How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in Michigan

When civil unrest breaks out, things can spiral fast—especially in cities where tensions are already boiling over. I’ve lived through chaos, trained for uncertainty, and helped others get out of life-threatening situations with nothing but grit, brains, and a well-packed bug-out bag. If you’re in Michigan and riots hit your area, don’t rely on chance or hope. Rely on skills. This guide lays out what you need to know to stay safe and survive a riot.

Mindset: Situational Awareness Over Fear

Before you start swinging bats or thinking you can brawl your way out of trouble, let me give you the golden rule of surviving civil unrest: avoidance is better than confrontation. Awareness and preparation beat strength every time. You have to be calm, fast-thinking, and light on your feet. Always know where your exits are, who’s nearby, and what’s happening within your line of sight.

You don’t have to be a fighter to survive—but knowing how to defend yourself if it comes to it? That’s priceless.


8 Self-Defense Skills Every Civilian Should Master

  1. The Hammer Fist Strike
    Easy to learn, devastating to apply. Use the meaty bottom of your fist like a hammer—target the nose, collarbone, or side of the head. Practice this with a tire or punching bag until it becomes second nature.
  2. Knee Strikes
    When it’s close-quarters, your knees are deadly weapons. Drive them upward into the attacker’s midsection, groin, or thigh. Knee strikes can neutralize even larger opponents when timed right.
  3. Elbow Strikes
    In tight crowds, swinging a fist is tough. Your elbows, however, are perfect for close-range defense. Practice horizontal and downward elbow strikes—aim for the temple, jaw, or ribs.
  4. Wrist Grab Escape
    Riots are chaotic, and people may grab you—either to harm you or stop you. Learn the wrist escape: rotate your wrist toward the attacker’s thumb and pull sharply away. This simple trick can save your life.
  5. Chokehold Escape (Standing Rear Choke)
    If someone catches you from behind, don’t panic. Step to the side, lower your center of gravity, and strike backward with elbows or stomp their foot—then peel their arm from your neck. Learn this through video demos or martial arts classes.
  6. Use of Makeshift Shields
    Riot environments often rain debris. Use a backpack as a shield. A rolled-up jacket wrapped around your arm can block blades. Know how to turn everyday items into protection.
  7. Ground Defense Basics
    If you fall, don’t curl up. Get into a defensive position—knees up, arms shielding your head—and find a way to get back to your feet fast. Ground-and-pound situations are deadly.
  8. Weapon Retention
    If you’re carrying any tool or weapon, you better know how to keep it. Practice keeping control of your gear, especially if you’re carrying a baton, pepper spray, or a knife. If someone takes it from you, they’ll use it on you.

Your Riot Survival Toolkit

Michigan’s weather can be unpredictable, and that adds another layer to any survival situation. A good kit is half the battle won. Here’s what you need in a mobile, low-profile riot survival bag:

  • Compact first-aid kit
  • Bandana (for dust, debris, or makeshift tourniquet)
  • Flashlight with strobe feature
  • Leather gloves
  • Water bottle with purification tablets
  • Energy bars
  • Power bank
  • Folding knife or multi-tool
  • Pepper spray or gel (gel preferred in wind-prone Michigan cities)
  • Backup phone with prepaid SIM
  • Map of your local area (yes, paper—because GPS may go down)

Keep your kit light and ready to go. Leave flashy gear at home. You want to blend in—not stand out.


3 DIY Survival Weapon Builds

Let me be clear: these are for defense. Never use these for aggression. But when you’re cornered and the law is twenty minutes away—or not coming at all—you’ll be glad you know how to improvise.

  1. PVC Pipe Baton
    • Materials: 18-24” of 1-inch PVC pipe, steel bolts, duct tape
    • Fill the pipe halfway with bolts or small stones. Cap both ends. Wrap the grip with duct tape. You now have a makeshift baton that’s light but delivers heavy hits.
  2. Sling Shot from Paracord and Metal Spoon
    • Cut the handle off a sturdy metal spoon. Bend the bowl into a Y-shape. Attach paracord or surgical tubing to the arms. Use small stones or ball bearings as ammo. Great for distracting and defensive distance strikes.
  3. Canister Flash Device
    • Use a small metal container (Altoids tin), flashlight guts, and a burst of magnesium shavings (from fire-starter blocks). When ignited briefly, it creates a blinding flash that gives you 3–5 seconds to escape. Do not use near flammable material.

Route Planning and Escape Strategy

If you’re in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, or Lansing—expect the possibility of demonstrations getting heated. The key to riot survival is knowing multiple exits and blending in.

Do:

  • Memorize 2-3 escape routes from your home and workplace.
  • Know where police stations, hospitals, and fire stations are.
  • Avoid main roads and commercial districts after dark.
  • Dress neutral: gray, black, or navy. No flashy gear.

Don’t:

  • Film everything. You’re not a journalist. Phones attract attention.
  • Wear open-toed shoes. Always be ready to run or fight.
  • Get involved in any protest unless you understand the risks.

Teamwork: Survive Together

If you’ve got a family, establish a rally point. If phones go down, have backup communication plans like whistles or pre-set radio channels (FRS/GMRS). Practice this with your kids if you have any. Drill it. Repetition builds instinct.

Got neighbors you trust? Form a mutual watch agreement. Strength in numbers still applies when society breaks down.


Final Thoughts

Riots are terrifying not because of one threat—but because they contain many threats. Fires. Gunfire. Crowds. Police responses. Opportunistic criminals. In those moments, law and order are concepts, not guarantees. Your survival depends on how quickly you recognize danger, how well you prepare, and how ruthlessly you execute your plan.

If you’re reading this after the chaos starts—get somewhere safe, quiet, and defensible. If you’re reading this before it starts, you’re already ahead of the curve. Stay gray. Stay smart. Stay alive.

Michigan’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

I’ve driven across the windswept deserts of Arizona in a sandstorm, through Appalachia with a busted axle, and in the dead of a Montana blizzard using nothing but chains and grit. But let me tell you—few things test your mettle like driving in Michigan after a disaster hits. Cracked pavement, narrow shoulderless highways, forgotten forest roads—if you’re not prepared, Michigan will eat you alive. The state’s infrastructure is a patchwork quilt of old industrial routes, pothole-riddled backstreets, and seasonal access roads that seem to vanish when you need them most.

So when disaster strikes—be it an ice storm, tornado, chemical spill, or civil unrest—you better be ready to outdrive the chaos. Below are the roads you should avoid in Michigan when SHTF, the survival driving skills to get you out of harm’s way, and a few DIY hacks if your tank runs dry in the middle of nowhere.


The 5 Worst Roads in Michigan to Drive on During a Disaster

1. I-94 Between Detroit and Jackson

I-94 is a vital artery, but in a crisis, it turns into a clogged vein. Construction is constant, traffic backups are brutal, and exits are limited. When panic sets in, this stretch becomes a parking lot. Worse, if you’re caught during a snowstorm or flash freeze, you’re stuck—possibly for hours, maybe days.

2. M-39 (Southfield Freeway)

This one’s a death trap when it rains, snows, or floods. The underpasses flood so fast you’d think Poseidon had a hand in designing them. In a disaster, your odds of getting stuck under a flooded viaduct are alarmingly high.

3. M-10 (Lodge Freeway)

Known for sharp turns and reckless drivers, M-10 is tough to manage even on a good day. In a mass-evacuation or emergency situation, it becomes a twisted mess of broken-down vehicles and frustrated drivers with nowhere to go.

4. Telegraph Road (US-24)

Once a major thoroughfare, Telegraph has aged poorly. Deep potholes, worn paint, and uneven surfaces make it a tire killer. Add a disaster scenario and you’re looking at suspension damage, loss of control, or worse.

5. M-59 (Hall Road)

Hall Road is Michigan’s strip mall superhighway—cluttered, confusing, and full of people who drive like they’ve never seen a turn signal. When things go bad, everyone floods here, hoping for supplies. You’ll find gridlock, road rage, and nowhere to go.


15 Survival Driving Skills You Need When the Grid Goes Down

  1. Know Your Exit Routes
    Always memorize at least three ways out of your city—main roads, back roads, and rural trails.
  2. Read the Terrain
    In Michigan, snow hides potholes and floods disguise sinkholes. Train yourself to read water lines, tree movement, and road texture.
  3. Drive Without GPS
    Learn to read paper maps, follow compass bearings, and use natural landmarks like rivers and elevation to navigate.
  4. Brake Feathering on Ice
    Avoid slamming your brakes on slick roads. Instead, feather them—light, pulsing taps that keep traction without losing control.
  5. Off-Road Transitioning
    When roads fail, you’ll need to take to the forest, ditches, or fields. Know how to gently drop off curbs and cross rough terrain without bottoming out.
  6. High Water Assessment
    Never drive through standing water unless you can judge depth. If you can’t see the road markings, it’s too deep.
  7. Combat Reverse
    Master the art of reversing through narrow passages under pressure—especially important during blocked escape routes.
  8. Swerve Control
    Practice controlling your vehicle during evasive maneuvers. Swerving too hard leads to rollover—keep your hands light and don’t overcorrect.
  9. Engine Management in Cold Weather
    Michigan winters are brutal. Keep a block heater, monitor oil viscosity, and always carry a thermal blanket for engine emergencies.
  10. Clutch & Coast
    If you’re running low on fuel or trying to escape silently, knowing how to coast in neutral or clutch can save gas and reduce noise.
  11. Know How to Fix a Flat (Fast)
    Disasters don’t wait for AAA. Practice changing a tire under five minutes—blindfolded, if you want a challenge.
  12. Use Mirrors Like a Hawk
    You can’t afford tunnel vision. Train yourself to check mirrors every five seconds—spot ambushes, detours, and traffic snarls early.
  13. Run Flat Awareness
    Not every tire will die with a bang. Feel for pull, vibration, and steering lag—change it before it strands you.
  14. Situational Lights Discipline
    Use brake lights sparingly when fleeing. Tail lights scream your position. Know when to go dark.
  15. Evade & Obscure
    Use smoke, road flares, or mud to obscure your vehicle from pursuers or drones. Always be ready to vanish.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

  1. Siphon with a Water Bottle and Tube
    Keep a few feet of clear tubing and a clean water bottle. You can siphon fuel from abandoned vehicles using gravity and suction. Just be careful—gas fumes are toxic. Never do this near flame or spark.
  2. Emergency Biofuel Blend
    If you’re driving a diesel engine, you can blend vegetable oil (from restaurants or pantries) with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and let it settle. Filter well. It’s rough—but it might get you 10–20 more miles to safety.
  3. Solar Heat & Pressure Hack
    On sunny days, place a sealed metal gas can in a hot area (like the car roof) to slightly pressurize remaining vapors. Then, carefully tip it toward your fuel intake using gravity to draw every drop. Slow, but better than nothing.

Final Word From the Road

I’ve driven through chaos in more places than I can count—New Orleans post-Katrina, NorCal during wildfire evacuations, and Flint during the water crisis. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: mobility is survival. If your vehicle becomes a prison on wheels, you’re done.

Michigan is a land of contrast—gleaming cities, thick pine forests, frozen lakes, and endless cornfields. But its roads weren’t built for disaster. They were built cheap, patched over decades, and stretched beyond their limits. So you’ve got to make up the difference with skill, smarts, and nerve.

Keep your rig maintained. Practice those survival driving skills like your life depends on them—because one day, it just might. And when you’re sitting at the edge of the road, watching others panic while you’re quietly driving off into the woods with a full tank, you’ll know you’ve made it to a higher level.

Stay sharp. Stay quiet. Keep moving.


Is Michigan’s Drinking Water Safe

Is Michigan’s Drinking Water Safe? Hell No. Wake Up Before It’s Too Late

Alright, listen up! If you think Michigan’s drinking water is safe because the government says so or because you see those big blue signs advertising “clean lakes” or “pure Great Lakes water,” you’re playing Russian roulette with your health—and that’s a slow death sentence. I don’t care if you live in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or some tiny town in the UP, your tap water is compromised. Period.

Michigan’s water is a toxic soup of industrial waste, agricultural runoff, lead from corroded pipes, and pharmaceutical residues. And don’t get me started on the Flint water crisis—it’s a glaring, stinking proof that the system is broken beyond repair. If you want to drink that water and invite cancer, neurological damage, or god knows what else into your body, be my guest. But if you’re serious about survival, you better get mad, get smart, and start filtering like your life depends on it—because it does.

In this no-BS survival guide, I’m going to give you 15 water filtration survival skills you MUST learn, plus 3 DIY drinking water hacks that will keep you hydrated and alive no matter how screwed Michigan’s water gets. This isn’t some fluff article; it’s a survival manual for anyone who refuses to get poisoned by corrupt infrastructure and corporate greed.


Why Michigan’s Water Is a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Let’s get the facts straight before I rip into solutions. Michigan’s water contamination issues are not a secret or some wild conspiracy theory. They’re a documented nightmare.

  • Lead Poisoning: Flint was just the tip of the iceberg. Old, corroded pipes leach lead into your glass every day. Lead is a neurotoxin, plain and simple. It damages brains and bodies, especially children’s.
  • PFAS (Forever Chemicals): These synthetic chemicals from firefighting foam and industry are everywhere. They don’t break down, accumulate in your body, and are linked to cancer, immune disorders, and hormone disruption.
  • Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers wash into lakes and rivers, turning your water into a toxic stew of nitrates and chemicals that cause birth defects and cancer.
  • Industrial Pollution: Michigan’s industrial legacy means heavy metals, PCBs, and other carcinogens seep into groundwater and surface water.
  • Bacterial Contamination: Aging infrastructure and sewage overflows mean bacteria and viruses are never far behind.

If you’re still drinking straight from the tap, congratulations. You’re basically volunteering as a toxic waste test subject.


