Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Off-Roading Experience in Michigan
While Michigan has bustling cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor, the Mitten State also has plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Off-roaders enjoy Michigan’s trail networks because they offer diverse terrain, including sand, snow, forests, hill climbs, and more. Get your Michigan off-road vehicle (ORV) permit sticker and check out these 27 sites for hitting the trails.
Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground
West Branch
Pricing: No entry fee, $20 for tent camping, $20 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, primitive camping permitted but only for 15 days maximum
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no trucks, no 4x4s, no jeeps, no trailblazing, no night riding
Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground is a popular campsite in north-central Michigan. The trails here feature about nine miles for your ATVs and smaller off-roaders. Ambrose Lake trails provide easy access to the nearby Big O Motorcycle Trail. The campsite doesn’t have reservations, so get there early to catch a spot.
Baraga Plains OHV Trail
Baraga Township
Pricing: No entry fee, $20 for tent camping, $20 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required camping allowed at the Big Lake Campground, 50-inch maximum vehicle width for ATVs, UTVs, and SxS
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no trucks, no 4x4s on the trail, no jeeps on the trail, no trailblazing, no night riding
Another northern Michigan staple is the Baraga Plains OHV Trail. This two-way trail features a 28-mile loop close to the Big Lake State Forest Campground, where you can stay the night. Stop by the trailhead to park and get information about the trail.
Big O Motorcycle Trail
Bitely
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 24-inch maximum bike width, spark arrestor required, special permit required for groups of 75 people or more
Restrictions: Only dirt bikes and motorcycles permitted, 94dB noise limit, no camping, no night riding, no trailblazing
The Big O Motorcycle Trail is an excellent motorcycle and dirt bike trail, one section of the Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail. This recreational area is terrific for testing your best dirt bikes and having fun on the course. While the Big O Motorcycle Trail is open all year, remember that the park does not maintain the trailheads during the winter.
Bull Gap Trail System
Mio
Pricing: No entry fee, $15 for tent camping, $15 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required, camping allowed at Mack Lake ORV Campground
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing, jeeps, trucks and 4x4s only allowed at Bull Gap Hill Climb
The Bull Gap Trail System is among the most extensive in Michigan, featuring about 115 miles of trails. Most of the park is for smaller off-roaders, but you can take your full-sized trucks and SUVs to the hill climbing area. While most trails are open year-round, Bull Gap is only available from mid-May through November.
Bundy Hill Offroad Park
Jerome
Pricing: $20 driver fee, $10 per day for multiday passes (only sold Wednesday through Friday), $10 for passengers 13 and older, $5 for passengers 6-12 years old, no fee for riders 5 and under, $25 for the first night of camping, $15 for each additional night, $20 refundable deposit required
Regulations: Children under 18 must have a notarized waiver signed by their legal guardian, helmet mandatory, permit not required, 96-inch whip flag required, camping permitted from Wednesday through Saturday on developed sites, SxS and 4x4s must have a seat belt and a roof or roll bar
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no alcohol, no drugs, no firearms, no double riding on vehicles with single seats, no blind jumping
You’ll find Bundy Hill Offroad Park in the small town of Jerome. This area lets you bring any off-roader to navigate numerous types of trails, including mud pits and hill climbs. Bundy Hill Offroad offers special events throughout the year, so check their Facebook page for the upcoming schedule.
Cedar Creek Motorsport Trail
Twin Lake
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required, special permit required for groups of 75 people or more
Restrictions: 96dB noise limit, night riding, no trailblazing, no jeeps, no 4x4s, no trucks, no camping available
If you like sand, Cedar Creek Motorsports Trail is the place for you. This system consists of 24 miles of ATV trails, but you can also bring bikes, UTVs, and SxS. Although the trail is open 24/7, you must adhere to quiet hours at night.
