Camping in Michigan. Where can we legally pitch our tent? South West Michigan Camping.?

Edward M

We are looking for some woods and water in SouthWest Michigan where we can legally camp. We definitely don't want a packed campsite with showers and electricity. We want the full blown nature experience. Where are we allowed to camp? Does anyone know how that works? Any good websites? Any suggestions or advice? We want a place where we can park the car, hike into the deep woods and pitch our tent next to a lake or river. I don't know the laws for camping. What do I need to look for?

Thank you very much for your help.

Ed

Answer
What you're describing is called "backpacking." It is the best way to camp, explore, and enjoy the outdoors, because you're entirely on your own, carrying everything your need to survive (at least for a few days) on your back.

Michigan Hiking Guide

Wide Awake on Lake Michigan - Sleeping Bear Dunes has lush forests, level trails, 400-foot bluffs, vast sandy beaches - and you thought the midwest was just cornfields. http://www.nps.gov/slbe/

Across Isle Royale by Foot - The Greenstone Ridge runs along the spine of Michigan's Isle Royale National Park. Located in Lake Superior and accessible only by ferry or seaplane, Isle Royale is beyond the reach of the auto.
http://www.nps.gov/isro

Michigan's Ottawa National Forest - Great northern forest of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/ottawa/

Hiawatha National Forest - Old Indian and trading trails and a significant portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/hiawatha/

Pictured Rocks SP:
http://www.nps.gov/piro/

Backpacking in California?

kazu

I am planning my first backpacking trip ever from San Francisco, my home town. I plan to be gone for more than a week. What are the basics as far as gear/food that will keep me alive for that long? As far as destination, I will be heading south for the milder weather. Are there any suggestions of any good paths I may take? The one requirement I have is I want to stay on a lake/swimming hole/river for a while. Which mild temperate areas containing someplace nice to swim are free to backpack in? Once I get my gear in order, I would like to leave asap. Kind of trying to be off the grid for a while. Looking for a place where I can swim/fish freely, stay for more than one day, and do it legally if possible. My large dog may or may not be coming with me. Lets say I've got around $300 to spend.

Answer
That's more than can be answered in one question. Here are some books I use for reference:

Basics on gear, techniques, what you need to bring: http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Backpacking-2nd-Essential-Techniques/dp/0897325842/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259524221&sr=1-5

Guide to EVERY car camping and backpacking campsite in the Bay Area. I'm not sure if there are any with swimming, but they are good for beginner trips because they are close to home, at lower elevations, and usually have a few amenities at the campsite (running water, toilet, table). http://www.amazon.com/Camping-Backpacking-San-Francisco-Area/dp/0899972950/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259524392&sr=1-1

Guide to backpacking California. This one covers the whole state, from the deserts in the south to the Sierra to the far north. http://www.amazon.com/Backpacking-California-Mountain-Foothill-Adventures/dp/0899974465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259524472&sr=1-1

Another good resource is Backpacker Magazine, and their website http://www.backpacker.com/

In the winter, the best places to go would be places in the Coastal hills (like the Santa Cruz Mountains) where it is wet and cool all year round, or in the deserts/forests of Southern California. I don't know about swimming, fishing, or bringing your dog - you will have to check out specific trips to see if that is going to be an option.

Unfortunately, backpacking is an expensive sport. $300 isn't going to get you very far unless you can rent or borrow your gear. Outdoor stores like REI rent gear, so go there and ask them how much they charge.

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