Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe
  1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Michigan
    /
  4. Empire
1 / 70
  1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Michigan
    /
  4. Empire

Echo Valley Forest

Hosted by Liana · Empire, Michigan
12 guests max
97%
·
84 reviews
Avatar
Liana is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Echo Valley Forest Reserve is a backcountry site located deep within the forest near the center of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, ten minutes from Empire Beach, Glen Haven, and Glen Arbor. The camp site is completely private, with only party rented to at a time. It is in the center of a 40-acre parcel, surrounded by thousands of acres of National Lakeshore and private forested land. Access is off of a rough seasonal two-track but most 2-wheel drive cars are fine. Watch out for rocks. There are solar lights, a pit toilet, a fire ring, and a ~8x8' deck. There is room for 4 cars, and as many tents as you can set up. We have 4 rules: 1) Leave no trace. Do not leave garbage at camp. DO NOT BURN garbage, people cook in that pit. 2) NO cutting into the live trees. You will get a 0-star review, 100% of the time. 3) Keep cars on the gravel driveway. 4) Put out all fires completely (COLD) and respect any Burn Bans that may be active at the time of your stay. These are issued by the fire department, not me.2025 Update: We are going to make some improvements sometime this summer, but not sure on the timing, so I blocked most dates. If you have a specific inquiry, feel free to DM me. There is only one site at this property (i.e. you get the whole place to yourself). It is a partially wooded, 2-acre area with a half-acre meadow in the middle of the 40-acre private wooded parcel. You can camp anywhere you like in the 2-acres. There are hammock trees, a small deck (~8'x8'), and a few flattened areas for tents. You can drive up to the site, but not throughout the site. There are two fire pits, one in the meadow and one when you first pull up in the woods. The camp currently has solar string lights that you can turn on or off as desired, a pit toilet with a solar motion sensor light and a mirror, and a bin that has some basics that vary depending what people leave, and what people use. You will want to bring TP in case there is none in the pit toilet and firewood (can be purchased on Plowman Rd or Benzonia Trail). Nothing is restocked regularly or maintained. See Property Description for more information.
Rig suitability
Vehicles under 13 feet allowed
Allowed rigs: class B RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
Echo Valley Road is a seasonal two-track and the driveway to the campsite is steep, so we do not recommend driving in with an RV or camper trailer, unless it is quite small, and you are experienced at driving down rough roads with it.
Pull-in site
Accommodates slideouts
Surface type: Loose Gravel
Surface levelness: Flat
No class A RVs, class C RVs, pop-up campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers
Echo Valley Road is a seasonal two-track and the driveway to the campsite is steep, so we do not recommend driving in with an RV or camper trailer, unless it is quite small, and you are experienced at driving down rough roads with it.
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
Generators not allowed
What to expect
RV/tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
12 guests max
Campfires allowed
Firepit, private. There is a fire ring in the meadow and a pit in the forested area. Please keep fires in the pit and put out completely before leaving. There is firewood for sale at several roadside stands within a mile of the camp on Benzonia Trail and Plowman Rd. Please do not bring firewood from home, this spreads tree pests and disease. Please Note: If the FIRE BAN is turned on that means there is a township-wide Burn Ban issued by the DNR and/or Fire Department due to drought conditions and high risk of wildfire. Please see burn ban status here: https://www.dnr.state.mi.us/BurnPermits/Search.aspx?LEELANAU We are in Empire township; if it says "no" in the Burn Permits Issued? column, then outdoor fires are not permitted by the local fire department.
Toilet available
Pit toilet
Pets allowed
Off leash, on leash. There are definitely several resident porcupines and black bear so if your dog likes to explore or chase animals please leash them, you will thank yourself.
Cooking equipment present
Grill over firepit. There are grates that go over each fire pit that you can use, and there is a smaller grate in the storage bin for more precise placement over the fire.
No potable water
Bring your own water
No showers
Bathe in lake, bathe in river or stream. There are a ton of public beaches in the park, please use a biodegradable soap.
Pack it out
Leave no trace, which means that you pack out all of your garbage. DO NOT BURN GARBAGE - people cook on the fire. Remains of melted plastic do not leave a good flavor on a steak.
Picnic table absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Moderate
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
Wheelchair access
Max 4 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

