Michigan isn't well known for scattered camping, but there are definitely some scenic spots to camp and free camp in the Great Lakes state. While scattered Michigan campgrounds still remain elusive for many, we have compiled a list of ten (10) places that might interest you…

The camps below were selected based on our own camping experience and popularity with other homeless people…
Droga Bocka
(GPS44.232524, -84.657665) –Au Sable State Forests- This is an isolated area with very few people camping, so be prepared to spend a lot of time alone. The road is quite sandy and smooth. A four wheel drive vehicle or at least planks or wooden rails is needed to help you out. This is a well used area for ATVs and fishing. Michigan land laws apply here, which means a maximum of 15 nights or 21 nights between October 1st and May 1st. Read more aboutBock Road com FreeRoam.
The start of the Marziński horse trail and camp
(GPS44.22542, -86.16242) –Huron Manistee National Forest– This is a free and developed campsite. Although horseback riders make frequent use of the area, you don't need to have a horse to camp here. It's also a popular camping spot for RV and van residents. This camp is full of bugs, expect lots of mosquitoes but also lots of fireflies. Maximum stay of 14 days. Read more aboutThe start of the Marziński Horse Trail and FreeRoam Camp.
The start of the Luzerne horse trail and the camp
(GPS44.58597, -84.29064) –Huron Manistee National Forest– This is a free campsite designed for horse riders, however it is not necessary to have a horse to camp here. It's also a popular camping spot for RV and van residents. This campsite is famous for its dense and dense canopy of trees with a lot of shade. A problem has been noted here with gypsy moths, which are known to cause itchiness and rashes on contact. Read more aboutStart of the Luzerne Horse Track and FreeRoam Camp.
green road
(GPS44.08561, -86.41265) –Huron Manistee National Forest– This dirt road runs about 2 miles through a small section of the Huron Manistee National Forest and provides several small trap points. These sites are too small for large RVs, but still suitable for vans, RVs, and even small RVs. The area is crowded on weekends due to its proximity to Lake Michigan. It is a free campsite, just a few kilometers from the beach. Read more aboutGreen Road in FreeRoam.
Jezioro Whelan
(GPS43.91047, -86.15748) –Huron Manistee National Forest– This is a small lake located in the forests of the state. You can fish here and swim in the lake. While the camp can be difficult to find, there's still no shortage of RVs or ATVs nearby. This is Michigan distributed camping at its finest! Although it's a waterside campsite, it's not that buggy, although you'll still want to bring your favorite mosquito repellent. It is best accessed from the east by taking Walhalla Rd to Aspen Rd. Read more aboutLake Whelan in FreeRoam.
Camping Wetlands
(GPS43.92460, -86.01289) –Huron Manistee National Forest- Located along the south side of the Pere Marquette River, this is a small campsite with 12 campsites, all of which are free for 14 days. This is a very popular campground and if you want to find spaces, plan to arrive mid-week in the afternoon. At night, this campsite fills up. Make sure you bring plenty of mosquito repellent with you. Read more aboutCamping Sulak and FreeRoam.
West Condon Lakes
(GPS43.75751, -85.90021) –Huron Manistee National Forest– There are about six campgrounds on the west shore of Lake Condon. These sites are suitable for small and medium-sized motorhomes and vans. This is another very popular but completely free campsite. You'll want to arrive mid-week, late morning or early afternoon to find an open spot, otherwise you may run out of luck. The GPS coordinates of the access road to the campsite are (43.75468, -85.90410). Read more aboutCondon Lakes West com FreeRoam.
Do Lago Cheau
(GPS45.03178, -84.18301) –Mackinaw State Forests– One of the least used areas for dispersed camping in Michigan. So it's in MichiganMichigan land rulesto use. The roads can be bumpy, but they're still suitable for a trailer or vehicle of any size. Great place to take the kids for swimming, fishing and kayaking. There is a boat launch and restrooms. Read more aboutLake De Cheau in FreeRoam.
Kemping French Farm Pond
(GPS45.75738, -84.76691) –Mackinaw State Forests– Free Campsites Near Mackinaw City, there are six campsites, the first four of which are suitable for large RVs. This is a very popular campsite, so it's worth getting here in the early afternoon to secure a spot. So it's in MichiganMichigan land rulesto use. This is one of the most beautiful campsites for sunsets! Read more aboutCamping French Farm Lake com FreeRoam.
Horseshoe Lake (Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
(GPS46.46200, -86.93020) –Hiawatha National Forest– This small lake is easily accessible, just off State Highway 28, with a dirt road easy enough for any vehicle. It's in a state forest so it's free camping. There are only two places by the lake and the third in the forest. All three locations are "small" and suitable for small to medium sized motorhomes. Enjoy blackberries and wild blueberries. Read more aboutHorseshoe Lake com mode FreeRoam.
