Whelan Lake Special Area is a 2,800 acre area located near the south branch of the Pere Marquette River. This is the essential information before you head out! Help stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. This includes where you can legally camp, what the various rules are, and what to bring. There are no amenities of any kind here, though, so youll want to come well-prepared. Besides the interactive online map mentioned above, you can also use the MVUMs motor vehicle use maps supplied by the United States Forest Service. French Farm Lake dispersed camping is located on the far northern tip of the lower peninsula just outside the town of Mackinaw City. Marzinski Horse Trailhead & Campground at FreeRoam, Luzerne Horse Trailhead & Campground on FreeRoam, Free Camping at Kansas State Fishing Lakes. On these lands, dispersed camping is broadly allowed, with the exception of areas where this kind of activity is explicitly forbidden. Water levels can become fairly shallow during dry summer months. Another thing worth pointing out is that this zone is very popular. The Little Manistee River offers many opportunities for steelhead and trout fishing. Youll be right next to the Robbins Pond itself and therell be nothing but miles of wonderful nature in every direction. The Manistee River Trail follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills. As riders travel through the forest they will see a wide variety of scenery types. Dont forget pitching a tent within a 1-mile radius of a rustic state forest campground is not allowed. GPS coordinates for the campground access road is (43.75468, -85.90410). Tree species vary from cedar-hemlock, ash, elm, sugar and red maple, and basswood in the lowland portions to mixed oak, pine and aspen in the upland areas. Although its true that this state is not the first thing that comes to peoples minds when someone mentions camping or hiking, a lot of outdoor enthusiasts end up surprised by the sheer number of places in Michigan where one can pitch a tent and enjoy the breathtaking wilderness. Currently the White River is designated Scenic by the State 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. In pre-European settlement times, Native Americans used the river as a travel route. There is a vault toilet available, but no drinking water so youll want to plan accordingly. 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. Its on Michigan state land, thus Michigan state land rules apply. Choosing a dispersed camping site has some This is a very popular campground, and you should plan to arrive mid-week in the afternoon if you want to find availability. 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. 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. Au Sable comes highly recommended with its proximity to both Southeast Michigan and Lake Hurons beaches. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. How Do I Find Dispersed Camping Areas in Michigan? As riders travel on this trail they will pass by a variety of scenary types. Medicine Bow National Forest Camping Limits, Special Order On Vast State and National Forests, thick woodlands, and shores along three of the great lakes makes dispersed camping in Michigan a cant miss experience. All three sites are smallish suitable for small to medium sized RVs. There is one more official resource for finding Michigans best areas for dispersed camping. 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. The Pine River provides a unique recreation experience for lower Michigan, supporting quality opportunities for a diversity of recreation activities in a relatively undeveloped setting. Two of these, Hiawatha & Ottawa, are located on Michigans Upper Peninsula, while Huron-Manistee is located on the Lower Peninsula. C. ARD . WebWelcome to the Southern Gateway of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The campsite must not be located in an area posted as No Camping This one is obvious! The Manistee River, from Tippy Dam to the M-55 Bridge, is a designated National Recreation River. While horseback riders use this area frequently, you dont have to have a horse to camp here. Verizon cell signal is pretty good here. The roads can be rough, but its still suitable for any size RV or vehicle. Great place to take kids for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. 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. Located in Huron-Manistee National Forest, the camping area is close to both Lake Michigan as well as right on the Marzinski Horse Trail. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. It is broadly allowed on these lands, expect where it is explicitly prohibited. Behind this peculiar name hides a dispersed camping area that is situated just outside Mackinaw City, on the northern tip of Michigans Lower Penninsula. People have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Au Sable for hundreds of years. Generally speaking, all National Forests permit some form of dispersed camping and have similar rules and regulations. Another great resource for finding dispersed campsites in Michigans State Forests is their excellent interactive State Forest Map. It is, however, an absolutely beautiful area to pitch your tent in. WebDispersed BLM camping in a dry lake bed just outside of Joshua Tree. Now, lets dive in and take a look at our Top 10 Michigan free, dispersed camping areas located across the state. However, the rules do vary a bit from one National Forest to another, which is precisely why I recommend doing a bit of online research before actually heading to any of these places. 517-741-7004. However, keep in mind that youre probably going to have a difficult time turning your large rig here. To the west, youll find some picturesque Lake Michigan beaches, as well as the charming town of Ludington. For information on the NCNST visit the National Park Servicewww.nps.gov/noco/index.htm. ( Its another very popular campground, but completely free. An official website of the As its name suggests, it is comprised of two separate forests. Read more about Hovey Lake Campground on FreeRoam. A few of the sites can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, although we wouldnt recommend this site for those with very large rigs. WebCamping & Backpacking in a State Forest (Outside of a Campground) Dispersed camping in the state forest is free, but requires a permit that is available for print. There is no camping within 200 feet of any body of water, except at designated sites. Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. Getting to Whelan Lake can be a little tricky as Google Maps doesnt seem to correctly route campers here. This is a popular campground during fishing season. Is Camping Allowed on Michigan State Land? This is a particularly great option if youre looking for a camping area with some amenities. Lake Perrault is located on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the northern most section of the UP. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). WebBackpacking 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 connected to the .gov website. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great Michigan dispersed camping trip . Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Read more about The Clearing on FreeRoam. Our Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Story has more information on what is being done to protect this special place and how you can help. