Government Landing Boondocking in Dickson, MI
Practical Guide for Remote Camping Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Dickson, MI 44.263275, -85.888673 Elevation: 793′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – USDA Forest Service 231-577-8902 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Government Landing Boondocking: This camping area is named for Government Island. The 3 campsites are part of the Forest Services’ 41 designated dispersed sites along the Upper Manistee River. The main access road along the powerline is a snowmobile trail in the winter.
Directions:From Manistee –
Travel east on M-55 for 15 miles.
Turn left and travel north on High Bridge Rd. for 6 miles.
Turn right and travel east on Coates Hwy. for 3.5 miles.
Turn right and travel south on Dilling Rd. for 2.5 miles.
Turn left and travel northeast on Upper River Rd. for 2.5 miles to the entrance of the site.
From Brethren –
Drive 3.5 miles east on Coates Hwy.
Turn right onto Dilling Rd. And drive 2.5 miles.
Turn left onto Upper River Rd. and drive 2.5 miles northeast to the entrance of the site.
About This Location
If you’re after a simple, quiet place to boondock near Dickson, MI, the Government Landing boondocking location is a good bet. There are three free campsites on public land—no hookups, no reservations, just you and the woods. That’s a big draw for anyone who’d rather skip crowded campgrounds and soak up nature in its unfiltered state.
The Government Landing boondocking location sits right along the Upper Manistee River, so you’ve got water access and a pretty peaceful vibe while you’re out there. The U.S. Forest Service manages the spot, but don’t expect much in the way of amenities. You’ll need to haul in everything you need and haul out every bit of trash. If you’re at home with dispersed camping and don’t mind roughing it, this place might be your style.
You can get in seasonally, and the sites are just off a quiet road—easy enough for most vehicles, even small RVs or trailers. Hiking, fishing, or just sitting by the river fill the days, as long as you’re good with “leave no trace” camping.
Key Takeaways
- Campsites are free, no reservations needed.
- River access and natural scenery are the main perks.
- Facilities are basically nonexistent, so self-sufficiency’s a must.
Government Landing Boondocking in Dickson, MI
The Government Landing boondocking location in Dickson, MI, gives you a no-frills boondocking setup on the Upper Manistee River. There are a handful of designated sites, no hookups, no reservations. It’s quiet and stripped-down—just you, the river, and the trees.
You’ll find three main sites on the landing and a couple more on nearby Government Island, all managed by the Forest Service. Since there’s nothing in the way of water, power, or trash service, you’ve got to bring your own supplies and pack out all waste.
People who come here usually want to swim, fish, or paddle on the river. The area feels far from the crowds and pretty untouched.
No electricity, no water, no restrooms, no trash bins. Pack it in, pack it out, keep it clean.
Key Info:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of campsites | 5 (3 on main landing, 2 on island) |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Amenities | None (no hookups, no restrooms) |
| Activities | Swimming, fishing, boating |
| Location | Near Dickson, MI, on Upper Manistee River |
Bring everything you’ll need and expect a basic, unplugged camping experience. If you want quiet and a true natural setting, the Government Landing boondocking location is worth a look.
Things To Do
There’s plenty to do outdoors at the Government Landing boondocking location in Dickson, MI. The Pine River’s right there for boating, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. You could spend all day paddling or casting a line, honestly.
Hiking trails wind through the Manistee National Forest, so if you feel like stretching your legs, you’ve got options. The trails are peaceful and you might spot some local wildlife if you’re lucky.
Fishing’s solid here, with a variety of fish in the river. Boaters can easily launch small crafts or canoes. If you’d rather just chill, hanging out by the water at your campsite is hard to beat. The whole place helps you unplug and breathe a little deeper.
Quick list of activities:
- Boating on Pine River
- Fishing for local species
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Hiking nearby forest trails
No hookups, no wifi—just a simple, nature-focused escape.
Directions
To get to the Government Landing boondocking location in Dickson, MI, start in Brethren. Drive east on Coates Highway for about 3.5 miles.
Turn right onto Dilling Road and go another 2.5 miles. Then left onto Upper River Road, which runs straight to Government Landing.
Coming from M-55? Head east for 15 miles, then left onto High Bridge Road and go north for 6 miles. After that, turn right onto Coates Highway and keep going east.
Once you’re on Coates Highway, look for signs and turn left onto River Road. That’ll bring you close to the campsites.
Summary:
| Starting Point | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| From Brethren | East on Coates Hwy, right on Dilling Rd, left on Upper River Rd | 6 miles total |
| From M-55 | East on M-55, left on High Bridge Rd, right on Coates Hwy | 21 miles total |
Follow these steps and you should find the Government Landing boondocking location without much hassle.
Vehicle Access
Getting to the Government Landing boondocking location is pretty straightforward, but you’ll want to pay attention. Most cars can make it, but if you’ve got a vehicle with higher clearance, you’ll feel better—especially after rain.
The roads are mostly gravel and dirt. They’re usually in good shape, but can get muddy or rough. If you’re not used to big RVs or trailers, maybe skip bringing them unless you’re confident with off-road driving.
Some tips for vehicle access:
- Bring something with decent traction.
- Check the weather before you head out.
- Take it slow to avoid kicking up dust or dinging your vehicle.
You can park right by your campsite, which makes unloading gear a breeze. No paved roads, no marked parking spots—just pull in where it fits.
If you’ve got a 4×4 or off-road vehicle, you can check out nearby trails, but stick to allowed roads to protect the area.
A map or GPS helps, since cell service can be hit or miss. Planning ahead goes a long way out at the Government Landing boondocking location.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
RV and trailer access at the Government Landing boondocking location is about as basic as it gets. No hookups, no water, so you’ll need to rely on your own supplies. Smaller rigs or folks set up for boondocking will have the best time.
There are only a few campsites—three on the main land, two on Government Island. No reservations, but sometimes you’ll need a permit depending on the season and forest rules. The U.S. Forest Service keeps an eye on the area.
Bring everything you might need, and don’t leave any trash behind. No dump stations, no water fill-ups—self-sufficiency is the name of the game. If you’re not comfortable camping without the usual RV park perks, this might not be your spot.
Quick overview:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Sites | 3 on main land, 2 on Government Island |
| Hookups | None |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Permits | May be required |
| Water & Power | None available onsite |
| Trash | Pack out required |
You’ll want an RV or trailer that’s easy to maneuver, since roads and sites can get tight. Expect little to no cell service and no nearby stores.
If you’re after a quiet, rustic camping spot close to nature, and you don’t mind giving up a few comforts, the Government Landing boondocking location could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At the Government Landing boondocking location in Dickson, MI, you don’t need a permit for boondocking if you’re alone or with a small group. Only groups bigger than 74 people have to get a special use permit. That keeps things simple and affordable for most folks.
If you’re eyeing a spot in a nearby state park or campground, you’ll probably have to pay a fee or lock in a reservation ahead of time. Michigan State Parks, for example, want you to reserve online or by phone, and you’ll need a Recreation Passport or a daily pass for cabins, yurts, or campsites.
For commercial groups or any big event, you’ll always need a special permit. It’s just how they keep the forest from getting overrun.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- No Permit Needed: Solo boondocking or small groups (under 75 people)
- Permit Required: Groups over 74, commercial use, or special events
- Paid Camping Nearby: State parks, cabins, and yurts (reservations needed, fees apply)
If you’re not sure about the rules, just check the Forest Service website. And if you want a few comforts, the paid sites near Government Landing aren’t a bad choice—they’ve got more amenities, but you’ll need to plan ahead.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
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Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
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State Specific Information Links
Michigan Park Service
Michigan Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources