Michigan is a state found in the upper Midwestern United States. It is also located in the Great Lakes. Michigan is the 10th most populated state in the country, with a population of around 11 million people. It is also the 11th largest state in the country — the largest by size in the east side of River Mississippi.
The largest city in Michigan is Detroit, but its capital city is in Lansing. Metro Detroit is one of the country’s largest and most populous metropolitan economies. For your information, Michigan is the only state that consists of two peninsulas — the Lower Peninsula shaped like a mitten and the Upper Peninsula.
The upper one is separated from the lower one by the Straits of Mackinac, an 8km channel that joins Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The channel also connects the two peninsulas. Michigan is a unique state in the sense that it has the longest freshwater coastline of any political area in the world.
It is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes. The state has a staggering 64,980 inland lakes and ponds. In terms of camping, Michigan has plenty of options to offer. Here are some of the free campgrounds in Michigan.
Soaring Eagle Casino – Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Address: 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858, USA
Phone Number: +1 989-775-5777
This is a parking lot belonging to Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It is a free parking lot that is accessible all year. However, no tents are allowed here. Mostly, RVS only are allowed here. This is generally a quiet place and you will find it condusive for overnight parking. While here, you will have access to restrooms and other facilities managed by the casino. Keep in mind that only overnight camping is allowed here.
Coleman City – Coleman, Michigan
Address: 201 E. Railway Street
Phone Number: 989-465-6961
This is a free public park but not a campground. It is a decent-sized open space that is ideal for relaxing and other leisure activities. This park has a baseball diamond, a basketball court, and several charcoal grills. Therefore, there are many sporting activities you can engage in during your time here. Given that it is located in the city, you will access to numerous amenities like water and restrooms.
Michigan State Forest – Sanford, Michigan
Address: Saginaw Rd & N W River Rd, Sanford, MI 48657, USA
Phone Number: +1 989-275-5151
This is a camping area located in Sanford, Michigan. It is a state land that will need you go have a state pass before accessing. You will also need a dispersed camping permit to access the campground — this permit is free. The maximum number of days you are allowed to camp here is 14. Michigan State Forest is generally known for its abundance of recreational opportunities. Some of the most common activities here include camping, hiking, fishing, hunting ORV riding, among others. There are also numerous species of indigenous birds in this forest, setting the perfect conditions for bird watching.
Walmart – Midland, Michigan
Address: 910 Joe Mann Blvd, Midland, MI 48642, USA
Phone Number: +1 989-835-6069
This is a parking lot belonging to Walmart Stores in Midland, Michigan. It offers overnight camping that is ideal for travellers. You will be allowed to park your vehicle on the side of the building by the loading docks. This parking area is several meters away from the building. The parking lot is generally quiet except for the distant traffic noises. The Walmart store operates till very late in the night, so you can buy food and other essential stuff like water. You will also be allowed to use the toilets.
Michigan State Forest – Gladwin – Bentley, Michigan
Address: Bentley, Michigan GPS: 43.97906, -84.20991
This is state land that is used as a camping area. Before accessing it, you will need a free 14-day camping permit. This camping area has no hook-ups. The place can get overcrowded on the weekends but it is generally quiet in weekdays. This campground is located near a very large open space, meaning you will have space to park your vehicle. It has several campsites that are spread across the open space. However, accessing this campground can be challenging because the access roads are not in s good condition. The situation gets pretty bad especially when it rains. That is why it is recommended that you use a four wheel drive vehicle when coming here.
Meijer Overnight RV Parking – Greenville, Michigan
Address: 3565, Fairlane Blvd
Phone Number: 517-265-7820
This is a free RV overnight parking lot that is found in Greenville, Michigan. It is the parking lot of a fairly large store that almost matches Walmart. The parking lot is large enough to accomodate several vehicles. Security is also tight thanks to several guards manning the area. It is also a quiet parking lot with minimal noises.
Walmart – Ionia, Michigan
Address: 152 Sprague Rd, Ionia, MI 48846, USA
Phone Number: +1 616-527-1392
This is the parking lot belonging to Walmart Stores in Ionia, Michigan. It is halfway between Lansing and Grand Rapids. It is a large parking lot that can accomodate several vehicles. The entrance to this parking lot is paved, so you won’t have any challenges. Furthermore, the maximum RV length at this parking lot is unlimited. Keep in mind that only overnight camping is allowed here. Besides, no tents are allowed.
