Nordhouse Dunes Boondocking in Free Soil, MI – Off-Grid Camping Experiences

by John Rodgers / Saturday, May 31, 2025 / Published in Michigan Free, Free Camping

Nordhouse Dunes Boondocking in Free Soil, MI
Off-Grid Camping Experiences

ADDRESS
Free Soil, MI 44.08724, -86.44505 Elevation: 617′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Forest Service (Official) 231-723-2211 This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Nordhouse Dunes Boondocking: The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area (hike-in) is open 24/7/365. There are 30 or more campsites at this location. You may stay 14 Days at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area (hike-in).

Free dispersed camping in the Nat’l Forest. GREAT area for hiking, camping, and backpacking with miles of well-maintained trails and trailhead facilities! TIP: Park 1/4 mile east on W Nurnberg road on the side of the road to avoid the $5/day parking fee of the trailhead parking lot.

About This Location

Nordhouse Dunes boondocking in Free Soil, Michigan, gives campers a rare shot at boondocking without the usual amenities. We get to set up camp right in the wild—no hookups, no developed sites—just us, our vehicles, and the dunes. You’ll want to show up prepared, though, since there’s no water or restrooms, and any real exploring means hiking out to the dunes and shoreline.

Getting to the camping spots can be a bit of a challenge, but honestly, the forests and Lake Michigan’s sweeping sand dunes make it all worthwhile. Cars or trucks can usually make it in, but if you’re hauling a big RV or trailer, you might have some trouble with the rougher roads. Permits aren’t needed for dispersed camping, but it’s on us to respect the land and pack out everything we bring.

Wandering Nordhouse Dunes boondocking, we get hiking, beach time, and a kind of quiet you just can’t find at packed campgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned boondocker or just testing the waters, this place feels like a true escape.

Key Takeaways

Camp without hookups in a totally undeveloped spot.
Vehicles can reach most sites, but big rigs might struggle.
No permits needed, but Leave No Trace isn’t optional.

Nordhouse Dunes Boondocking In Free Soil, MI

Nordhouse Dunes boondocking sits tucked near Free Soil, Michigan, inside the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area—part of Huron-Manistee National Forests. This 3,500-acre stretch hugs Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, all rolling dunes and thick forest.

Here, there’s no infrastructure—just us and the trees. Most folks camp along forest service roads, especially near Green Road. About 18 dispersed sites dot the area, spaced out enough for some real privacy. Boondocking here means being self-reliant and sticking to Leave No Trace.

The blend of dunes, forest, and those endless Great Lakes beaches gives Nordhouse a vibe you won’t find elsewhere. We hike sandy trails, wander quiet beaches, and soak up a peace that’s hard to come by.

Planning ahead is a must—there’s no drinking water, no restrooms. Everything you need, you bring.

Quick facts for boondocking at Nordhouse Dunes:

Feature	Details
Location	Free Soil, MI
Area	Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, 3,500 acres
Forest	Part of Huron-Manistee National Forests
Camping style	Dispersed / primitive camping
Number of dispersed sites	About 18 near Green Road
Nearby natural features	Lake Michigan, dunes, forests

Camping here, we really get to unplug and experience one of Michigan’s quieter wild places.

Things To Do

Nordhouse Dunes boondocking has a lot going on for outdoor lovers. Hiking’s a big draw—trails like the Manistee River Trail offer killer overlooks and plenty of wildlife if you’re patient.

Backpacking’s solid here, too. The dunes and forest give you a peaceful backdrop for overnight trips. If water’s your thing, you can swim or canoe right off Lake Michigan’s beach.

Fishing? Absolutely. Try Hamlin Lake, Hodenpyl Dam Pond, or the Little Manistee River—good for pond fishing, and some spots let you boat or even tube.

Bird watchers get a treat with all the different habitats around. You’ll spot plenty of species near the beaches and rivers. And if you’re into mountain biking, some trails open things up for a faster ride.

Picnic areas near the parking lots give us a spot to chill and eat. With dunes, woods, and water all mixed together, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a day (or three).

Directions

Getting to Nordhouse Dunes Boondocking near Free Soil, MI usually means heading for the Nurnberg Trailhead. That’s the main access point, with a parking lot big enough for about 24 vehicles.

