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Camping & Cabins

Developed campgrounds provide amenities such as bathrooms, fire rings, picnic tables and sometimes additional amenities like a boat launch. Some campgrounds and/or campsites can accommodate RVs, while others are better suited to tent camping. No RV hook-ups are available for water, sewage or electric at any campground. Several campgrounds recommend or require a reservation online via Recreation.gov.

Dispersed Camping:

You do not need to pay a fee or obtain a permit to dispersed camp (outside of a designated campground) on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Dispersed and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping." Dispersed camping is NOT allowed within 200 feet of a river, lake, stream, or other body of water. Follow Leave No Trace Principles.

Campfires:

Before having a campfire, check to make sure there are no fire restrictions in place. Do not build a campfire in hazardous, dry conditions. Extinguish your campfire completely before leaving. Follow all campfire safety and fire prevention guidelines.

Visitors can gather firewood for a campfire on-forest without a wood permit to cut firewood. Make sure to collect - or buy- firewood nearby to prevent the spread of insects and disease.

A picnic table near a beach.
A paved road. Vault toilet building. Green trees.
Kayaks on a concrete boat ramp.
Campground entrance with bulletin board on right and campsite on left.
A fire ring and picnic table.
A table and fire ring next to a lake.
Tables and fire rings in a group campsite.
Two horses hitched to a highline.
Four benches around a fire ring with hitching posts in the background.
A bench and picnic table near a lake.
Showing: 1 - 10 of 60 results

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area
Water Activities Fishing
As visitors exit McKinley Road to enter the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook,  they will first see a panoramic vista of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River. An exemplary setting for…

Au Sable River Backcountry Campsites
Fishing Water Activities
Au Sable River Primitive Camping is not a physical campground located at one location. A series of 102 individually designated single-family campsites are located on a 55-mile stretch of the Au Sable…

Bear Track Campground
Site Open
Fishing Water Activities Hiking
Bear Track got its name many years ago from a bear track found while building the site. A 1.5 mile trail connects the campground to the North Country National Scenic Trail. Fishing is a popular…

Benton Lake Campground
Site Open
Picnicking Fishing Water Activities
Benton Lake is a 33-acre lake completely surrounded by National Forest land. The North Country National Scenic Trail is located off Pierce Drive, about 2 miles east of the campground entrance road.…

Blacksmith Bayou River Access
Site Open
Fishing Water Activities Picnicking
One of many bayous along the lower portion of the river, Blacksmith is an oxbow lake left from an old river channel. The river channel moves during geologic time, creating new meanders in the…

Bowman Bridge Campground
Site Open
Water Activities Fishing Hiking Picnicking
The section of the river from Gleason's Landing to Bowman Bridge flows through a long stretch of federal ownership. This is one of the most popular stretches of river, and Bowman Bridge River Access…

Brush Lake Campground
Water Activities Fishing
The campground is located on the shores of Brush Lake, which is entirely surrounded by National Forest System lands. There is a drive-in boat launch on the eastern shore of the river and a smaller…

Buttercup Backcountry Campsites
Water Activities Fishing Picnicking
A small, quiet campground, this site is primarily used by river paddlers. Located in stands of mixed hardwoods and pine, campers may be surprised by a wildlife visitor or two while enjoying close-up…
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