Hovey Lake Campground (Upper Peninsula of Michigan)
(GPS46.288597, -86.698681) –Hiawatha National Forest– This is a free campsite located on the shores of Loch Hovey. These are scattered campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There are only four places, all with picnic tables and fire pits. There is also a bathroom. The road is easy enough for any vehicle, although the sites can only handle small to medium motorhomes. Stay away from the lake, it's full of leeches and remember to bring plenty of mosquito repellent. Read more aboutKemping Hovey Lake com FreeRoam.
Haymeadow Creek Campground (Michigan Upper Peninsula)
(GPS46.02072, -86.85749) –Hiawatha National Forest- Free campsite with 5 pitches, each with picnic tables and fire pits. There is also a bathroom. State forests often close this campground due to the presence of black bears, so check with state forests to see if they are closed. What makes this campground popular is that it has a half-mile hiking trail to Haymeadow Creek Falls. Read more aboutCamping Haymeadow Creek in FreeRoam.
Sturgeon River Campground (Michigan Upper Peninsula)
(GPS46.57029, -88.65596) –Ottawa National Forest“It's a small campsite, completely free. There are only seven campsites here and they fill up quickly. We recommend arriving early in the morning if you want to secure a spot. Otherwise access is very easy for any vehicle. Most sites can only accommodate small to medium RVs, but we've found at least one site that can handle a long rig. Mosquitoes are a problem here, so bring plenty of bug spray. Read more aboutSturgeon River Campground no modo FreeRoam.
Sparrow Rapids Campground (Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
(GPS46.50475, -88.94700) –Ottawa National Forest- Another free campground offered by the National Forest Service, Sparrow Rapids has six campgrounds, all large enough to accommodate full-sized trailers. The road is very easy, suitable for any vehicle. Enjoy the sounds of the Sparrow Rapids as they race along the East Branch Ontonagon River. Verizon cell signal is pretty good here. Be sure to study the script when you get here as the Google instructions will get you lost. Read more aboutSparrow Rapids Campground no modo FreeRoam.
Polana (Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
(GPS46.89123, -89.09722) –Private propriety“It is located on land owned by Timber Resource Group (TRG), a logging company. However, people were known to roam their lands frequently. This particular area is in a clearing. If you're feeling adventurous, you can probably camp here as long as you don't interfere with the logging trucks. In winter, the area is popular with snowmobile enthusiasts. Read more aboutCleaning up in FreeRoam.
FAQs
Is Boondocking legal in Michigan? ›
Is Boondocking Legal in Michigan? Boondocking is legal in many parts of Michigan, particularly in the sparsely populated upper peninsula. Michigan has plenty of wide-open spaces, but unlike some states out west, most of it is not government-owned, and there are more restrictions.
Is there any BLM land in Michigan? ›Michigan does not have BLM land but plenty of forest service land. Most of these public lands are located in the northern half of the lower peninsula and through the upper peninsula. If you are really looking to get away from it all look in the upper peninsula (the UP) as it is very remote.
Can you legally camp on state land in Michigan? ›Yes, camping is allowed on Michigan state land. Michigan state lands are managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Existing state laws and regulations in the Great Lakes State allows people to disperse camp (boondocking) on these lands, along with camping in developed campgrounds.
Can you Boondock in Hiawatha National Forest? ›Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites.
What is the difference between boondocking and camping? ›Boondocking is camping without any hookups outside developed campgrounds. Federal agencies refer to boondocking as dispersed camping. Other terms used to describe boondocking include dry camping and off-grid camping.
What land can you camp on for free in Michigan? ›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.
Can you live in a camper in Michigan? ›'Boondocking' or dry camping on public land is generally allowed, but again, local laws apply. You're better off boondocking in rural areas, rather than cities in Michigan, according to Cruise America: Boondocking is legal in many parts of Michigan, particularly in the sparsely populated upper peninsula.
Can you camp in your car in Michigan? ›"Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at a Michigan rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would be also include overnight sleeping. Note: Some rest areas in Michigan have signs posted prohibiting overnight parking and camping."
How long can you live on BLM land? ›The Bureau protects undeveloped public lands. Some BLM areas offer dispersed BLM camping in California at little to no cost. You're typically allowed to stay up to 14 nights on BLM land, and some locations require a permit.
Can you Boondock in Michigan state parks? ›Yes! Boondocking in Michigan is legal, and it's particularly popular in the less densely populated portions of the Upper Peninsula.
Can you set up a tent anywhere in Michigan? ›
You cannot set up your campsite within a 1-mile radius of a rustic state forest campground. You cannot set up your campsite in a game area, recreation area, or a State Park. You have to follow all of the State Land Rules.
