If you’ve never heard of it, dispersed camping is exactly what it sounds like—pitching your tent away from a traditional campground on designated state forest land. Here in Michigan, it’s one of the best ways to experience the outdoors for free.

With a bit of planning, you can camp alongside sand dunes, forests, waterfalls, and even Lake Superior without paying for a campsite.

Today, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie is sharing some of the best places in Michigan to go dispersed camping for everyone from first timers to hardened experts.

Plus, we’ve got the latest on the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan.

Michigan officials say cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce (WXYZ): Michigan has reported more than 3,000 cases of cyclosporiasis since late June, including 44 hospitalizations, with state health officials investigating lettuce or salad greens as the likely source. The outbreak is far above the state’s typical annual total of about 50 cases, though investigators have not yet identified a specific grower or supplier.

Lansing City Council passes data center moratorium (WLNS): The Lansing City Council approved a six-month moratorium on new data centers to give officials time to develop zoning rules and regulations for the growing industry. The move follows the collapse of a controversial $120 million deal with developer Deep Green that faced months of public opposition before being withdrawn.

Man held in Great Lakes Crossing shooting released (The Detroit News): Police have released a 22-year-old Detroit man from custody as they continue investigating a fatal shooting at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets over the weekend. Investigators say the shooting followed a confrontation involving a 20-year-old Pontiac man, who was killed, while a 19-year-old woman was also injured. The man released had a concealed pistol license.

Dispersed camping in Michigan is free and permitted on any state forest land. (Natalia Blauth/Unsplash)

By Chaunie Brusie

Every year, my husband and I swear that we are going to give up camping with our five kids, but every year, we end up going again. The truth is, Michigan is just too darn majestic to miss out on exploring during the summer.

From the beaches to the sand dunes to hiking to the sunrises and sunsets, our state has so much to offer, and dispersed camping in Michigan lets us experience the beauty of the state up close and personal. Even though I will be the first to tell you that camping can take a bit of upfront work, the rewards are always worth it.

We camp every year with five kids, some of whom are now larger than me, so despite the cramped quarters, occasional bugs, and questionable mattress quality, if you can land that perfect camping site, you’ll be basking in the Michigan beauty.

And if you want to get very up close and personal with the natural beauty of Michigan’s landscape, you can try your hand at dispersed camping. Dispersed camping, also known as backcountry or “car” camping, is free camping on state forest land in certain areas. 

Dispersed camping in Michigan has certain stipulations, such as:

Dispersed camping can be an adventure, but camping in one of these beautiful scenic forests in Michigan will be an experience to remember. 

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Random tidbits worth clicking on…

Explore county-level statistics of Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak. (Maps.com/Screenshot)

🦠 Keep track of the areas in Michigan hardest hit by cyclosporiasis with this map that uses infection data from Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services.

🌱 For the plant enthusiasts among us, this new app from the University of Michigan can help you identify the state’s native flora using your phone. Best of all, it even works without an internet connection (like when you’re out camping, maybe?).

Do you have a cool picture, observation, or comment you’d like to share? Send it here.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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