If you’re coming from Mesick, the River Road National Scenic Byway is your best bet. It’s a pretty drive, and you’ll see signs for Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness as you get close.

On River Road, watch for the turn onto Green Road. That leads straight to the dispersed camping spots—about 18 sites on the left after you turn. The right side has some, too, but the road gets tight, so go slow.

It’s smart to map your route ahead of time. GPS or a map app helps, since some roads near the dunes aren’t well marked.

Arriving early helps snag a good site and gives you time to set up before dark. Plus, the drive itself is pretty scenic—worth taking slow.

Vehicle Access

We usually enter Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness at the Nurnberg Road Trailhead, where there’s parking for about 24 vehicles. It’s the main day-use and dispersed camping entry.

If you want to venture further in, a 4WD vehicle makes life easier. Some of the rougher roads and trails can be tough for regular cars, but there are still spots accessible for bigger rigs or those without 4WD.

Vault toilets are at the trailhead, but don’t expect a boat launch or fishing pier here.

You’ll need a parking pass if you leave your vehicle, but there’s no permit for dispersed camping itself.

Definitely check out the Manistee National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map—it’ll show you which roads are legal and help you steer clear of trouble spots.

Vehicle access ranges from easy parking at the trailhead to more adventurous routes for those with 4WD. Having the right passes and knowing what to expect makes the whole trip smoother.

RV And Camping Trailer Information

Camping with an RV or trailer at Nordhouse Dunes boondocking? Options are pretty limited. The area’s really geared toward primitive camping and boondocking, so you won’t find hookups or paved pads at most sites.

If you want something more developed, nearby campgrounds like Island Lake Campground, Sand Lake Campground, and Seaton Creek Campground have spots for RVs and trailers. They usually offer fire pits and basic restrooms, but don’t expect full hookups.

Here’s a quick look at local campgrounds:

Campground	RV & Trailer Access	Facilities	Notes
Island Lake Campground	Yes	Fire pits, restrooms	Good for group campsites
Sand Lake Campground	Yes	Fire pits, picnic tables	Summer camping popular
Seaton Creek Campground	Yes	Basic amenities	Close to Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan Campground	Limited	Primitive camping only	Closer to shore, no hookups
Peterson Bridge South Campground	Yes	Limited facilities	Quiet, less crowded
Orchard Beach State Park	Yes	Full hookup sites available	Larger, well-maintained

If you’re bringing an RV or trailer, plan ahead. Most campsites at Nordhouse Dunes boondocking are best for tents or small trailers without hookups.

For group trips, Orchard Beach State Park has sites big enough for larger rigs.

All in all, boondocking near Nordhouse Dunes means dry camping. Bring your own water and supplies—most sites don’t offer much in the way of services.

Paid Or Permit Sites

If you’re planning to camp near Nordhouse Dunes boondocking, it’s good to know that you don’t always need permits for backcountry camping. But there’s a fee for parking at some trailheads—like the Nurnberg Trailhead, where parking usually runs about $5 per night.

When you park at official lots, you’ll have to use the automated payment stations. These machines keep the parking situation somewhat organized and help cover maintenance costs. Honestly, it’s worth paying the fee to dodge a ticket or getting kicked out.

You can camp dispersed in a few spots, but there aren’t any formal campsites inside the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness itself. There’s a handful of designated camping sites near the Lake Michigan Recreation Area, though you might need a parking pass or have to pay a fee for those.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Location	Fee Required	Notes
Nurnberg Trailhead Parking	$5 per night	Automated fee station on site
Lake Michigan Recreation Area	Possible fees	Near Nordhouse Dunes, permits may apply
Dispersed Camping	No permit needed	Some sites along Green Road, parking fees possible

Definitely double-check the latest local rules before you go. It’s a good way to avoid surprises and keep this place wild for everyone.

AMENITIES:	ACTIVITIES:
BBQ Grill Drinking Water Dump Station Fire Ring Near Water Restrooms Trash Cans	Tent Camping Fishing Hiking Hunting Swimming Water Sports Wildlife Viewing Winter Sports