RV/tent sites

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Forest Ridge Site

97%
(110)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 12 · Vehicles under 13 ft
2025 Update: We are going to make some improvements sometime this summer, but not sure on the timing, so I blocked most dates. If you have a specific inquiry, feel free to DM me. There is only one site at this property (i.e. you get the whole place to yourself). It is a partially wooded, 2-acre area with a half-acre meadow in the middle of the 40-acre private wooded parcel. You can camp anywhere you like in the 2-acres. There are hammock trees, a small deck (~8'x8'), and a few flattened areas for tents. You can drive up to the site, but not throughout the site. There are two fire pits, one in the meadow and one when you first pull up in the woods. The camp currently has solar string lights that you can turn on or off as desired, a pit toilet with a solar motion sensor light and a mirror, and a bin that has some basics that vary depending what people leave, and what people use. You will want to bring TP in case there is none in the pit toilet and firewood (can be purchased on Plowman Rd or Benzonia Trail). Nothing is restocked regularly or maintained. See Property Description for more information.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Reviews

97% Recommend111 ratings · 84 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Camping with kids
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
Beautiful site in a dense forest. The bird song was peaceful while we sat by the fire. The detailed directions from the host were very helpful and much appreciated! We would come again. We came with our two kids under 5 and they had a blast!
H
Hillary D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Great Camp Super Quiet
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
Peace and super quiet. Except for owls and the nightly sunset coyote howl to the North. Lovely camp. Triliums in bloom. There is nobody else around for miles. Yet 20 minutes to town or Sleeping Bear Dunes. No logging trucks or highway hum in the distance. Camp site is nice. Good tent platform. Clean outhouse. We will be back.
C
Carl A.
12 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Great Communication
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
I wasn't able to stay at this site, but Liana was very prompt in communicating with me, and made it easy to cancel. I hope to rebook in the future!
B
Bettina C.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Private campsite
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
VERY SECLUDED! A great campsite of the beaten path with all the necessities. It has a well maintained out-house, dry fire wood, and everything you would need to do some campfire cooking. Also, the solar camp lights were a nice touch. We will be coming back!
M
Madalyn S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Forest Ridge Site
Perfect, clean, private location. Loved our stay!!
C
Carina G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Forest Ridge Site
Amazing site- will be back! Beautiful land and space for a large setup.
A
Ashley S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
This was an amazing little spot, and the host has most everything one might have forgotten (and more) to use on site so you don't have to wander back to civilization. The solar powered string of lights made camp feel magical, as well! 10/10 would recommend/stay again
K
Kristina J.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Paradise
16 ft car ·
Forest Ridge Site
This spot was paradise! Everything was perfect for our first time primitive camping!
L
Lindsay R.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Book this quiet spot now.
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
Beautiful site. Well appointed and in a fantastic location. Can’t wait to go back.
J
Jeff R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
Incredible campsite! Would love to visit again and bring friends - great location with lots nearby, and plenty of privacy.
M
Madyson H.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
camp like a local on very private but accessible land
S
Sarah C.
6 reviews
Recommends
· October 2023
Keep this place a secret!!
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
Omg!!! Loved this spot!! Keep this place a secret. It’s perfectly situated in the woods with no neighbors nearby and no noise minus nature. Yet super quick to get to Empire and Glen Arbor. We camped in October and there was still plenty of kindling and wood which was helpful!! The platform served as a station for cooking, washing dishes, dog eating area. The campsite is large but it was just my hubs and me plus our dogs. The trails on the property are nice and we meandered around them and on the road cause we saw zero traffic. Needless to say, we will definitely be back. This is ideal for our style of camping!!! And even without water and a bathroom, there’s a public bathroom in Glen Arbor that worked perfectly for certain needs.
Avatar
Stephanie W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
Forest Ridge Site
Well kept site with plenty of space and tree cover.
W
Willem R.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
15 ft campervan · With kids ·
Forest Ridge Site
Gorgeous site. Feels off the beaten track but is really close to all the park has to offer.
B
Ben S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Great stay
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
I loved being here - the experience was great. Not the easiest to find, but following directions exactly as she wrote them made it possible. I would make sure to take a car with a high rise and good tires. We saw no one, heard many animals, and our dog and us had the best time. It was exactly as described and reminded me of “backcountry” camp sites from the state. It was everything promised!
K
Kara T.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
Great secluded spot
18 ft campervan ·
Forest Ridge Site
Super nice spot, secluded but easy enough to find. The directions in the listing are spot on, so just follow those and you’ll be all set. When I clicked on “get directions with apple maps” it took me somewhere a few miles away for whatever reason, no fault of the owner. Just get yourself to Benzonia and echo lake road and follow the hosts directions from there. She was helpful as we arrived around 10pm in the dark.