Cranberry Lake OHV Trail
Detour Township
Pricing: No entry fee, $20 for tent camping, $20 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing, no trucks, no jeeps, no 4x4s
Off-roading in the Upper Peninsula brings you to Cranberry Lake OHV Trail — just a short boat ride from the Canadian border. Cranberry Lake OHV Trail is a quick, 7-mile trail close to the Great Lakes, so bring the family along for easy riding.
Forest Island Trail
Cedar River
Pricing: No entry fee, $20 for tent camping, $20 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, 72-inch maximum vehicle width, primitive camping permitted in developed sites
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing
Forest Island Trail is another popular Upper Peninsula site for off-roading fans. This system has about 38 miles of trails open for all off-roaders, so pick your favorite machine and head to the trails. While riding, you’ll explore the beautiful Escanaba River State Forest.
Gladwin ORV Scramble Area
Gladwin
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no jeeps, no trucks, no 4x4s, no night riding, trailblazing only in the scramble area, no camping
The Gladwin ORV Scramble Area provides a rare opportunity to trailblaze if you do it in the designated area. The network has about 50 miles of trails featuring dunes and a few loops. Bring your snowmobile in the winter for a different kind of off-road experience.
Holly Oaks ORV Park
Holly
Pricing: $30 per vehicle (300 max tickets sold daily)
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor required, 96-inch whip flag required when in motion, permitted vehicles include full-size 4x4s, dirt bikes, SXS, ATVs and quads, drivers under 16 must have a DNR ORV safety certificate
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit (all vehicles must pass sound check), only one person per quad unless there is a designated back seat, no night riding, trailblazing only in scramble areas, no camping
Holly Oaks ORV Park is a terrific spot in Eastern Michigan for off-roading. The recreational area is just an hour northeast of Detroit and features numerous terrains to fit your abilities. Holly Oaks ORV Park doesn’t have camping, but you can spend the night at the Groveland Oaks County Park and Campground across the street.
Holton Motorcycle Trail
Holton
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, 24-inch maximum vehicle width
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, only dirt bikes and motorcycles permitted, no night riding, no trailblazing, no camping
If you like solo riding, check out the Holton Motorcycle Trail in western Michigan. This trail system has about 28 miles of single tracks, loops, and a few sand courses. Keep in mind that off-roading in sand typically requires lower tire pressure than typical off-roading. Follow the orange markers on trees to stay on the trail.
Horseshoe Motorcycle Trail
Holton
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, 24-inch maximum vehicle width
Restrictions: 96dB noise limit, only dirt bikes and motorcycles permitted, no night riding, no trailblazing, no camping
The Horseshoe Motorcycle Trail is another off-road trail system in Holton. These trails are unique because you can bring street-legal bikes in the northern section and non-street-legal bikes in the southern half. You get about 24 miles of trails at Horseshoe Motorcycle Trail while riding through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Indian River ATV Trail
Indian River
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 72-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing
A short drive from Mackinaw City, you’ll find the Indian River ATV Trail. This trail system encompasses about 21 miles of loops with back roads and dirt roads. Bring your favorite off-roader here because the trail allows any type. Enjoy the scenery of the incredible Mackinaw State Forest as you drive.
Kinross Motorcycle Trail
Kinross Charter Township
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 24-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required, camping available at Kinross RV Park
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing, only dirt bikes and motorcycles allowed
The Kinross Motorcycle Trail is another recreational area exclusive to dirtbikes and motorcycles. This system has about 31 miles of trails taking you through the dense forests of Chippewa County. Most tracks are one-way, with some trails taking you on sandy terrain.
Little Manistee Trails
Baldwin
Pricing: No entry fee, $20 for tent camping, $20 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 72-inch maximum vehicle width, camping permitted in developed sites only, spark arrestor required
Restrictions: 96dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing
The Little Manistee Trails are a pair of loops in western Michigan, with each path taking just over 45 miles. Be mindful that one trail is for motorcycles, whereas the other is for your 4x4s.
