where you are allowed to pitch your tent and how to find these areas. Its one of the prettiest campgrounds for sunsets! Try the PRO version for free and download offline maps. 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. Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? These State Forests are located throughout Michigan, and are a true hidden gem for campers. Items like used toilet paper always need to be packed out. Where to Camp for Free in Cherokee National Forest, Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds in Arizona, Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake National Park. And even though you should have no trouble driving down this road in your regular passenger car, keep in mind that turning around in a larger vehicle may be a bit difficult. 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 road around the lake itself has several good campsites, although recently it has been hit or miss if the road is open. This is a popular campground during fishing season. Choosing a dispersed camping site has some Robbins Pond is a designated dispersed campground with just three campsites located in Ottawa National Forest just north of the Wisconsin border with the Upper Peninsula. The terrain is mostly flat through mixed hardwood forest and pine. The river is wide and characterized by steep banks and sharp bends, with a swift current and mostly slow, wide bends. You can access the Camp Registration Card here. WebJackpine Lake Dispersed Campsite, for example, has two sites on the shores of its eponymous lake, known for bass, bluegills, perch and bullheads. 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. As its name suggests, it is comprised of two separate forests. While the best course of action is to just contact the local field office and find out everything about the regulations concerning the particular area youre planning to camp in, here are some general rules you should always follow while engaging in this activity: When it comes to washing your clothes and other stuff, always do it at least 200 feet away from wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers. However, people have been known to boondock on their lands frequently. Get 20% here. 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. Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid This area gets crowded on weekends due to its close proximity to Lake Michigan. To camp inside the Nordhouse Dunes zone, you will have to pay a small fee, which is, in my opinion, a trivial price to pay for accessing such a gorgeous area. Although this isnt a dispersed camping area in the true sense of that term, its sites are both well-spaced out and completely free to camp at. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. Official websites use .gov A .gov Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. 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. In the winter, this area is popular with snowmobile riders. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great Michigan dispersed camping trip . Mosquitoes are a problem here, so bring lots of repellent. Another great resource for finding dispersed campsites in Michigans State Forests is their excellent interactive State Forest Map. 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. Vast State and National Forests, thick woodlands, and shores along three of the great lakes makes dispersed camping in Michigan a cant miss experience. (GPS 46.02072, -86.85749) Hiawatha National Forest A free campground with 5 sites, each with picnic tables and fire rings. Looking for more dispersed camping content? Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! This campground is buggy, expect lots of mosquitoes, but also plenty of fireflies too. LockA locked padlock A few of the sites can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, although we wouldnt recommend this site for those with very large rigs. WebMichigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division . You will, therefore, have to bring your own water. A good option for those looking for free and dispersed camping in Huron National Forest is the McKinley Trail Camp. Its a popular campground for RVers and van dwellers too. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that there are no rules at all. C. AMP . Its dispersed camping in Michigan on the Upper Peninsula. There are, however, vault toilets and a few established fire rings always a big plus in my book! Generally speaking, all National Forests permit some form of dispersed camping and have similar rules and regulations. 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. In the aforementioned State and National Forests of Michigan, you will find far fewer campers than you would in the Rockies. WebWelcome to the Southern Gateway of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The Au Sable National Scenic River stretches 23-miles, from Mio to Alcona Pond. Just like in the case of almost all other Upper Peninsula camping areas, you will want to come to this place well-prepared. Green Road dispersed camping is in Free Soil, Michigan. The Au Sable National Scenic River, is a 23-mile portion of the Au Sable River that stretches from Mio to Alcona Pond. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. I will provide some additional information on Michigan State Forests and dispersed camping you can do in them down below. Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. Recreation areas located near Hoist and Reid Lakes, north of the Au Sable River in the northeast corner of the Huron National Forest. Its on national forest land, so its free camping. Read more about Horseshoe Lake on FreeRoam. In other words, there is no need for reservations, permits, fees, and similar requirements. 4. You also cannot camp near developed campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. 