How to find FREE CAMPING In National Forests & Public Land in Michigan | Dispersed Car Camping

In this video I explain how to find free camping spots In National Forests & Public State Land in Michigan while dispersed camping! I show you the apps I use to scope out the spots beforehand and check land ownership, and then we go out and show you guys the BTS of finding a spot to camp for the night!
A lot of you might not know what dispersed camping is, but in Michigan we have a ton of National forest and state forest land that is free to camp in! Have you guys ever camped for free before?
💻BLOG POST WITH MORE INFO & RESOURCES:
feliciafullwood.com/blog/how-...
Roman’s Instagram:
/ foranova
🤑✈️FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES & DISCOUNTS:
feliciafullwood.com/resources
🖼CUSTOM PRINTS AVAILABLE HERE⬇️
feliciafullwoodphotography.pi...
📺WATCH THESE NEXT:
HOW I MAKE MONEY: • HOW I MAKE MONEY AS A ...
WHAT'S IN MY CAMERA BAG: • What's in my CAMERA BA...
FALL CAR CAMPING IN MARQUETTE: • FALL IN MARQUETTE, MIC...
🚗🏕MY FAVORITE CAR CAMPING ACCESSORIES:
🍕Ooni 12 Inch Pizza Oven: bit.ly/2WN0FMM
🦟SUV Window Tent For Bugs/Rain: amzn.to/3v5ZB25
🔥Winnerwell Portable Firepit: amzn.to/3oed33C
⚡️Car Jump Starter Box: amzn.to/3n6nnZ2
💡Magnetic Lights: amzn.to/2RMd5Sc
🔋Power Inverter: amzn.to/3mYH04Z
⛺️SUV Window Tent For Bugs/Rain: amzn.to/3v5ZB25
🔦Headlamp: hamzn.to/3esMpOb
✨String Lights: amzn.to/3v0cBGj
🥾My Hiking Boots: amzn.to/3twVonx
🥰My Favorite Blanket: amzn.to/3gm1dRa
💨USB Mini Fan: amzn.to/3drXP5a
📸ALL MY CAMERA GEAR:
feliciafullwood.com/blog/came...
🚁Drone: amzn.to/3DfiODI
📱Main Vlogging Camera: amzn.to/3wOdgyO
📷Main Photo Camera: amzn.to/3tK0akm
🎒My Favorite Camera Bag: amzn.to/3v0dBKz
💾External SSD Drives: amzn.to/3tHG7ms
💾Lacie 4 TB External Hard Drive: amzn.to/2QDOC0B
💻Ipad: amzn.to/36QjUtf
🎶FREE 30 DAY TRIAL TO EPIDEMIC SOUND (WHERE I GET ALL MY MUSIC): www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
🤝LETS CONNECT!🤝
📧 CONTACT - [e-mail]
💻Website/Blog: feliciafullwood.com/
➡️Instagram: / felicia_fullwood
➡️Facebook: / feliciafullwoodphotogr...
➡️TikTok: / feliciafullwood
🗣Lets start a conversation! Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment down below!
⭐️Don’t forget to subscribe for more & turn on the notification bell!
I use all of the above services/products, so they are real, genuine recommendations. They are affiliate links which means I get paid a small amount (at no cost to you) if you sign up / buy with those links and this helps support me as a creator directly so thank you!
Felicia Fullwood is a Michigan photographer that shares behind the scenes videos on her car camping and photography adventures in Michigan and beyond.
All opinions on this channel are my own. Any sponsored content will be acknowledged.

[@KushMonster]

The spot with the turn around by lake ann and Pearl, I've literally been camping there for 7 years, and lately have been having to clean it up every single time more and more sadly, but so happy to see fellow enthusiast enjoy the beauty there.

[@thezarbie]

Thank you! You basically answered all the questions that my wife and I had about starting out with dispersed camping. We’ve been wanting to get out and do it for a year. I’ve done a ton of research and watch SOOOO many youtube videos. Finally your video actually showed me everything. I wish I would have found it sooner. Thanks again and we’re subscribers now to your channel.