Prime Outlets – Birch Run, Michigan
Address: 12240 S Beyer Rd, Birch Run, MI 48415, USA
Phone: +1 989-624-6226
This camping site is not confirmed. If you planning to camp at this location, you should proceed with a lot of care. Prime Outlets is generally a shopping outlet found in Birch Run, Michigan. There is an open space outside this shopping facility that has been linked with camping. However, it is not confirmed yet and you should get in touch with the management to inquire whether you can camp here.
Cut River – Roscommon, Michigan
Address: 1136 E Higgins Lake Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone Number: +1 989-821-1300
This is a free dispersed campground located in Roscommon, Michigan. It is found on the Cut River, near Lake Higgins. It is generally a large campground with enough parking space. However, the access roads are not in excellent conditions especially when it rains. When camping here, you can engage in various water-based recreational activities like swimming, fishing, surfing, canoeing, and boating.
Withey Lake Camp Ground – Prescott, Michigan
Address: Prescott, AB T0A 2J0, Michigan
This is an open area found in Prescott, Michigan. The campground operates seasonally, and there are times you will find it closed. As of 2021, the entrance to this camping area was closed, with the name changed to Logan Township Park. The condition here is bad, with most of the area logged with water. If you are planning to camp here, you can use the open space outside the main campground. Only RV parking can work here, with tents not protective enough.
Wal-Mart and Others – Hoxeyville, Michigan
Address: 8917 34 Rd, Cadillac, MI 49601, USA
Phone Number: +1 231-775-8778
This is a sizeable parking lot belonging to Walmart Stores in Cadillac, Michigan. There are also other parking lots on the North side of Boon Rd. This is a great place to park especially if you are on travel. Keep in mind that only overnight parking is allowed here. The general environment is quiet, except for the traffic noises on the highway. Furthermore, security is also tight thanks to several security cameras and guards on the watch out. While here, you will have access to water and restrooms.
Condon Lakes West – Bitely, Michigan
Address: Bitely, MI 49309, USA
This is a camping area found in Bitely, Michigan. The access road to this campground is in good condition, meaning you will access the spot easily. It doesn’t have amenities but you can have access to clean water. It tends to get busy on weekends but generally quiet on weekdays. Some of the common activities at this campground include camping, fishing, and hunting.
Union Corners at Huron NF – Rose City, Michigan
Address: 1755 S. Mitchell St. Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone Number: 1 231-775-2421
This camping area is located in Rose City, Michigan. It is generally a large campground with enough parking space. This campground has a total of five campsites that are spread around the space. The maximum RV length allowed here is 15 feet. Furthermore, the maximum number of days you are allowed to camp here is 14. Some of the common activities at this campground include hiking and tent camping. The access road is in good condition and isn’t affected by the fluctuating weather conditions.
Sulak Campground – Township of Branch, Michigan
Address: Branch Township, MI 49402, USA
Phone Number: 231-745-4631
This campground is located in east Michigan. It is a very secluded campground. This is a perfect place to camp if you are looking for a peaceful camp. The campground has a couple trails that make access easier. It has no water access and electricity connection. You should bring these supplies if you must have them. Some of the common activities here include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Webberville Rest Area – Webberville, Michigan
Address: 210 Chestnut St in Webberville, Michigan 48892
Phone Number: 1(517)521-3010
This is a rest area on hwy 96 that allows overnight camping. Given that this is a parking lot, there are no designated campsites. However, the parking lot is quite large and can accomodate several vehicles. Security around this parking lot is tight, with security on the watch out 24/7. Furthermore, there are also security cameras installed around the facility. While camping here, you will have access to water and restrooms. You can also purchase food supplies from the nearby store. Furthermore, there is no limit to maximum RV length. This parking lot is peaceful and you will find it excellent for an overnight stay. Keep in mind that only overnight parking is allowed.
Government Landing – Dickson, Michigan
Address: Harrietta, MI 49638, USA
This is a camping area located in Dickson, Michigan. The campground has a total of three campsites. It is located along the Upper Manistee River, providing the perfect setting for camping. If you have pets, you are allowed to bring them. You will also access to water and picnic tables. Some of the common activities at this campground include biking, boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. You can also participate in water-based recreational activities like swimming, fishing, surfing and boating.