112 miles of trail run through the Huron portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. (GPS 46.50475, -88.94700) Ottawa National Forest Another free campground offered by the National Forest Service, Sparrow Rapids has six campsites, all large enough for full sized RVs. This is the essential information before you head out! While not technically dispersed camping, McKinley Trail Camp is free and the sites are well spaced giving campers a feeling of solitude. Confidence markers are orange triangles. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Besides the fact that its a great place to camp on its own, Lake Perrault Dispersed Campground is also close to the Baraga State Forest Area and the town of Houghton. The Pearl Lake area is a great example of dispersed camping in Michigan that is not on federally owned property. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. An official website of the That means that in Michigan, dispersed camping can generally be found in any of the three national forests (more details on those below) by looking along Forest Service roads or inquiring directly with the Ranger District Office where you plan to camp. 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. 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. Green Road is located within the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, which is part of Huron-Manistee National Forest. Our free printable cheat sheet outlines how to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. The trail is mostly on a 0 - 10% grade, with some short sections at a 30% grade. Our forests are carefully managed to provide a balance between recreation and conservation. The Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground is located in Hiawatha National Forest on Michigans Upper Peninsula. (285) Major Cell Coverage Issues. We recommend using a combination of online apps/websites and USFS maps to find dispersed campsites. 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 46.89123, -89.09722) Private Property This is located on land owned by Timber Resource Group (TRG), a logging company. 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. Wildlife abounds and fishing is a popular activity. A lot of campers report that Google Maps is not correctly routing outdoor enthusiasts here, so reaching Whelan Lake can be quite challenging. 8100views 15 March 10, 2022 Updated on September 2, 2022, Michigan is not well-known for dispersed camping, but there are definitely some picturesque places for free camping and boondocking in the Great Lakes State. Although the lake itself is quite beautiful, it is not recommended for swimming as it is quite shallow and murky. 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. But, before lighting your campfire, make sure you have a bucket of water ready and available. This area contains all recreation sites located near the Corsair Area, located south of the AuSable River and River Road NationalScenic River in the southeast corner of the Huron National Forest. A 3-mile segment of the NCT is located within this area and mountain biking is allowed on this section of trail. This is mostly due to the fact that its very close to the stunning Lake Michigan, but also because its very easy to access (you can reach it with a regular passenger vehicle) and due to the privacy of its sites. 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. Enjoy the sounds of Sparrow Rapids as they wash along the East Branch Ontonagon River. Read more about Haymeadow Creek Campground on FreeRoam. Store your food and water securely and safely. This particular dispersed camping zone can be found right next to the road that leads to the French Farm Lake mentioned above. Read more about Sturgeon River Campground on FreeRoam. In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan. Greenleaf Lake was constructed in 1939 and is over 930 acres, with an 18-mile hiking trail that wraps around the lake. Youll be right next to the Robbins Pond itself and therell be nothing but miles of wonderful nature in every direction. Site Number President Ronald Reagan signed the law establishing the segment of river as a National Scenic River on October 4, 1984. Not the case. Its on Michigan state land, thus (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. The road in is very easy, suitable for any vehicle. The road in is easy enough for any vehicle, though the sites can handle only small to medium sized RVs. Where can you camp for free in Michigan? All Rights Reserved. You can easily string this place together with some other Upper Peninsula dispersed campsites mentioned in this article. 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. Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power? Read more about Sparrow Rapids Campground on FreeRoam. Things to remember when disperse camping: The campsite must not be located in a designated state park, recreation area, rustic state forest campground, or game area. 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. The one that is located on the Lower Peninsula of Michigan Huron-Manistee is actually not contiguous. website belongs to an official government organization in the Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:No, but may be able to pull from Mammoth CreekCrowds:BusyMap. ) or https:// means you've safely The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. Anglers are lured by the annual salmon and steelhead runs, as well as brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye. Even if youre not planning on bringing horses, this is still a great place to dispersed camp given the location. Crazy Jug Point offers lip-of-the-canyon car side camping that blows away the notion that Grand Canyons grandeur comes with a crowd. 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. Tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan, similar. 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