[@feliciafullwood]

I'm soooo glad to hear this was helpful for you! I tried to find a video like this when I first started but there really weren't any that answered all my questions so I just decided to make my own! Thank you so much for the sub and I hope you guys are able to get out camping soon! :)

[@roman212]

Also for anyone watching, the road we drove down that had a "no motor vehicles sign" about 1/4 mile in, it's still legal to camp there since its Pere Marquette State Forest Land, you just have to hike in. We wanted to vehicle camp so it didn't work for us. Someone must've ripped the No Motor Vehicles sign out from the entrance off the main road.

[@feliciafullwood]

Yes!! I actually want to go back there and hike in and see what else was back there lol

[@nicolereadstarot]

My favorite camping spot is in Roscommon at south Higgins. I have been there every year since I was 9mo old and you have to book a lot 7 months ahead of time because it's so nice there.

[@genoapb]

That was an awesome video! I've been trying to find info on dispersed camping in Michigan and this is the best information I've seen! Thanks!

[@heatherrunkis4815]

Omg I can't thank you enough for the intro I'm born n raised yooper and disburse camp from May until well the snow makes me come back, and I've got spots I've found myself or have been going to for years, but the last two years has been hell, and one of my favorite spots had all the roads plowed in bc someone trashed the spot (even though I was the one that cleaned it) thankfully llc did give me access but by foot, I'm great full but alot of people have destroyed the woods and have been ruining it, for ppl like me. Now its getting harder and harder to find spots that abide by all the regulations. I went to a spot us locals know about on superior by paradise and when I got there, to my surprise there were 12 campers, and a bus, allllll trying to camp at a spot thats nice for ONE, everyone discovered it through the ioverlander app... ended up driving 40 minutes towards the two heart area and setting up in the middle of the night My camp/yooperlite spots are secrets I'll take to the grave yall do exactly what I do when finding new areas! Glad I came across yalls page! Love finding like minded freaks like me 🤪

[@denisecoale3476]

This video is incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@endthedrugwartoday]

Great video! Thanks for posting!!

[@DeRicha762]

Great video, Felicia! I live in northern MI and didn't know any of this :) Thanks for the help with peaceful camping

[@ManivanAdventures]

Dude this video is everything I needed! Thank you!

[@debvoz]

Thanks so much for sharing this. As a Michigan person, it is exactly what I needed to start finding places to camp.

[@carlmiller2752]

Very nice job on providing some great information!

[@25onething]

This is so helpful! Thank you. Just explored some area in Michigan thumb- Pointe Aux Barques lighthouse and area. Beautiful. Will be back and explore more...especially boondocking thx to this video!

[@ffbeardedprince8693]

I needed this! Thank you!

[@freedakaye6720]

I really appreciate this. I did a recon trip today to Huron Manistee forest and the GIS app was really helpful. I found a few spots that would work for me even with a 19 foot trailer.

[@DirtyJakTheDustyBean]

Great video and just perfect for us as we are looking to do this.

[@annieyahu676]

Thanks for the video and all the information.

[@badm0t0rf1ng3r]

Great information, thank you!

[@jimknarr]

Great job! Very cool tutorial.

[@Meech_CV]

Great video! Thank you so much for this. I'm heading to the UP for some camping and mountainbiking and really dislike staying at campgrounds due to the amount of people and some are incredibly loud. I will be using these tips to find dispersed camping around the area.

[@Gary_Foto]

Great video! Subbed!

[@digitalcanvas4444]

This is an excellent video. Thank you for providing this information!

[@jamesolson9126]

I’m excited about the land grid app thank you

[@RichardReikowsky9005]

Lovely places that I saw while you were showing us around.....

[@justtl5885]

Nice work!

[@freerangecamper]

Love this. Thanks for sharing. As a recent transplant to MI, I’ve been clueless on where to remote camp.

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

This is the absolute best video on KZbin to explain how to locate a great place off grid to free camp

[@circlehook2556]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@feliciafullwood]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@mordicai4296]

Thanks for the tips, I live in the city an am craving some nature time.

[@nathanelder5285]

Great video!

[@jeraldgarza361]

Thank you for sharing your information I found it very helpful. I have a few places in mind Huron forest or Manistee. I'll let you know how it works out 👍

[@joshualewis8068]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video! I live in MI and often wondered how to find these off the beaten path places. These instructions are the best!

