Driving To My Dispersed Campsite In The Manistee National Forest

wanderingagorist (56)in #vanlife • 6 years ago (edited)

Click on image to see Dtube video.
Video taken August 15, 2018

I'm driving from Nurnberg Rd. on Forest Rd. 8038 that connects with Forest Rd. 8039 where my campsite is located. I've hiked and driven every forest road within a 6 mile radius of my campsite and this is my favorite spot.

I've been here since August 10th and rarely any vehicles travel this narrow secluded road. I like the isolation, tranquility, and beauty it provides, so that's why I chose it.

It is 2.2 miles via Nurnberg Rd. to the Upper Hamlin Grocery Store, a convenience store where I buy my 20 lb. bag of ice for $5, 16 oz. coffee for $1, and a shower for $5. I make purchases of food and other supplies at the Walmart in Ludington about 17 miles south or the Meijer store in Manistee about 15 miles north.

I
The Nurnberg Trailhead that leads into the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is about 4.5 miles. The lot has a $5 parking fee that is free with a National Park Annual Pass. The hike from the Nordhouse Trailhead to the Lake Michigan beach is about 1.5 miles. The shoreline is about 6 miles long within the wilderness area boundary, so even on a crowded weekend or holiday there is plenty of space if you want to escape and have a spot all to oneself. One can backcountry camp in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, but must be at least 400 ft. from the shore.

If you don't want to hike the Lake Michigan Recreation Area provides close beach access with only a short walk from a fee parking lot, $5 or free with a national park annual pass. There is also a fee campground nearby with 100 sites for $20 or $10 with an annual pass.

There are many trails for hiking that takes one through lush, fern covered forests with towering trees that are adjoining beautiful sand dunes bordering the shoreline. The tranquil forests and pristine shoreline here are now on my list of favorite places in the natural world. Come visit and I'm sure you will feel the same.