The 10 Best Backcountry Campsites in Michigan (That You Can Actually Get To)
- Bretton Lakes
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
Best Backcountry Campsites In Michigan
If you’ve ever tried to book a Michigan state park campsite in July, you know the struggle — fully booked loops, noisy neighbors, and that sense that everyone is crowding into the same places. But here’s the good news: Michigan has millions of acres of public land, and tucked within them are remote, peaceful backcountry campsites — often free, often empty, and always unforgettable.
From windswept sand dunes to quiet inland lakes and deep pine forests, here are 10 of the best backcountry campsites in Michigan — and how you can actually get there.
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
Location: Manistee National Forest (Lower Peninsula)
Access: 1–3 mile hike in
Cost: Free, no permit required
One of the most beloved (and accessible) backcountry areas in the Lower Peninsula, Nordhouse Dunes offers dune-top camping with views over Lake Michigan. Pitch your tent behind the first ridge and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves and wind in the jack pines.
Pro tip: Hike in via Nurnberg or Lake Michigan Recreation Area trailheads for different vibes. Pack out everything — no facilities.
Little Beaver Lake – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Location: Upper Peninsula
Access: Short hike-in or paddle-in
Cost: Reservation required through NPS
While Pictured Rocks gets crowded along its frontcountry areas, the Little Beaver Lake area feels like a secret. Tucked between an inland lake and the cliffs of Lake Superior, it offers quiet, designated backcountry sites and access to the North Country Trail.
Bonus: Paddle into Lake Superior coves or hike to Spray Falls from camp.
Big Island Lake Wilderness
Location: Hiawatha National Forest (Upper Peninsula)
Access: 1–2 mile hike from trailheads
Cost: Free, no reservation
Big Island Lake is an under-the-radar gem — 6,400 acres of quiet forest dotted with dozens of small lakes. Hike in and choose from multiple dispersed sites along clear inland waters. It’s remote but beginner-friendly.
Pack a rod — the fishing is excellent, and you might have the whole lake to yourself.
Greenstone Ridge Trail – Isle Royale National Park
Location: Lake Superior (only accessible by ferry or seaplane)
Access: Multi-day hike
Cost: NPS permit required
Isle Royale is Michigan’s wildest national park — moose, wolves, no roads, no cars. The Greenstone Ridge Trail runs 40 miles across the island and offers some of the most incredible backcountry camping in the Midwest. This is for seasoned backpackers seeking true isolation.
Tip: Book ferry/seaplane early and research water sources along the route.
Hungerford Recreation Area
Location: Near Big Rapids, Manistee National Forest
Access: Dispersed sites along trail loops
Cost: Free
This overlooked spot in the Lower Peninsula offers dispersed camping along well-maintained trail loops. It’s peaceful, forested, and one of the best places to practice Leave No Trace camping without venturing deep into the backcountry.
Best in fall when the oaks and maples put on a show.
Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Sites
Location: Western Upper Peninsula
Access: Trailheads throughout the park
Cost: Reservation required through MI DNR
The Porkies are Michigan’s largest state park and one of the most dramatic — rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and 35,000+ acres of wilderness. Backpack to sites near Lake of the Clouds, Mirror Lake, or down to Lake Superior for a backcountry experience that rivals the Rockies.
Don’t miss: Campsites on the Escarpment Trail with views at sunset.
Blind Sucker River – Lake Superior State Forest
Location: Eastern Upper Peninsula
Access: Forest road + hike or paddle
Cost: Free, dispersed
Wild and undeveloped, this river corridor flows through pine barrens into Lake Superior. It’s a dream for anglers, birders, and solitude seekers. Dispersed camping is allowed along many sections of the river.
Perfect for a combo paddle-in and hike-in trip in late summer.
Manistee River Trail Dispersed Sites
Location: Lower Peninsula
Access: 1–10 mile hikes along loop
Cost: Free, dispersed
One of the best backpacking loops in the Midwest combines the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail into a 20-mile circuit with dispersed camping. Sleep on bluffs above the river, next to waterfalls, or under the pines.
This one fills up fast in fall — go midweek or early season.
Craig Lake State Park
Location: Western U.P., near Baraga
Access: Hike or paddle-in
Cost: Reserved backcountry permits
Known as Michigan’s most remote state park, Craig Lake feels like a slice of the Canadian wilderness, moose sightings, granite ridges, and mirror-still lakes. You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead, but it’s worth every bump.
Top campsites: Teddy Lake and Crooked Lake
Dead River Backcountry – Near Marquette
Location: Dead River basin, just outside Marquette
Access: Trails and bushwhack routes
Cost: Free, dispersed
Want backcountry camping near a cool U.P. town? The Dead River corridor is perfect — remote-feeling, but minutes from coffee shops and breweries. Camp near waterfalls, cliffs, and quiet forest paths.
Best for experienced campers looking to get off the beaten path without going too far.
What to Know Before You Go
Permits & Fees: National parks and some state parks require backcountry permits — always check ahead.
Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out. These areas survive on respect.
Bears & Wildlife: Carry a bear hang or canister, especially in the U.P.
Cell Service: Often nonexistent — download maps offline.
Best Seasons: Late spring through fall (mid-May to mid-October)
Final Word
You don’t need to fight for a reservation or squeeze into a packed campground to experience Michigan’s wild beauty. With a little planning — and a willingness to venture off the beaten path — these campsites offer the kind of peace, silence, and connection that made you fall in love with the outdoors in the first place.
Comments