[@feliciafullwood]

My pleasure, thanks for watching! So happy to hear it was helpful! :)

[@TheMonkdad]

Wow this is one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever seen

[@daileypractice]

Nice job on the video

[@arlandlockhart170]

I’ve camped off Grass Lake Rd a few times. Great place to pull off for a break.

[@MrCalifornia209]

Great video!!! 🙏

[@robmyers7263]

Very helpful.

[@bigbunduru5136]

Thank you thank you thank you. Been searching for this video for hours

[@feliciafullwood]

So glad this was helpful! You are so welcome. I also was searching for a video like this. So once I figured it out, I figured I would share. Thanks for watching! :)

[@DogGuy19]

Very useful and helpful info. Thank you.

[@feliciafullwood]

So glad it was helpful, you're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@pernicat]

Thanks for the video, very helpful! I live in the area and found that road by Pearl Lake. That is a really cool spot. I probably would not have seeked it out if not for this video. I happened to get some great pictures of a Sandhill Crane there. Thanks again for sharing. Might I also suggest using the Michigan Forest Roads interactive map to figure out what roads are legal to drive down. I think the section of road you where you saw the non-motorized markings was the Shore-to-Shore Equestrian Trail running along a designated Forest Road. It's one of many sections where the a Trail and a Road combine and then split off. I'm pretty sure you were legally allowed to drive down that road, but I commend you for trying to follow the rules. Gaia and OnX are also great tools, but they don't really show what roads are legal like the Michigan Forest Roads map does. There are also MVUM maps for National Forest land.

[@gam3rkid954]

Great info. Off to find what I can in, MO

[@feliciafullwood]

Thanks!! Good luck! :)

[@daviddean2082]

Damn good video and tips. Thanks

[@Jax4umalta]

I just found your channel tonight. You were basically in my backyard in this video. I too camp out of my vehicle and like to do photography. I love to explore and disperse camp. Just this year I started exploring the lower peninsula I mostly go to the upper peninsula. But there are so many cool places by my house. Next time you’re headed up to this area let me know. I have a great backyard for camping as well and I often camp in my backyard when I’m too broke to go anywhere lol my friends All come up and camp here as well.

[@KyronCunninglinguist]

Lol there room for more on this invite, promise to pay my way and pick up after myself 🥺🙏

[@iC6G]

This is great! Mersi mult 🍻

[@jasonlang8703]

Hell yeah this was exactly what i was looking for! I’m also a Michigander!

[@rhondakendrick2563]

thank u for the info

[@feliciafullwood]

you're welcome! :)

[@precisiont5188]

Thank you.

[@billhillybiker49]

Rigging my ranger now for some off grid camping...Have some UP and northern lower trips planned all summer! This will help with the scouting of new spots. Ive used google earth and maps when planning but never knew about landgrid sight

[@feliciafullwood]

That's awesome, I've always wanted a truck for the 4x4 capability, but the RAV 4 does pretty good for the most part! Thanks for watching, glad it was helpful! :)

[@TheJimmyswint]

try tying in ONX offroad. it highlights specifically public land roads.

[@juanitagreenspan5412]

Good video.

[@thosetuckers]

FELISHA AGAIN! - do you have a DIY for window shades?!

[@rshoemaker61]

Very nice video. Two other apps to consider are GAIA GPS and Avenza maps. GAIA GPS has both free and a relatively cheap subscription rate. You can use all kinds of map layers including a MVUM layer to find two tracks that you can legally drive on. The forest service updates its MVUM data to Avenza so it is best to find a MVUM on GAIA and then confirm it is still legal and all the restrictions with Avenza. Avenza is a bit clunky to use, I am still trying to figure it out. GAIA GPA also has public/private grid data as a map layer. Looking forward to going through the rest of your videos, so glad I found you as I am a metro Detroiter also. ATB

[@feliciafullwood]

Thank you so much for the info! I’ve recently been using Gaia as well recently and works awesome! Thanks so much for watching! Glad you found me as well :)

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

You guys are brilliant. This is exactly what I wanna do except with my dogs. I’m taking my Subaru outback and will be leaving Southwest Michigan to travel to the UP and back. #TheRoadLessTraveled

[@JoeNajorFishing]

Great video. I can't seem to find the owner status on land that I'm interested in. Do I need a paid subscription to landgrid to access that? Love the content. Just subscribed.

