If roughing it is your jam but spending money isn't.  This list of 4 free campsites in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan might come in handy.

1.  Whelan Lake - Manistee National Forest

Open: 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.

Address: FR-6661, Custer, MI 49405

According to the Forest Service,

This area is popular for canoeing, fishing and camping. The camping area is near the south branch of the Pere Marquette River, on Whelan Lake.

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2.  Green Road - Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

Open: 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.

Address: Green Rd., Free Soil, MI 49411

Pets are allowed on a leash at Green Road.  According to the Forest Service,

The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a Federally designated wilderness in Michigan's lower peninsula and encompasses 3,450 acres of National Forest.

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3.  French Farm Lake - Dept. Natural Resources

Open: Can't find hours and/or days of operation.

Address: French Farm Lake Road, Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Here's what MiddleAgedGypsy had to say in his 5-star review on campendium.com,

Camping here was an amazing treat. The location couldn't have been better. It was quiet and peaceful. You'd occasionally hear the freeway or a ferry boat, but it was pretty rare. And there were no man-made lights to be seen anywhere. Lake-side camping but near enough to basic things you might need.

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4.  Cooper Creek Road - Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

Open: 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.

Address: Cooper Creek Rd., Free Soil, MI 49411

Maximum stay to pop your tent at the Cooper Creek Rd campsite is 14 days.

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Have you camped at one of these sites?  Tag us in your pictures on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

 


BONUS VIDEO: Kayaking In The Flooded Homer Stryker Field In Kalamazoo

 

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