Where Can I Hike And Camp In Michigan?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The following applies:

cannot be located in a state park, recreation area, state forest campground or state game area and must be located more than one mile from state forest campgrounds

. The campsite or adjacent area cannot be posted “No Camping.”

Where can you go camping for free in Michigan?

  • Green Road Dispersed.
  • Cooper Creek Road.
  • Whelan Lake Campground.
  • French Farm Lake Campground.
  • Raco Airfield Dispersed Camping.
  • Shelldrake Dam.
  • Rhody Creek Trail.
  • Sturgeon River Campground.

Where can I camp in Michigan without a reservation?

  • Platte River Campground (Address: 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Beulah, MI 49617) …
  • D.H. Day Campground (Address: 8010 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636) …
  • Mouth Of Two-Hearted River Campground (35 miles NE of Newberry)

Where is dispersed camping allowed in Michigan?

Backpacking (dispersed camping) in

state forests

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. It's free of charge.

Can you pitch a tent anywhere in Michigan?

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. Generally speaking,

you can do dispersed camping on any state-owned land, except state parks, recreation areas, forests, and game areas

.

Where can I live in my camper year round in Michigan?

  • Warren Dunes State Park – Sawyer. …
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise. …
  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Ontonagon. …
  • Sturgeon Falls – Sidnaw. …
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Munising. …
  • Muskegon State Park – Muskegon.

Is there 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.

Can you sleep in your car in Michigan state parks?

Yes. Because Michigan rest areas are open 24 hours a day, you can arrive at a rest area during night time hours and park overnight for an indefinite period of time. With no specified maximum time limit,

overnight parking is effectively permitted

.

Where are the campsites in Michigan?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has launched a capability that allows campers the ability to see if there are openings at any of the State Park Campgrounds.

The DNR has a new online map that reports availability at state campgrounds

to make it easier to find mid-week availability on short notice.

Can I live in an RV on my own land in Michigan?

Can you live in a camper in Michigan?

You can live in your camper in Michigan in some townships but not all However, it will always be legal to do so in an official RV or mobile home park

. Aside from being registered, you should make sure you follow any zoning ordinances in place.

Can you camp in Michigan state parks?


Camping reservations at state parks can be booked up to six months in advance

, and overnight lodging and shelter reservations can be made up to a year in advance. The majority of the state forest campgrounds are first come, first served.

How can I camp for cheap?

  1. Rent or Borrow Equipment. …
  2. Check Out Thrift Stores and the REI Garage Sale. …
  3. Use What You Have at Home. …
  4. Camp Close to Home. …
  5. Fill Up On Cheap Gas. …
  6. Cook Simple Meals Over the Campfire. …
  7. Make a Meal Plan.

Can I camp on national forest land in Michigan?


A permit is NOT required to camp on National Forest System lands outside of designated campgrounds

. Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use.

Can you camp in national forests in Michigan?


Dispersed and Primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or “No Camping”

. No RV hook-ups are available for water, sewage or electric at any campground.

What is random camping?

Random backcountry camping refers to

camping that involves hiking, biking, paddling or horseback riding to a camping destination that does not have established facilities

.

Can you live in an RV all year round in Michigan?


Yes, winter camping is real in Michigan

and 15 of Michigan's state parks are open to brave cold-weather campers. If you feel like you are up to the challenge, here's a look at the parks where you can rent a campsite, cabin or yurt and enjoy the Michigan outdoors during the off season.

Which Michigan state parks are open year round?

Campgrounds that remain open in the winter include

Fort Custer, Algonac, Bay City, Ludington, North Higgins Lake, Portage Lake Campground and Tahquamenon Falls

.

Does Michigan have year round RV parks?

The Marina & Campground boasts 28 acres of park-like setting for boat owners and campers to enjoy.”

Harbortown RV Resort – Open all year

. Go-kart track; batting cages; mini golf and arcade. Waldenwoods Resort – Waldenwoods Resort is open year-round and centered among 1500 acres on a 150-acre natural spring fed lake.

Is Boondocking legal in Michigan?

Michigan offers a lot of opportunities for boondocking, as

it can be done on any state-owned land with the exception of state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, or state game area campgrounds

.

Can you camp on your own property in Michigan?

The proposed amendment would no longer require permits for camping on private property, no matter the proximity to a dwelling; currently,

permits are required

. 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.

Are golf carts allowed in Michigan state campgrounds?

New rules will restrict what types of unlicensed motorized devices may be used on interior roads at state parks and recreation areas in Michigan, and will

exclude golf carts

, motorized skateboards, battery-powered scooters and little, plastic Barbie Jeeps.

How many days can you stay at a Michigan state park?

Anyone can make a reservation at a state park for

up to 15 days

, but many people try to game the system by making a long-term reservation, but then changing their plans.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.