M
Mike T.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
We loved camping here! Its the perfect spot if you are looking to feel completely secluded, yet be within 15 min to glen arbor and empire and the endless beautiful nature in this area! Its down a little dirt road that my 2wd truck had no problem with. Instructions to the site were clear and we found it easily. We literally did not hear any evidence of other people/traffic/civilization while we were here:) my cell service was not available on site, however would come in when i got back to the main road. If you go in mid agust there will be an explosion of black berries on the edge of the beautiful wildflower meadow at the back of the site. We were there the first week of August and the black berries were just starting. We really appreciated the grill cover for the fire pit, otherwise there were not too many amenities, which is just the way we like it. I will be back next summer;)
J
Joy D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
we loved camping here! they gave us some fire starting supplies along with dry wood to get our fire going. they also provided a tarp, first aid kit, and citronella candle that helped the bugs stay away! would recommend for a quite spot to stay :)
B
Brady C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
This was a great campsite! Very private and not hard to get too - directions were great. The camp itself is clean and had potable water and the area was beautiful - wild flowers and the sound of owls at night. I would definitely stay here again when I’m in the area!
Avatar
Rebecca K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
Great location! Close to everything we wanted to do in the sleeping bear dunes area! Great host! Checked in on us when a big storm rolled through to make sure we were ok. If you like primitive camping this is a great option. 1 mile of unpaved, sand and dirt road but never once did I have to use 4WD. Expected there to be lots of bugs/mosquitoes but didn’t notice many at all (early august). Will use this rental again for sure.
R
Ryan L.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
This place knocks off socks
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
This place was sweet. My buddy and I camped here the other night and enjoyed some of Michigans best. We hung out and enjoyed meat around the fire u til about 10 pm until we convinced each other we were definitely being hunter by a bear. 10/10 would Recommend
D
D R.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Forest Ridge Site
My camping place, was beautiful,. I recommend., 🙂,. Thank you 😊 Liana.,
R
Roberto R.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
Beautiful location, easy enough to find, lots of great birds singing constantly.
F
Flora And Fungi A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
If your looking for peace and solitude this is the place! One mile from nearest pavement and virtually no human noise during my stay. It was fantastic! Directions are spot on, easy to find. There was no gate but all else as described. Going back in a few weeks.
B
Brian C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
Echo Valley
Tent · Group trip ·
Forest Ridge Site
This place is so special. We’ve stayed here four times and have loved it. Wildflowers and owls in the Spring, raspberries and lightening bugs in July, and birdsong morning, noon and evening echoes through the valley. This a great home base for a Sleeping Bear vacation.
T
Tracy S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
Clean, secluded forest campsite
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
Perfect tent camping spot with lots of space, secluded, and clean. The wooden platform, firepit w/ grate, and firewood were a huge plus. I wish all campsites were just like this one!! Host was friendly and communicative. Access roads were good (we brought a prius). Nice hiking on the grounds. Strongly recommend to check humans/pets for ticks.
T
Tyler T.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Perfect seclusion!!!
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
This was such a wonderful experience!! Secluded, easy to access, less than ten min from Glen Arbor and an easy 15 from Sleeping Bear Dunes! A perfect place to chill!
K
Kenneth H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
This site is super private but close to so much to do! Liana’s instructions were clear and the site was easy to find. We barely heard any car noise the entire time. There was a burn ban in effect while we were there, so we didn’t use the fire pit but it looked great! Would definitely recommend this site to anyone who enjoys primitive camping.
Avatar
Jessica G.
8 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
Tent ·
Forest Ridge Site
We had an amazing time camping at this location. It was easy to navigate to with the directions provided. The site is quiet, private, and incredibly beautiful!
C
Cara P.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
Camping solo
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Ridge Site
Beautiful site! Well kept, easy to find. Very peaceful. I will definitely be back.
C
Cassey D.
3 years on Hipcamp

Location

Empire, Leelanau, Michigan, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Liana M.

Joined in January 2019

Things to do nearby

    Similar campgrounds nearby

      Campers also viewed...

        Popular searches in Michigan

        RV sites
        Dog-friendly camping
        Camping with horseback riding
        Forest camping
        Camping with hiking
        Camping with wildlife watching
        Camping with campfires
        Camping with fishing

        About us

        Gift cardsGeneral storeJournalCareersPressHipcamper FAQ

        Hosting

        Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?Professional campgroundsInsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

        Everywhere You Want To Camp™

        Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

        Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

        Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemapLLMS
        © 2026 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
        Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.