Best Free Camping In Michigan - Campendium

By Jonathan Clemmer

Michigan is a great state for camping. With millions of acres of national & state forests, 11,000 lakes, over 3000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, and 100 state parks, you’re sure to find a spot. Finding a free camping spot may take a bit more work, but if you are resourceful and willing to travel, you will likely be able to find something that suits you.

Free Camping in the Lower Peninsula

In the lower peninsula, the Huron-Manistee National Forest (the Huron on the east side of the state and the Manistee on the west) is a great place to start. With close to 1 million acres and hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, there are many inexpensive campsites to be found in addition to the countless dispersed campsites within the forests.

Among those that are free - on the Manistee side closest to Lake Michigan - look for Cooper Creek Road and Green Road near the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. The Nordhouse Dunes are a great place to explore as well as camp. The National Forest Service has a helpful map and brochure that explains all the details. A great hike can be had from several approaches to the Big Sable Point Light House.

Despite the area having a remote feel, the Upper Hamlin Grocery Store on Nurnberg Road is a conveniently located stop for fresh water, a dump station, and supplies. The Lake Michigan National Recreation Area is just to the north and Ludington State Park to the south.

Further into the Manistee National Forest are a half dozen free campsites. In the north section, east of the town of Manistee, is the Government Landing Campground on the Manistee River just upstream from the Tippy Dam. There are another half dozen mostly lakeside rustic camping areas further south in the forest.

Moving to the east side of the state and the Huron National Forest, there are 4 free camping areas along the Michigan Shore to Shore Horse Trail. While designed for horse trailers and riders, these camping areas can also accommodate campers (who like horses) - Luzerne Horse Trail Campground & Trailhead,