The long rides emphasize the need to conserve fuel in your off-roader. Be mindful of reckless driving and bad habits. For example, idling can waste a half-gallon of gas every hour, so turn off the engine if you’re waiting for somebody.
Little O ATV Trail
Baldwin
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no trailblazing, no night riding, no trucks, no jeeps, no trucks, no camping, no campfires
The Little O ATV Trail accompanies the Little Manistee Trails in Western Michigan. This trail system comprises about 41 miles of trails for your off-roaders. While no camping is available here, you can find accommodations at the Carrieville Campground and the North County Campground. Each one provides access to the Little Manistee Trails.
Long Lake Motorcycle Trails
Manton
Pricing: Free entry, $26 for tent camping, $31 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 24-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required, camping allowed in developed sites
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing, only motorcycles and dirt bikes permitted
Just outside Manton, you’ll find the 22-mile-long Long Lake Motorcycle Trails. This single-track recreational area is only available to dirt bikes and motorcycles, and you can see why with its windy trails. The paths are relatively smooth, letting you up the speed on your bikes.
Meadows ORV Trail System
Big Creek Township
Pricing: $5 daily fee or $15 for the whole week, $10 for tent camping, $10 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, camping allowed in developed sites at the Meadows ORV Campground, 50-inch maximum vehicle width
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no 4x4s, no jeeps, no trucks, no night riding, no trailblazing
You’ll find the Meadows ORV Trail System inside the extensive Huron National Forest. This trail system is a great one to visit after riding in Bull Gap. The Meadows ORV Trail System has about 70 miles of trails, with only a portion allowing motorcycles.
Norway ORV Trail
Norway
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required, no camping available
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no trailblazing, no night riding, no trucks, no jeeps, no 4x4s
While you won’t find fjords here, the Norway ORV system has about 50 miles of trails for your off-roaders. Most tracks provide easy riding, so they’re apt for riders of any expertise. Visitors enjoy the Norway ORV Trail in the winter for its snowmobile riding opportunities.
Ogemaw Sport and Trail Center
Rose City
Pricing: $30 daily riding fee for adults, $20 for children 8-10, $15 for kids 7 and under, $30 camping for 2 adults and 3 children or just 3 adults, $10 daily mountain bike rentals, $50 daily camping fee for non-riders (2 adults and 3 children or 3 adults), $10 for each additional guest
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit not required, camping available
Restrictions: No night riding, no trailblazing, no glass bottles, no alcohol, no 4x4s, no trucks, no jeeps
The Ogemaw Sport and Trail Center is one of Michigan’s best off-road parks. Plan a day of fun at this trail center riding the ATV trails, peewee track, MX track, obstacle course, and hill climbs. There are plenty of camping opportunities here, so park your RV or trailer and take advantage of the electric and water hookups on the campsites.
Red Bridge ATV Trails
Waverly Township
Pricing:
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing, no camping
On your way to the Upper Peninsula, you’ll find the Red Bridge ATV Trails near Waverly Township. This trail system encompasses about 34 miles of trails open year-round, so pick your favorite season for riding. The Red Bridge ATV network is convenient because it connects to other trails in the northern part of the state.
Silver Lake State Park
Mears
Pricing: $12 per OHV, $13 for a Michigan Recreation Passport purchased at Silver Lake State Park or $13 if purchased through the Department of Natural Resources, $38 for tent camping, $38 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan Recreation Passport and ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor or reverse-flow muffler required, all riders 16 and up must have a valid driver’s license, all riders 12-15 must have a valid ORV safety certificate and adult supervision, riders 12-15 may operate 4-wheel ATVs or 2-wheel bikes but not 3-wheel ATVs, night riding permitted with headlights, taillights and brake lights, eye protection required
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no camping, no campfires, no alcohol, no emergency strobes, flashing, rotating or blinking lights, no sirens, no passengers on dirt bikes or ATVs, no alcohol, no remote-controlled devices
Silver Lake State Park is attractive for off-road fans because it has about 2,000 acres of dunes. Additionally, you can drag race, trailblaze, and night ride, so this park is an excellent place for adventures.