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. 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. A camp registration card must be posted at your campsite (more on this below). Share sensitive information only These sites are suitable for small to medium sized RVs and vans. Its best accessible from the east by taking Walhalla Rd to Aspen Rd. 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. While it doesnt have a reliable water source, Haymeadow Creek has picnic tables and vault toilets. If theres a fire ring at your camping spot, use it. Read more about Luzerne Horse Trailhead & Campground on FreeRoam. To the west of Whelan Lake youll find the town of Ludington as well as some nice beaches on Lake Michigan. Most sites can only accommodate small to medium sized RVs, but we found at least one site that could handle a long rig. Read more about French Farm Lake Campground on FreeRoam. WebHiawatha National Forest - Camping & Cabins:Dispersed Camping Dispersed Camping Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed There are a number of dispersed fishing access sites along the river, some of which allow camping. While this is not a genuine dispersed camping area, it provides outdoor enthusiasts with a feeling of solitude with its well-spaced camping spots. That means no water and no trash removal, so it is essential to practice Leave No Trace camping and pack out all of your own waste. The road in is quite sandy and soft. 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. To keep both your dog and the forest creatures safe, leash it. 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. This is a very popular campground, so youll want to get here early in the afternoon to secure a site. 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 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 river has many bends and large logs. Only have a campfire if it is permitted, and always be sure it is completely extinguished. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. 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. After sixteen (16) days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. For finding dispersed camping areas in Michigan, I would recommend using a combination of USFS maps, online websites, and smartphone apps. As you may have guessed, the star gazing from here is amazing! United States government. There are no designated campsites here, but you will find some established fire rings. However, that doesnt mean there arent important rules you should always following when dispersed camping. In addition to USFS land, Michigan also has a network of State Forests that permit dispersed camping. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As Ive said above, camping in one of the State Forests of Michigan cannot be done without a camp registration card. A 4WD vehicle is required, or at least wood boards or tracks to help you get unstuck. Enjoy the sounds of Sparrow Rapids as they wash along the East Branch Ontonagon River. The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. The road in is easy enough for any vehicle, though the sites can handle only small to medium sized RVs. This campground is buggy, expect lots of mosquitoes, but also plenty of fireflies too. The sites are well spread out, easy to access, and there is tons to do in the surrounding area. Greenleaf Lake was constructed in 1939 and is over 930 acres, with an 18-mile hiking trail that wraps around the lake. This map allows you to see state forest boundaries as well as rustic state forest campgrounds and look for areas that permit dispersed camping. The US Forest Services manages three National Forests within Michigan. In addition, I will also provide some general advice on this type of outdoor activity where is dispersed camping allowed, what you should pack for it, and other important considerations. A permit is NOT required to camp on National Forest System lands outside of designated campgrounds. 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. Click here for additional information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers. (GPS 46.288597, -86.698681) Hiawatha National Forest This is a free campground located on the banks of Hovey Lake. 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. While this is a formal campground, there are many dispersed camping opportunities in the immediate vicinity of Haymeadow Creek. This is dispersed camping in Michigan at its finest! If you feel up to it, you can likely get away with camping here, as long as you stay out of the way of logging trucks. (GPS 43.91047, -86.15748) Huron Manistee National Forest This is a small lake nestled within the national forest. 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. Read more about Bock Road at FreeRoam. Scenery is one of the most outstanding attributes of the river. The Pine River has the fastest average flow of any river in lower Michigan. The camping area is just off the main road leading the French Farm Lake, but before you reach the lake itself. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. This area is also within the Manistee River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, a 7,900 acre area of the Forest. These commissions help me pay for the site expenses. Recreation areas near the Wakeley Lake. (GPS 44.232524, -84.657665) Au Sable State Forest This is an isolated area where very few people camp, so be prepared for plenty of alone time. Its on Michigan state land, thus 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. R. EGISTRATION . If youve read the sections above you should have a good overview of the rules and regulations surrounding dispersed camping in Michigan. 112 miles of trail run through the Huron portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Although the lake itself is quite beautiful, it is not recommended for swimming as it is quite shallow and murky. For that matter, its very important that you do your best and not spread invasive weeds while camping in Michigan. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. 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. Youre advised to arrive early in the day if you want to secure a site. Climb through a log jam, use a peavey, cut a wooden cookie with a cross-cut saw, and learn about the life of a lumberjack through video and displays. The river is wide and characterized by steep banks and sharp bends, with a swift current and mostly slow, wide bends. The Bowman Lake Special Area is 1,100 acres and has both the Pere Marquette and North Country National Scenic Trail going through it. There is fishing here, and the lake is swimmable. Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? First Michigan dispersed camping area Ill be taking a look at is the Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground. The dunes themselves are just a short distance form the campsites and make the perfect day trip to explore the lakeshore and unique environment. 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. The forest on either side of the river is primarily stands of oak, maple and aspen hardwoods mixed with red and white pine. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. Regulations and Rules Concerning Michigan Dispersed Camping. 