Forest roads wind through the Manistee National Forest to reach this collection of dispersed camping sites along Green Road. Campers access approximately 15 individual sites scattered through mixed forest terrain, with the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area bordering the camping zone to the west.
Sites spread out enough that most campers report privacy from neighbors, though visibility varies by location. The terrain offers level ground suitable for tents, with established fire rings marking camping spots. Lake Michigan Recreation Area sits less than a mile away, providing day-use access to Lake Michigan beaches and swimming areas.
Biking trails thread through the surrounding forest, connecting to the broader network of paths within the national forest. Several reviewers mention good birding opportunities in the mixed forest environment. "Take green road toward cooper creek road and find an empty spot," advises Hunter G., noting the abundance of available sites along both roads.
Weekend availability can be limited during peak season, with mid-September visitors reporting most spots occupied. The first-come, first-served system means weekday arrivals typically find more options. Sites closest to the wilderness boundary offer the shortest hiking access to the Nordhouse Dunes area, while those further east provide more buffer from foot traffic.
Description
Dispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".Plan Your Trip: Dispersed Camping
Some things to keep in mind when planning where you will be camping are: There is no camping within 200 feet of any body of water, except at designated sites. There is no camping within 400 feet of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Camping is only allowed at designated sites within the river corridors for the designated Wild and Scenic sections of the Pere Marquette, Pine, Manistee and Au Sable Rivers. Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to fourteen (14) days. After sixteen (16) days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. 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. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingGreen Road Dispersed - Manistee NF is located in Michigan
Coordinates
44.09696037939867 N
86.4098163348544 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 25 min from Muskegon, MI
- 1 hr 46 min from Traverse City, MI
- 3 hrs 36 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 3 hrs 48 min from Green Bay, WI