[@DIYDad1]

Great video, trying to plan my first dispersed camping this weekend in northern WI. Unfortunately state owned land it is illegal to camp or start fires on unless it is a designated reservable camp site. Only option is really national forest land a few hours away. Good resources it looks like land grid changed quite a bit is that still your go-to resource for land ownership data?

[@dc5131]

Awesome vid! In a selfish way / I'm glad this doesn't have too many views

[@JonOffgrid]

Cool 👍

[@charliekennedy2545]

Hey great vid hun. We need to camp up in picture rocks are in our travel trailer for a week or so maybe. Dispersed. Any good ideas up there? Im normaly out west with blm land so its weird here in the east for us anyway.

[@TakeATripTogether]

Wow! Thank you so much for this video. It was an excellent tutorial! I've always wondered how to find these types of campsites. Question: Are campsites marked in any way? or are you just finding an open area and camping there?

[@feliciafullwood]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad it was helpful! We are just finding our own open area to camp when we disperse camp. But there are some backcountry campsites listed in certain places that you can find probably though online national forrest maps, atlases, outdoor guide books, etc.

[@expeditionvibes4816]

This was so useful. I didn't had any idea regarding landgrid website.

[@feliciafullwood]

Thanks Mohan! So glad it was helpful! I know I was lost when I first started trying to find my own spot. Landgrid is awesome bc it’s free and most of the paid apps use their data anyways so figured why not start at the source!🤣

[@willjaynes]

Thanks for this video. Super helpful. I'll be in the U.P. next month, so I'd like to use your method. I notice that Landgrid shows a lot of areas as owned by "U.S. Government", or perhaps "State". Are these open to camping? Or does it have to say "U.S. Forest Service". Anyway, thanks.

[@fireman45atfd]

As a fellow michigander I very much enjoyed your video. ever since I bought my jeep I have been looking for disperse camping locations. Could you tell me the app that roman was using to find the property owners? thanks again

[@MrLuiswatts]

Landgrid won't let me paste anything into the search field for some reason. Great video.

[@shawnmartin3535]

We checked out that exact spot. It's definitely camping but they also have moto sports

[@feliciafullwood]

No way that’s awesome! The spot in Roscommon? Yeah I saw on Google earth some Moto bikes and trailers also, that’s pretty cool!

[@exploratoryvessels]

Thank you so much for sharing! This was VERY helpful!!

[@feliciafullwood]

So happy to hear it was helpful! Really appreciate the feedback! Thank you so much for watching :)

[@kathryncainmadsen5850]

This is really a great video! Hey, if you want to you can also correct the use of past tense "ran" when it should be present tense "run" on your blog post and and with funny flashing words on your video. "It is run." "They run" the national parks. Helpful? Annoying? I know I'd want someone to tell me. Did I mention your photography is brilliant?!!! It really is brilliant.

[@brianandheatheroutdoors]

Great tutorial!

[@feliciafullwood]

Thank you so much! It was a learning process for myself too🤣 can’t wait to see your video!

[@HERB46307]

I was jealous of that van as well:(

[@feliciafullwood]

LOL forever jealous of the space. Maybe one day!!

[@mikemarkley9110]

Do you need ORV stickers on the vehicles for this?

[@niteowlsully2266]

i made a previous comment and i don't see it so i will do it again. i'd like to see dates when videos are taken and notes about the black flies. are they biting hard during your trip? also do we need permits of any sort?

[@annamay819]

watching this after doing my first time at lake ann last night 🥺 now I'm out by boyne

[@Confindencedrugee]

Thanks for this. That landgrid app is going to be a new essential.

[@feliciafullwood]

No problem! It seriously is such a great app and love that it's free vs the other paid apps!

[@bryanbockert2158]

I’m having trouble finding the app. What does it look like?

[@phillipsmom6252]

We have over 100 state parks in Michigan, and you can camp at all of them free.

[@miplayground]

This is awesome. Thanks!