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. I will provide some additional information on Michigan State Forests and dispersed camping you can do in them down below. These State Forests are located throughout Michigan, and are a true hidden gem for campers. At DNR offices and field offices you can get the posters that you are to post when There is also a restroom facility. Segments of the State of Michigan snowmobile trail system and Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail (MCCCT) system are located immediately south of the area. The trail is marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees and cedar signs. Never knew there were so many places like that to camp. 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. Get 20% here. Confidence markers are orange triangles. Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. Highly recommended! What makes this campground is popular is that it has a 1/2 mile hiking trail to Haymeadow Creek Falls. This is a simple form to fill out, but you must do so in advance and print out to post at your campsite. While it doesnt have any reliable water sources, the Marzinski Horse Trail Camp has vault toilets. 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. 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. Three sections of the White River are currently being study for inclusion as a National Scenic River. They will, however, help you navigate a plethora of Forest Service roads running through Michigans National Forests. Hiawatha National Forest Near Wetmore, Michigan. Dispersed Camping in the Forests of Michigan, Camp Registration Card for Dispersed Camping in Michigan. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker! 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. The Bowman Lake area is located in Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County. What is more, this card has to be prominently posted at your campsite as long as youre staying in it. Situated just north of the Michigan-Wisconsin border, in the Ottawa National Forest, this place has only three campsites in total. The North Country National Scenic Trail is being constructed across federal, state, county and private land. The State Forests are located throughout Michigan and include the following: Those wishing to pitch their tents in one of these forests are required to follow these rules: If you need a tent recommendation, check out our Coleman tent review. Make sure to study a road map when getting here because Googles directions will get you lost. 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. This free camping area has all the hallmarks of great dispersed camping in Michigan. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. This campground is noted for its thick, dense canopy of trees with lots of shade. The road around the lake itself has several good campsites, although recently it has been hit or miss if the road is open. Read more about Sulak Campground on FreeRoam. Its free camping, while being just a couple miles from the beach. Items like used toilet paper always need to be packed out. 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. This does not include trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail or Hungerford Recreation Area. I would recommend packing a quality bug spray as well a lot of people who have been here reported that mosquitoes can get pretty bad. Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. A lot of campers report that Google Maps is not correctly routing outdoor enthusiasts here, so reaching Whelan Lake can be quite challenging. The McKinley Trail Camp is one of the best options for folks looking to spend some time in the magnificent Huron National Forest. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. Green Road is located within the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, which is part of Huron-Manistee National Forest. The only services at Robbins Pond is a simple pit toilet, so youll need to come prepared with your own water. 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). The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. While camping at the McKinley Trail Camp, youll be able to visit the Shore to Shore Horse Trail and the Au Sable River. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. You can primitive camp anywhere in the boundaries of the national forest fee free. Read more about Marzinski Horse Trailhead & Campground at FreeRoam. Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. The camping spots themselves are located everywhere around the lake. Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to fourteen (14) days. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a. 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. 5. There are several river access sites, day use areas and campgrounds located along this section of river. (GPS 46.89123, -89.09722) Private Property This is located on land owned by Timber Resource Group (TRG), a logging company. 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 Natural River designation includes the main stem and major tributaries. This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. AuSable River Dispersed Camping is a unique series of 102 The Pearl Lake area is a great example of dispersed camping in Michigan that is not on federally owned property. You need to be self-contained. One thing youre definitely going to be dealing with here is mosquitoes. Unfortunately, however, there are no amenities of any kind at French Farm Lake, which means that youll have to come here fully prepared. Where can you camp for free in Michigan? 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. Thats it! Here are the links to the relevant motor vehicle use maps: The best thing about dispersed camping is undoubtedly the fact that it can be done without things that usually go hand in hand with pitching a tent on a developed campground. This would be the State Forest Map, supplied by the Department of Natural Resources for Michigan. Backwater bayous, extensive riparian areas and mature forest communities provide habitat for a diverse number of wildlife species. Read more about Sturgeon River Campground on FreeRoam. Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. Located in the aforementioned Huron-Manistee National Forest, more precisely within the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, the Green Road has received numerous positive reviews over the last few decades. WebOn the Medicine Bow National Forest, the stay limit is 16 days in a 30-day period while dispersed camping. 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. These National Forests are always our first recommendation to find dispersed campsites. One particularly great thing about this zone is that its rarely crowded, even in the middle of summer. (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 following sections have all the critical info you need to understand the rules and regulations around dispersed camping in Michigan. There are only seven campsites here, and they do fill up fast. In other words, this particular campground is not the best choice for folks with larger RVs. Dispersed and Primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". 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