St. Helen Motorsport Area
Richfield Township
Pricing: No entry fee, $18 for tent camping, $30 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, camping available at the St. Helen Campground, 72-inch maximum vehicle width
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing
The St. Helen Motorsport Area is an excellent network of 50 miles of trails for your off-roaders. Bring your favorite rig and enjoy the fun year-round. There are also obstacle courses, hill climbs, and sandy trails.
Tin Cup Spring OHV Trails
Luther
Pricing: No entry fee, $20 for tent camping, $20 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, spark arrestor required, 72-inch maximum vehicle width
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing, no camping, no campfires, only some trails allow 4x4s, trucks, and jeeps, other trails are exclusively for motorcycles/dirt bikes
If you want shorter runs, head to Tin Cup Spring OHV Trails in northwest Michigan. One trail for motorcycles and dirt bikes is about 20 miles, whereas the other trail is about 17 miles and permits all other off-road rigs.
Tomahawk Motorcycle Trails
Indian River
Pricing: No fee
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, Michigan ORV permit sticker required, 50-inch maximum vehicle width, spark arrestor required, some areas for camping
Restrictions: 94dB noise limit, no night riding, no trailblazing, only select trails to allow 4x4s, jeeps, and trucks
In Cheboygan County, you’ll find the Tomahawk Motorcycle Trails near the Indian River ATV Trail. Be mindful of the three trails marked A, B, and C. You can take ATVs (up to 50 inches wide) on trail A, but you can only use motorcycles and dirt bikes on trails B and C. In total, there are about 23 miles of trails.
Turtle Ridge ORV Park
Drummond
Pricing: $30 day pass per vehicle, $60 yearly pass for resort guests, $100 yearly pass for non-resort guests
Regulations: Helmet mandatory, spark arrestor recommended but not required
Restrictions: No night riding, no trailblazing, no camping or campfires permitted
Turtle Ridge ORV Park is excellent for families who love off-roading and outdoor fun. Take your machines on the ferry from De Tour Village to Drummond Island, where you’ll get your fill of off-road fun with over 100 miles of trails. Turtle Ridge ORV Park also has canoeing, fishing, paintball, tennis, and other fun activities.
Twisted Trails Offroad Park
Copernish
Pricing: $15 per rider, $10 for tent camping, $15 for RV camping
Regulations: Helmet mandatory except if the vehicle has a roll cage or frame, everybody must sign a liability waiver form, riders must adhere to 5 mph speed limit except in off-road areas, drivers 16 and up must have a valid license, drivers 12-15 years old must have an ORV certificate, camping permitted in developed sites, vehicles in the off-road area must have an orange safety flag that’s 10-feet tall when mounted, ATVs, dirt bikes and motorcycles must have a flag mounted in the rear, seat belts required for UTVs, trucks and jeeps
Restrictions: No night riding, no trailblazing, glass prohibited outside your campsite, no firearms or chainsaws, no alcohol in the off-road park, no double riding on ATVs or motorcycles unless the vehicle design allows for multiple passengers, no blind jumping, no unsupervised pets or children, pets must be leashed and not aggressive
Twisted Trails Offroad Park is a 400-acre park with mud bogs, an obstacle course, hill climbs, and forest trails. The trails here add up to about 20 miles for your off-road machines. While the park is open daily from May through October, Twisted Trails Offroad Park hosts special riding days in the late fall and early winter to celebrate the holidays.
Finding Off-Road Fun in Michigan
The Wolverine State has numerous locations for off-roading, especially in the northern half and Upper Peninsula. Most Michigan trails offer free or inexpensive entry if you have the Michigan ORV permit sticker. While summer is the best time to hit the trails, you can still have fun with snowmobiles in the winter.
Home page
Back to top of page