[@feliciafullwood]

You're welcome! Lots of good land up near you guys for camping. Wish I was closer lol

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks Felicia, appreciate the video and info. I live in Michigan also. Been wanting to try dispersed camping, but was like you said , kind of overwhelming and wondering where to start. I didn't know about the Land Grid app. That sure helps, especially knowing where the state land is so you don't get shot for being on someone's property!👍🏕

[@feliciafullwood]

So happy to hear this was helpful! Northern michigan has so much public land it’s a free camping paradise! Let me know if you have any other questions, I’m happy to help! :)

[@jeffrichards5106]

@@feliciafullwood Thanks Felicia, I was wondering if you ever tried dispersed camping in the winter? I had a hell of a time googling my brains out trying to find somewhere to camp that wasn't closed down for the winter. I have books on camping in Michigan, looked through those, checked the DNR and National Forest websites, not much luck there. Had to actually call both DNR and National Forest service to get a clue of what and where was open. Had time off for the past holiday between Christmas and New Years. But spent that time researching, and didn't get the chance to go. Don't know about you, but I live is southeast Michigan (Clinton Township) so I have a very long drive, at least 2-1/2 to 3 hrs or more, to get anywhere nice. That's a long way to go and then to get there and find out the road or campground is gated off. I'm sure I'll have more questions for you. Appreciate it. Take care.

[@borg386]

Great video and information, however just like every other video on this subject nobody ever says if you need a permit, permission, or need to ask the local forest ranger if camping is allowed or not. All you ever hear is that you can camp on national forest land, but under what circumstances, and what do you need to get permission to camp there?

[@feliciafullwood]

Hey, first off - thanks so much for watching! And I didn't include the specifics for MI because I figured this would could a bigger audience outside of MI and could cause confusion between different state rules. It does take a little bit of research once you know where exactly you are going to know what type of land it is/what rules to follow. In Michigan - There are no permits or permission needed in advance for National Forest camping. You don’t have to ask a ranger or camp in a designated camping spot. You can literally pick your own spot wherever you want (following the guidelines for NF land of course) which is listed on the National Forest Service website. But the rules are pretty straight forward being 1 mile away from an established campground, x amount feet from water sources, etc. For state land - the same rules apply that you don’t need permission in advance or to camp in designated areas - but a permit that can be easily printed online and brought with you is technically supposed to be posted at your campsite while you are there, and even after. But i have talked to multiple rangers and other campers in MI who say this is not a heavily enforced rule due to privacy. Most people don’t want their info posted in the middle of the woods, and it also breaks the “Leave No Trace” rule by leaving paper in the woods. So it is kind of a grey area, but I always say better to be safe than sorry! This was kind of a longer answer - but I hope that gives you a better idea! I always recommend looking up the land you are planning to head to and double checking the rules so you know what to expect before heading out!

[@robfxdf]

Hi guys, I just watch this video and I want to take my son out for primitive camping. Are we allowed on these state lands in Michigan to build primitive shelters instead of setting up a tent? We would only use fallen trees to build the shelter. Any info you have would be great. Again, I really love the video. Take care.

[@wdtaut5650]

Good question. Have you tried calling any of the DNR offices? I don't find anything about it in the dispersed camping regulations. Generally, you can move wood that's already down to, for instance, make a hunting blind. Also, don't forget to use the required permit on state land. They are free at DNR offices. You can print your own from the internet. It is called the Camp Registration Card. The DNR lists it under backpack camping. They don't like dispersed car camping so they don't give it a category.

[@ivancamp7716]

Very jelus.

[@kevincrowe1483]

Great information. Thanks. But you need to slow in down, just a bit. Nothing like camping on speed.

[@215081]

What's the chance something like this exists off the beach of Lake Superior?

[@burgest6351]

Ah man, I'm so jealous watching videos like this living in a place like south africa. It's so dangerous here in rural areas so car camping in actual remote areas is nigh impossible :(

[@danielclipper931]

Sorry to hear you can't enjoy the nature of your own country.

[@denisekeithley5991]

This may be a silly question... but what phone service do you find to be the most functional? AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon??? Off Grid camping in remote areas makes it hard to get service for GPS. Any suggestions are helpful.