What is the quiet period in Michigan DNR? ›“The five-day quiet period creates a window of time, just prior to the opener, in which hunters can catch their breath and the woods have a chance to calm. This period is like pushing a reset button, allowing deer to settle back into their day-to-day patterns, which in turn increases the chances of a successful hunt.”
Can you shower while Boondocking? ›When boondocking, you take a shower just like you would when camped at an RV Park with full hookups. Taking a shower while boondocking doesn't have to be any different. However, most full time boondockers prefer to shower more efficiently.
Can you boondock at Land Between the Lakes? ›Basic and Dispersed Permits:
You may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes. A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area.
And today, it's no different, with several free campsites available for those just passing through. Boondocking, sometimes referred to as dispersed camping, is popular in many areas of the region, as the Smoky Mountains contain miles and miles of public land.
What is RV moochdocking? ›Also known as driveway surfing, moochdocking is a lot like couch surfing in your RV. Basically, you park on someone's driveway or land, and you camp there.
Is it safe to leave your trailer when Boondocking? ›Yes, it is very safe to leave your camper while boondocking. Very rarely do campers, RVs, and trailers get broken into or stolen when boondocking.
What is another name for Boondocking? ›Because you're not connected to any services it's also called “dry camping.” Other terms you might see that all refer to boondocking are “free camping” and “wild camping.”
Is it legal to live in a tent in Michigan? ›In the United States, it is illegal for individuals to live in cars, tents, or other items not deemed suitable for human dwelling. These housing standards exist even if you are on your land. You will need either a structure with a building permit or possess a camping permit.
Can you camp year round in Michigan? ›Many Michiganders pack away their tents and park their RVs for the season once summer abandons the state. Not everyone quits camping when the icy chill of winter kicks in, though. Yes, winter camping is real in Michigan and 15 of Michigan's state parks are open to brave cold-weather campers.
How many state parks in Michigan can you camp on? ›
Michigan's 101 state parks and recreation areas cover 306,000 acres (124,000 ha) with 14,100 campsites in 142 campgrounds and over 900 miles (1,400 km) of trails.
How long can you live in an RV on your own land in Michigan? ›Currently, the ordinance says a camper/travel trailer/motor home can be used for one 30-day period if it is located 1,000 feet or closer to a dwelling. If it is located more than 1,000 feet away, the restrictions aren't clear — it is not specific as to how many are allowed or how long they can be there.
Is it legal to live in your car in Michigan? ›There is no federal or state law that prohibits sleeping in your car.
Can you buy a lot and live in an RV? ›Let's get right into it: Is it legal to live in an RV on land you own? The short answer is: Yes, as long as you live in the right place. The primary factor to consider is your jurisdiction's zoning codes. Most cities have rules that require all places of residence (RVs included) to follow the same ordinances.
Can you sleep overnight at a rest stop in Michigan? ›Can You Sleep Overnight at a Michigan Rest Area? Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at a Michigan rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would also include overnight sleeping.
Can I sleep in my car while camping? ›Can I Sleep in My Car at a Campground? Many campgrounds, including some KOAs, will welcome guests who choose to sleep in their car at a campsite. It's always a good idea to call ahead so that you ensure you're reserving the right type of site for you car camping adventure.
Can I sleep with my car on? ›No, it's not safe to sleep in your car with the engine running. Leaving your car engine turned on while sleeping could lead to dangerous exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide entering the vehicle.
Can you run generator on BLM land? ›Yes, absolutely. As noted, use commonsense and be mindful of your neighbors. Use an appropriate generator and not an open-frame one.
Which state has the most BLM land? ›The state with the highest percentage of federal land is Nevada, of which 80.1%, or 56,262,610 acres of its total landmass is federally managed.
What does BLM do with their land? ›Congress tasked the BLM with a mandate of managing public lands for a variety of uses such as energy development, livestock grazing, recreation, and timber harvesting while ensuring natural, cultural, and historic resources are maintained for present and future use.
Can you drink alcohol at a park in Michigan? ›
Sec. 915. (1) Alcoholic liquor shall not be consumed on the public highways. (2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4), alcoholic liquor may be possessed or consumed in public parks, public places of amusement, or a publicly owned area not licensed to sell for consumption on the premises.
Can you drink alcohol at public parks in Michigan? ›Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks with the exception of Dodge Park and Farmstead Park.
Can I boondock in Yellowstone? ›Yes, boondocking is allowed in Yellowstone National Park. However, boondocking is limited to just tent camping only, and only in specific areas of the park. Yellowstone also requires campers to obtain permits. These boondocking permits require advance reservations.
