Michigan is big on ORV (off road vehicles), including dirt bikes, ATVs, Jeeps, and trucks. There are many off-roading clubs for enthusiasts to join. The state also has many parks and campgrounds for ORV. Michigan has a nice mix of options, including lake views, twisty tracks, muddy areas, sandy dunes, and rugged forests. But which trail do you want to hit first?
Off-roading in Michigan is allowed on state forest roads as well as some parks and campgrounds catering to a range of skill levels. There are also private parks, such as Bundy Hill Off-Road Recreation, that provide fun and amenities such as a racing track and camping.
We’ve gone through the wealth of Michigan’s ORV offerings to put together a list of the 10 best ORV trails. There is an ORV experience for everyone, regardless of whether you are new to ORV, looking for a new place to try, or planning on visiting the state. Just make sure you keep up with local regulations and check conditions.
10 Best ORV Trails and Parks In Michigan
Michigan has some fantastic ORV trails and parks. However, before you drive off the road, make sure you have the correct paperwork. The state’s Department of Natural Resources has a helpful site with a wealth of information, including rules and regulations, safety certificates, along with a handy suggestion page of where to ride. Also, be aware that the US Forest Service may have different rules than state parks.
But once you’ve jumped through all the legal hoops, it’s time to have fun. So, check out our top 10 ORV list to see where you want to go first.
Our List of Best Off-Road Trails In Michigan:
- AuSable River State Forest Campground
- Black Lake State Forest Campground
- Big Bear LAke State Forest Campground
- Bundy Hill Off-Road Recreation Area
- Cedar Creek Trail
- Huron-Manistee National Forest
- Ottawa National Forest
- Silver Lake State Park Scramble Area
- The Mounds Off-Road Park
- Twisted Trails Off-Road Park
1 – AuSable River State Forest Campground: ORV Michigan
AuSable River State Forest Campground and Canoe Camp is home to the 29-mile ATV Frederic Loop Trail. In addition, 9 miles of the Frederic Loop is open for larger ORV’s. Bonus, the Kalkaska Trail System can be accessed by Cameron Bridge Road or Country Road 612. If you’d like a peek of what the loop has to offer, watch here.
2 – Black Lake State Forest Campground: ORV Michigan
Black Lake State Forest Campground-Upper is a rustic campground of 35 sites designated for ORV camping. No reservations are available; it operates on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. A full map of the trails can be seen here, including the 39 Black Lake Trail.
3 – Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground: ORV Michigan
Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground is a scenic area near Gaylord. There are two ORV trails, the Big Bear & Crapo Creek and the North Branch. They are self-described as “Generally sandy and flat, lots of whoops.” However, there are some rocks lurking in the hard pack. They are pretty narrow, only 50”. To get a better idea, watch a dirt bike clip as it takes on the trail.
4 – Bundy Hill Off Road Recreation
Bundy Hill Off-Road Recreation is a private operation. This means access is a bit more spendy than your typical state forest trail. However, the trail options are incredible. As they say, they have “everything from mild to wild.”
The range of trails includes mud, hood deep water, wooden trails, tire crawls, sand, and steep hill climbs, all spread out over 300 acres. Some trails specifically cater to specific types of vehicles, such as ATVs, 4×4, Jeeps, dirt bikes, or crawlers. Bundy Hill has many events and a variety of races to keep things interesting. There is overnight camping, too.
5 – Cedar Creek Trail: ORV Michigan
Cedar Creek Trail is the perfect place for people new to ORV to gain experience. It is 24 miles long with two bridge crossings. However, the no-fee trail is mainly flat to rolling and is open year-round. You can see a clip of it here.
6 – Huron-Manistee National Forest: ORV Michigan
Huron-Manistee National Forest sits on the northern half of the Lower Peninsula. The national forest comprises of nearly a million acres and is situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. They have around a dozen ORV trails for a variety of vehicles.
Huron-Manistee has various camping options, including dispersed camping and horse camping. However, they conveniently provide two designated ORV trailhead campgrounds.
7 – Ottawa National Forest: ORV Michigan
The Ottawa National Forest is home to 18 waterfalls. Amongst the area’s nearly a million acres, 2,300 miles of it is open to OHVs via Forest Service road and designated trails. Ottawa allows dispersed camping along the roads and trails open to OHVs. They also have designated ORV campgrounds.
8 – Silver Lake State Park Scramble Area: ORV Michigan
Silver Lake State Park sits in Oceana Country, comprises 3,000 acres, and has over 4 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. ORVs flock to this area to ride the sand dunes, the only ones east of the Mississippi open to off-roading. The park’s rules and regulations for using the dunes can be read here.
Those visiting the area can stay at the park’s 200 site campground. They have electrical services and proper modern restrooms. Silver Lake also provides a playground for the kids, boat launch, swimming beach, fishing pier, hiking trails, and a picnic shelter.
9 – The Mounds Off Road Park: ORV Michigan
The Mounts Off-Road Park is open all year and is part of the Genesee County Parks system. Thus, Genesee County residents get a slight entry-fee discount, but even full price is reasonable, especially if you buy a seasonal pass. There is also camping for those visiting from afar.
The 370 acres of trails has plenty to offer for those that love off-roading, including bogs and rock climbs. The park is open to a wide range of vehicles, including quads and trucks. However, snowmobiles are prohibited. Also, note that from March 15 to May 15, while the park is open, there is only access to their scramble area.
10 – Twisted Trails Off Road Park: ORV Michigan
Twisted Trails Off-Road Park is a privately owned operation with 400 acres of trails and a campsite. They cater to all skill levels, and their map clearly marks which trails are easiest, moderate, or extreme. In addition, they cater to a range of vehicles, including Jeeps, ATVs, dirt bikes, trucks, and UTVs.
Twisted Trails hosts many events, from mudathons to DOG parties. Their racing events are organized for different categories of vehicles and skills. They also host live music on their outdoor stage. They’ve hosted a number of performers, including the Moonshine Bandits, Jason Michael Carroll, and the Whiskey Rebels.
Conclusion
Best Off-Road Trails In Michigan:
- AuSable River State Forest Campground
- Black Lake State Forest Campground
- Big Bear LAke State Forest Campground
- Bundy Hill Off-Road Recreation Area
- Cedar Creek Trail
- Huron-Manistee National Forest
- Ottawa National Forest
- Silver Lake State Park Scramble Area
- The Mounds Off-Road Park
- Twisted Trails Off-Road Park
Michigan has tons of state and national forest that offer any level of off-roader a great time. Many of these parks are open all year long, which makes Michigan one of the top destinations for off-roading.
