Need help with Manistee Location!

“Hey MM's and Manistee hikers, I was hoping to get some info. on trails for an upcoming family backpacking excursion I'll be attending in the Manistee National Forest. Because I, along with my brothers, will be leading 5 girls, ages 9 and under, on the trip, we are looking for the following criteria:

1. Needs to be close to Freesoil, Mi.
2. We are looking at a one night backpack/campout about 1-1.5 miles in, and 1-1.5 miles out.
3. I read the TR's posted about Manistee here, and we're hoping to avoid rowdy teens/drunks.
4. Camping around a body of water would be a plus.

Thanks in advance!

BB, Sloopy & Woodstock”

“and we're hoping to avoid rowdy teens/drunks.

Alright! Who are you and what have you done with Buddha Bear?”

“Hey BB!

I say to go to Nordhouse Dunes: not far from Freesoil, short hike, big body of water (Lake MI), sandy beach = fun.”

“Hi General Cow Patty! I was thinking ND, but can we do primative camping there? Or do we have to go to the crammed in campsites that many of those parks have?

Thanks,

BB”

“Alos, what do you think of Ludington?”

“As long as you camp at least 400 feet back from the lake which is basically behind the first dune(s), you can choose wherever you want in the Wilderness area. It's a backpacking kinda place. It's not required to stay in the Lake MI Recreation Area cg. The map delineates the two areas well.

Ludington? Charming little harbor town....
The state park cg is the busiest in the state; I wouldn't be surprised if all the reservable camp sites are taken for the entire summer. There is a nice beach, hiking trails, and lighthouse open for tours. The state park land adjoins Nordhouse Dunes. There's an elk ranch (Amber Elk) outside of town open to tours, and a couple of fee fishing pond places.”

“thanks CP - Nordhouse dunes it is!”

“Nordhouse Dunes rocks!!! Calvin and Hobbes can't wait to go back.”

“Here are my favorite Ludington SP web sites:

http://www.blogsmonroe.com/expatriate/?p=212

Nordhouse and Ludington SP are the same block of land, so it is conceivable that you could park at Ludington and backpack up the beach.”

“I, along with my brothers, will be leading 5 girls, ages 9 and under, on the trip,

Buddha Bear
7:27:27 AM
6/18/07




Does this frighten anyone else besides me? ;P”

“Does this frighten anyone else besides me? ;P”

Nope, I've met Sloopy! :)”

“lol NC - I'm more worried about my brothers than my nieces! For example, the middle brother wants to pack in a 70# three room tent with an awning!”

“CP - I'm telling Sloopy that the President or General, or whatever they were calling you told us to go to the Dunes. She remembers you.”

“3. I read the TR's posted about Manistee here, and we're hoping to avoid rowdy teens/drunks.


I am going home, having a triple scotch and water and wait for the end of time, because I know it is now near.”

“not sure how far it is from you but the manistee river trail is the best hike ive done there. lots of options, me and gforce have never incountered any problems,it is just south of mesik”

“someone mis-placed their manatee?”