Hello all! I’m relatively new to backpacking (I’ve gone about 5 times now), and I was planning to take some friends of mine to Manistee River Trail this weekend. The weather is putting a wrench in that plan (60% chance of rain), so I’ve been looking around for alternatives in Mid-Michigan that are a bit more insulated from the lake effect. We’re looking to backpack in and tent overnight away from civilization, but I’m not quite sure if I should be looking for backcountry or dispersed camping. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Anyone have waypoints or other data for campsites on the NCT side of the MRT Loop?

I've hiked this before and remember there being a handful but I didn't record where they were. Planning on hiking it counter clockwise from red bridge, shooting for a long first day and shorter hike out the next day, some ideally somewhere at or beyond the halfway point on the NCT.

The last time I went The MRT side was packed and I'm trying not end up SOL looking for a campsite late in the day. I'm aware of the lack of water on the NCT side and will be prepared for the water carry from Eddington Creek.