No photos yet

Whelan Lake Area

Dispersed camping — conditions change

Fire restrictions, road washouts, and seasonal closures are common on public lands. Confirm current rules with the managing agency (BLM/USFS field office) before traveling. Practice Leave No Trace.

Directions

Pricing

Check official pricing

0.0

0 Reviews

Dispersed Area Free · No reservation USFS · USFS Dispersed Camping

What is dispersed camping?

Dispersed camping is primitive camping on public land outside of developed campgrounds. There are no facilities — no toilets (usually), no water, no trash service, no marked sites. You may camp anywhere within the area, usually for free, subject to the agency's rules below. Pack everything out, follow Leave No Trace, and check current conditions with the land manager before you go.

Dispersed camping permitted on this Forest Service unit subject to current Forest Orders, MVUM, and fire restrictions. Verify rules with the managing ranger district before any visit.

USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map required
You must use the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map for this district to identify which roads allow camping. Off-MVUM driving and camping is illegal.

Managing agency: USFS · Huron-Manistee National Forests
Designation: USFS Dispersed Camping
Max stay: 14 days per location
Distance from water (LNT): 200+ ft

Facilities

✗No toilets — pack out human waste (WAG bag)
✗No water — bring all you'll need

Seasonal notes: Season: January 1 – December 31 As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders - Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03

Official sources & verification

Managed by Dispersed/Primitive

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.

Verify by phone or mail

Address:MI

About

This area is popular for canoeing, fishing and camping. The camping area is near the south branch of the Pere Marquette River, on Whelan Lake. The land surrounding the lake is primarily federal ownership.