I’m looking at biking the grand island loop and wondering if a hybrid bike would suffice? I’m assuming that answer is no and a mountain bike is the way to go, but would love to just use the bike I have over renting one. Thanks!!

Hey all, I’m trying to plan a canoe camping trip with some friends for the upcoming summer. A few years ago we did a trip where we paddled down the Pine River and stayed in a local state forest campground, I believe it was Peterson’s Bridge but I could be wrong. That trip was great and we’re trying to do something similar. I’ve got no qualms returning to do the same trip however; I wouldn’t mind finding some other spots that are worth checking out. If anyone has any recommendations it would be very much appreciated. If it helps, we’re coming from Chicago and have no issues driving 5-6hrs for a spot. Thanks!

As the title says, looking for spots for dispersed tent camping. My group usually goes to Manistee NF but that's nearly a 4 hr drive for me and we're looking for a quicker getaway in southern central MI. I see dispersed camping is allowed in state game areas until 5/15. How are Portland and Maple River SGAs? I'm just looking for a mature forest along a river that we can chill in, no amenities necessary. We're experienced and ecologically responsible!

Hi All, a friend of mine really wants to go to the silver lake sand dune area. They want to either get a cabin or get a tentsite. But is there any hiking there to do? Seems like more of a place to relax on the beach or go off roading?

Does anyone have any experience with the area that does not include boating or offroading? It looks pretty but Im wondering what all there is to do.

I've been riding a big, heavy adventure motorcycle for a few years throughout lower peninsula MI, usually central (between grayling and gladwin, and surrounding). I find lots and lots of sand in that area and it's anything from a minor annoyance to an actual danger because I can get stuck in that. Wondering if the UP is less sandy, more so, or about the same. Deep sugar sand is just arduous on a bike like mine. thanks for input

Title. I'm thinking about shooting up to manistee this coming weekend, would probably be car camping near govt landing, does anyone know if it's busy this time of year?

Thanks!

thinking about hitting the trails the next few weeks. Love the MRT loop. Was looking at the NCT trail map and it looks like if you start at the north end and head north it goes along the Hodendyl Dam Pond. Anyone hiked that stretch? Worth the hike?

plz plz plz close the lid. Always close the lid. Every time close the lid.

My unscientific guess is that closing the lid reduces the oder by at least 99.9 percent.

And don't throw food/trash in these, or pit toilets.

BTW, I know at least on my late model Chevy I can change the settings so that the lights don't turn on and the horn doesn't honk when I'm locking the doors or getting in and out of a vehicle. Plz do this while you are camping!

A friend and I are planning to backpack the Manistee River Loop in a couple of weeks.

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My current plan is to start early at the north end, hike down the NCT side, cross at the red bridge, and camp somewhere near Arquilla Creek . Then have a shorter day hiking up the MRT so we can take time to enjoy the views and a nicer lunch and such on the trip back up.

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It looks like we can park at Seaton Creek Campground or the Marilla Trailhead at the north end. Which do you recommend. Or is there somewhere else I should leave the car?

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Any other tips?

Is this doable? We have some time til we head up there to practice but the most mileage we’ve done is 15 in one day, so I’m trying to figure out if we should give it a shot or not.

We're new to MI and trying to find a drive-in place to camp that is primarily tent camp but (and here's the kicker) also has toilets. Not trying to go full rustic. Where we used to live, it was common to have modern campgrounds where most people were in tents, but last summer we went to Tawes Point State Park and we were the only tent campers among a sea of RVs. Have been searching through old posts on this sub and also searching DNR, state forest, etc., but every time I think I have something, I look at the pictures and it looks like the campground is packed with RVs. Any suggestions of specific spots? I know it's gotta be out there! TIA!

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a campsite in the lower peninsula that would check my boxes. I’m trying to plan a camping trip for a group of about 10 people. Ideally we’d like to sleep in tents with walking distance to a bathroom with running water. We are not hooligans but would definitely be planning on drinking and listening to music near a bonfire at night, which may be considered “loud” with our group size and everyone talking. I’m not sure if a state park or a private campground is better. My understanding is that a private campground would be packed and may have more strict quiet hours? Whereas the state park would be less packed but may not have running water bathrooms and also will have rangers that may enforce no drinking/being loud rules (like I said we are not hooligans, but we want to be able to have fun without being on edge).

