You 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 to cut firewood. Dispersed camping in national forests is a great way to save money on your outdoor adventures. Jim DuFresne, author of more than 20 guidebooks and main contributor to www.MichiganTrailMaps.com is a go-to resource for all things hiking and trail-related in Michigan. Primitive, Dispersed Camping. RV Camping in Michigan’s National Parks Michigan is home to two national lakeshores, and we cover Sleeping Bear Dunes in depth here. Two of them have picnic tables and fire rings. And, it’s free!!! Site Number 3 is located on a point in the southwest corner of the lake where you can pitch your tent with a 180-degree view of the water. Campsites are typically located near drinking water and primitive toilet facilities (unlike backcountry options listed below). RV Parks. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered.You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.. Our community provides the best free camping information available. Just five miles from Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the wooded and peaceful Empire Township Campground offers … Find more Class A, Class C, Class B, trailers, fifth wheel trailers and more at Outdoorsy! ". Many destinations across the state offer the best family camping in Michigan. For a list of rules for dispersed camping in Michigan state forests, see this page on the DNR’s website. Are you looking for a rustic camping experience? Best Camping in Michigan on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 464 camping in Michigan, United States. The campsites on the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few, if any amenities. From what I understand, dispersed camping must be done on state land. Throw on your backpack (or camp from your vehicle) and make your own campsite in a state forest. If there’s one thing we could do without when off on a camping trip, it’s the crowds. Wakeley Lake Foot Travel Area is east of Grayling in the Huron-Manistee National Forests and is best known for its catch-and-release fishery that produces six-pound bass and foot-long bluegills. I wanted to reach out to know if anyone has any spots for dispersed camping that they'd be willing to share. Backpacking (dispersed camping) in state forests. Participate in a host of recreational activities including hiking, … You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Bluesource/DNR Big Wild Forest Carbon Project, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils, See a map of state forests and campgrounds, Ionia Recreation Area - Beechwood Rustic Hike-in, Pinckney Recreation Area - Blind Lake Rustic Hike-in, Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Rustic Hike-in, Waterloo Recreation Area - The Pines Rustic Hike-In. Site Number 3 is located on a point in the southwest corner of the lake where you can pitch your tent with a 180-degree view of the water. In this video I’ll show you how to find the boondock areas of Michigan using Google maps and GAIA. Camping in Michigan. The Definitive Guide to Camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These campsites aren't outfitted with amenities (ie. Campers Choice Awards Best Camping of 2020 What You Need to Know Before Boondocking. Expert RVers visited 756 RV Parks in Michigan. These sites are located at the top of the island in a semi-open area that commands a great view of the surrounding lakes as well as your neighbors below. About the Author: Jim DuFresne is the author of more than 20 guidebooks and the main contributor to MichiganTrailMaps.com, a resource web site for hikers, backpackers, cross-country skiers and other trail users. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. We're still at Lake Michigan Recreation Area just south of Manistee, MI.