[@feliciafullwood]

I have AT&T and have pretty decent service most places! but you can actually download google maps offline so you can always GPS even when you don’t have service, that’s what we do! Hope that helps

[@ezmomentsphoto]

This is so helpful. I've always used freecampsites but now these tips will be utilized.

[@roman212]

My biggest tip is never use locations found on the internet. Sometimes you'll get lucky, but most of the time specific spots publicized online are very popular and crowded.

[@ezmomentsphoto]

@@roman212 the mapmaster himself with the wisdom.

[@feliciafullwood]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching eric! Maybe we can link up ad camp next year in Mqt! Some amazing free camping spots around you!!

[@ezmomentsphoto]

@@feliciafullwood yess would love too and roman. I was busy using Landgrid and found some nice locations

[@JMill96]

Idk if I am doing it wrong but I have copied multiple Long/Lat and it keeps telling me it can’t find it?

[@DTGeorge27]

Roman had already introduced me to the Landgrid app, but seeing how you guys utilize it was super helpful. Can it be summer yet?

[@feliciafullwood]

Nice! Yeah it is super useful for scoping before and also while actually out in the woods! and haha I feel you, I'm hoping to try winter camping this year so wish us luck!😂

[@TheLifeOfJim]

Note you gotta pay for the Landgrid to get the owner information.

[@karamalkowski286]

This video was incredible! So many awesome tools to use online. If a person finds themselves in the UP without cell service (and you haven't downloaded maps to use), an old-fashioned Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer is a life-saver. The one I've had in my truck has been so well used the pages are starting to fall out. Thanks for putting the time into this -- now let's cross fingers that people who decide to backcountry camp leave no trace for the next campers (including toilet paper -- yuck).

[@feliciafullwood]

ahhh yess! I actually need to get myself an atlas or Gazetteer, they have been super helpful for friends while on trips! Thanks for sharing that!! Really appreciate your feedback! and yes crossing my fingers, always leave it better than you found it so we can all keep enjoying it! thank you so much for watching! :)

[@bronsondavis9631]

What’s the app she used?

[@garyoz1821]

Can you leave your car on those two tracks and backpack out into the forest some before setting up camp? If so is it advisable?

[@feliciafullwood]

You can’t leave the car right in the middle of the two tracks but yes you can pull off the road park and walk in to backpack to a spot on any state or National Forest land!

[@KyronCunninglinguist]

Lol this could prove to be unwise, but here goes... To anyone as cool as felicia, ill be campin with some friends in that exact same spot here in Platte Township beginning of July. Im down to share a campsite so long as everyones being responsible & respectful.

[@naturelover1284]

what is the guys website?

[@G_Rapids]

Landgrid no longer shows the parcel owner

[@jimflys2]

Landgrid runs 10.00 per month. 100 per year. Some info is free though.

[@nitsud54280]

Did you do any research about hunters in the area? I'm looking to disperse camp in Roscommon as well but definitely worried about stray bullets. Thanks!

[@feliciafullwood]

During hunting season you just have to be more mindful of where you're setting up camp, if you are deep in the woods you might want to be more careful than if you are just off a service road. There shouldn't be any stay bullets near the road, hopefully that is! So far that's what we've done and it''s worked out great. Hopefully you're able to get out there and camp! :)

[@jimknarr]

If you drive in an orange van, you should okay.

[@stevescramo592]

I don't see Land Grid app in my android store

[@cstout1634]

me either. I see regrid and land glide

[@tammy9162]

Ive heard many campers say people put signs up to deter campers away. And not legitimate. Anyone reading this... what are your experiences?

[@feliciafullwood]

Hmm. I’ve never came across signs on public land that were front either the state or the national forest. Only time you might see signs is passing through private property that’s surrounded by public land, and the owner might put up signs to show where the private land starts / ends. Hope that helps!

[@erichess8498]

How long are you allowed to stay in one spot?

[@KyronCunninglinguist]

2 weeks

[@rebeccabongo1350]

Does he have a tiktok page

[@rebeccabongo1350]

How do you deal with people who come up and say that that's their spot when you've already found a nice spot

[@samanthacook1967]

Anyone know of any cool hiking spots in Utah ?….

[@KyronCunninglinguist]

Different vid bruh