Where not to set up a tent? ›- – Somewhere illegal. Let's start with the most obvious place where you shouldn't camp. ...
- – Near low-lying areas. ...
- – Near Rivers and Streams. ...
- – Under trees. ...
- – Exposed locations. ...
- – Near roads or high-traffic areas. ...
- – Under cliffs. ...
- – On sharp rocks or anything that can damage your tent.
NO! It is not true that we can camp in Walmart parking lots. Never has Walmart extended an offer to travelers that their parking lots are campgrounds. There is NO camping allowed at Walmarts anywhere.
Who regulates private campgrounds in Michigan? ›Campgrounds are required to be licensed in accordance with the Public Health Code in Michigan, Act 368, PA 1978, as amended. Annual licenses are issued by the Michigan Department of Environment Quality (MDEQ). The state of Michigan contracts with local health departments to annually inspect all campgrounds.
Can Michigan DNR pull you over? ›While conservation officers' mission is to protect Michigan's natural resources and the health and safety of the public through effective law enforcement and education, these certified peace officers also enforce all of Michigan's criminal laws. (Yes, this means they can pull you over for a traffic violation.)
Can DNR come on your property in Michigan? ›“Currently, the DNR uses the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, and the open fields doctrine as an excuse to broadly enter people's private property without obtaining a warrant,” LaFave said.
What is the 5 day quiet period in Michigan? ›“The five-day quiet period creates a window of time, just prior to the opener, in which hunters can catch their breath and the woods have a chance to calm. This period is like pushing a reset button, allowing deer to settle back into their day-to-day patterns, which in turn increases the chances of a successful hunt.”
How to do laundry while boondocking? ›Use Two 5-Gallon Buckets
It's very common to do laundry while boondocking this way. You fill one bucket with about 2 gallons of water along with your favorite laundry detergent. Then you fill the second bucket with about 2 gallons of clean water. You will also need a toilet bowl plunger.
How do you fill water when Boondocking? ›
If you can connect to a spigot, just use your hose to put water into the fresh water tank using the gravity fill. If boondocking with no hose, you will need a funnel to pour water from the tanks into the gravity fill. Again, you will need to access your external water jugs.
How much water needed for boondocking? ›Try to keep at least one gallon of fresh, clean drinking water for each person, each day, while boondocking. Keep in mind that you can offset this recommendation by bringing other beverages like soda, juice, or even fresh fruit.
Can you drink a beer at Land Between the Lakes? ›Alcohol: Public consumption of alcohol in Kentucky is prohibited. In the Tennessee portion of our forest, possessing alcoholic beverages outside designated campsites in Piney and Gatlin Point Campgrounds is prohibited.
What is all about Boondocking? ›Boondocking in an RV is when you camp without hookups to electricity, water, or sewage. You can boondock in many different ways, like staying overnight in a business parking lot or camping on public lands.
What to do when boondocking? ›- Don't park near other campers to avoid annoying them with your generator and vice versa. ...
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not actively using them. ...
- Cook on gas range instead of electric. ...
- Put reflective covers on windows and vents.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
While there are a number of beautiful campsites throughout this large park, the campground at Cades Cove is our pick for top car-camping destination. As one of the most popular gateways to the park, Cades Cove will be crowded, especially in the warmer months.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prohibited dogs in the backcountry since the park was first established in the 1930s for several reasons: Dogs can carry disease into the park's wildlife populations. Dogs can chase and threaten wildlife.
Can you boondock in Mark Twain National Forest? ›The Best Dispersed Camping in Mark Twain National Forest
The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between.
Boondocking is legal in many parts of Michigan, particularly in the sparsely populated upper peninsula. Michigan has plenty of wide-open spaces, but unlike some states out west, most of it is not government-owned, and there are more restrictions.
Can you park overnight in Michigan? ›"Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at a Michigan rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would be also include overnight sleeping. Note: Some rest areas in Michigan have signs posted prohibiting overnight parking and camping."
Can you buy land and then live on it with an RV? ›
Let's get right into it: Is it legal to live in an RV on land you own? The short answer is: Yes, as long as you live in the right place. The primary factor to consider is your jurisdiction's zoning codes. Most cities have rules that require all places of residence (RVs included) to follow the same ordinances.
What is the no parking law in Michigan? ›(1) A vehicle must not be parked, except if necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device, in any of the following places: (a) On a sidewalk. (b) In front of a public or private driveway. (c) Within an intersection.
Is Boondocking safe? ›Whether you're boondocking or staying in a campground, there are hazards. However, boondocking can be less dangerous than campgrounds. Theft is more likely to happen in a campground. A thief will more quickly target a campground than a forest in the middle of nowhere.