Bonus for spots with good fishing / hiking.

Thank you very much!

Staying up in the porcupine mountains late august/early September. What are the best trails to hike in terms of scenery? Looking for a short hike on the first day since we have to set up camp and get settled in, then some longer hauls on the second and third day. We want to see lake in the clouds and some waterfalls. Lake Superior too of course. Also is there a route to get down to lake of the clouds or mirror lake for swimming?

Hey all!

Just moved back to Michigan after 5 years in Florida where I found my love for kayaking. Now that I’m home, I’d like to plan a Sat/Sun kayak trip within a couple hour distance of Detroit with river accessible campgrounds. I have read up on the Au Sable, but was wondering if anyone had recommendations. I’d plan to hit the water at first light Saturday morning, truck on until about dinner time, and then pull in around dinner time to head home Sunday evening. Thanks!!

First overnight trip of 24’ testing out some new gear. Not sure if it was legal or not, as I’ve seen conflicting ideas that west of county road 550 in Marquette is free game for camping, while signs at certain parking lots say no camping??? Any who made a nice 15 mile loop hiking around Hogback, and camping on NCT, then crossing 550 in the morning to go by Sugarloaf and walk along shoreline on NCT and then a road walk back down 550 to my car. Woke up to a coyote howling and yipping 10 feet from my tent, the turtles were out, peepers were peepin’, and it was a good time!

Hi all! I’m planning a michigan road trip with my mom and we are looking to spend 3 days/2 nights in July at pictured rocks. Neither of us have much backcountry camping experience, so being at a campground with a restroom is ideal. However, I see that the 3 main drive in campgrounds (hurricane river, twelve mile beach, beaver lake) are completely full for all of July. There are a few spots that say they’ll be released 2 weeks in advance, but I’m apprehensive about counting on getting those. I also found some first come first serve campsites, but I’m a little confused on how that works. Is it first come for whoever drives up first? Do you have to go to a park office the day of?

Does anyone have advice about any campgrounds we could reserve around pictured rocks or at least a short drive away?

We almost always end up near a Great Lake whenever we plan weekend hiking trips. That’s fantastic, but we feel we’re neglecting the middle of the state. What are your favorite day hikes and two-day trips in the LP that aren’t on or near the Great Lakes?

So as the State Forest Campgrounds (SFCs from now on) don't take reservations and are "first come, first served," if the wife and I pack up to go to one, how likely are we to find an open spot?

We're looking at Weber Lake SFC for next summer sometime, for reference.

On a scale of 1 to a crap ton. How excited are you all for warm weather camping/backpacking in Michigan?

I am in the Midwest and I am planning a weeklong winter hot tent adventure for the end of 2024. I haven’t narrowed down my location yet but I was thinking I could hit one of the National Forests in Michigan. I would love to hear recommendations from anyone out there! Thanks in advance!

My partner and I live in Ingham county and are looking for somewhere not too far to camp this weekend (last second I know). We know Waterloo/ Pinckney is an option, that's our back up, but we were hoping for something more secluded and right on a small lake or river. We don't care for electricity or a shower or anything like that, and we are open to hiking in. Any suggestions? Thanks all!

Has anyone been there? Is the trail(s) well marked? I plan on going up there this Wednesday for a short overnight trip to test some new gear out. If not, I’ll just hit the NCT (which I believe does go through part of the tract)

Hi! My wife and I (30s) are going to be camping at the Platte River campground August 10-17. Looking to see if anyone will be there around that time. Looking to make some friends and enjoy the week with various outdoor activities. Let me know!

Does anyone know of any cabins or safari tents available for rent on the beach on Lake Michigan? Ideally looking for a spot within an hour drive of sleeping bear dunes, however, I’m open to other locations. I know sometimes campgrounds have offerings similar to what I’m describing, but I’m having a hard time finding what I’m looking for online.