15 Water Filtration Survival Skills You Need to Master Now

  1. Boiling Alone Won’t Cut It
    Boiling kills bacteria and viruses, yes, but it does nothing against chemicals, heavy metals, or sediment. Boiling is just one step.
  2. Build and Use a Charcoal Filter
    Activated charcoal is a survivalist’s best friend. It absorbs chemicals, toxins, and improves taste. Crush charcoal from a fire, rinse it, and layer it with sand and gravel in a DIY filter.
  3. Mechanical Filtration Using Sand and Gravel
    Sand traps dirt and particulate matter. Gravel acts as a coarse pre-filter. Layer them properly to remove sediments before chemical or biological treatment.
  4. Solar Disinfection (SODIS Method)
    UV rays from the sun can kill many pathogens. Fill clear plastic bottles with water and place them on a reflective surface under direct sunlight for 6+ hours.
  5. Use Portable Water Filters
    Invest in a high-quality survival water filter capable of removing bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses. Familiarize yourself with filter replacement and maintenance.
  6. Distillation for Chemical Removal
    Distillation is the ultimate method to separate pure water from heavy metals, chemicals, and biological contaminants. Build a solar still or improvised distiller.
  7. Pre-Filtration Using Cloth
    Use clean cloth, coffee filters, or even bandanas to remove large particles before running water through charcoal or other filters.
  8. Chlorination for Microbial Safety
    Add household bleach (without scents or additives) carefully—8 drops per gallon for clear water, more if cloudy. Wait 30 minutes before drinking.
  9. Iodine Treatment—Use Sparingly
    Effective against microbes, but harmful in large or long-term doses. Use only in emergencies.
  10. Build Layered Natural Filters
    Use moss, grass, sand, charcoal, and gravel in succession inside a hollow container for stepwise filtration.
  11. Test Your Water
    Portable water test kits for pH, nitrates, chlorine, and heavy metals can be lifesavers. Regular testing can alert you to danger.
  12. Know Your Water Sources
    Locate natural springs, catch rainwater, and identify safe groundwater spots far from agricultural or industrial sites.
  13. Safe Water Storage
    Use clean, sealed containers away from sunlight and contaminants to store filtered water. Avoid plastic leaching by using BPA-free or glass containers.
  14. Rainwater Harvesting Systems
    Set up gutters and barrels to catch rainwater. Always filter and disinfect before consumption.
  15. Maintain and Repair Your Filters
    Carry spare parts, learn to clean or repair filters, and improvise with local materials when needed.

3 DIY Survival Drinking Water Hacks for Michigan’s Toxic Mess

Hack #1: The Inverted Plastic Bottle Charcoal and Sand Filter

Grab a clean 2-liter plastic bottle. Cut off the bottom and invert it funnel-style. Layer the inside as follows:

  • Fine cloth or coffee filter at the neck
  • Activated charcoal (crushed and rinsed)
  • Fine sand
  • Coarse sand/gravel at the top

Pour suspicious tap water slowly through this layered filter into a clean container. Then boil or chemically treat the water for full safety.

Hack #2: Solar Disinfection with Oxygenation

Fill clear plastic PET bottles with water. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds to oxygenate—this increases pathogen kill rates. Lay the bottles horizontally on reflective surfaces in full sun for 6+ hours. This UV + oxygen combo kills many pathogens. Follow up with charcoal filtration to remove chemicals.

Hack #3: The Simple Solar Still

Dig a hole in the ground, place a clean container in the center, and cover the hole with clear plastic sheeting. Use a small rock to weigh down the center of the plastic so condensation drips into the container. This distills water from moisture in soil or plants, removing most contaminants and chemicals. It’s slow but effective when nothing else is available.


Wake Up and Take Control

You think you’re safe because Michigan’s water system “meets standards”? Standards set by politicians and companies more interested in profit than people’s health. The Flint disaster should have woken everyone up, but many are still drinking poison every day because they don’t care or don’t know better.

Your survival depends on preparation and knowledge. Water is the first battle in any crisis. Without clean water, everything else is pointless. If you’re not filtering, purifying, and testing your water daily, you’re walking a death sentence.

The state won’t save you. The water company won’t save you. You have to be your own water warrior. Learn these 15 filtration skills and 3 hacks. Build your filters. Carry your water purification tools everywhere. Test your water and store clean water safely.

If you care about your family, your health, or your survival, get serious now. Water is life. Don’t let corrupt infrastructure, polluted rivers, and toxic chemicals kill you slowly. Get mad, get prepared, and never trust the tap without a fight.


Bottom line: Michigan’s drinking water is a disaster disguised as “safe.” Contaminated with lead, PFAS, agricultural poisons, and industrial waste, your tap water is a toxic cocktail. Your only defense is knowledge, filtration skills, and survival hacks.

Don’t wait for another Flint to happen. Protect your water—and protect your life—starting today.

Hidden Michigan Camping Gems for Survivalists and Preppers

As a survival prepper living in Michigan, you know that preparedness is key. Whether you’re preparing for a long-term emergency, testing your gear, or just embracing the wilderness, knowing where to find the best campsites is crucial. Michigan offers a wide range of outdoor environments, from dense forests and towering pines to expansive lakeshores and rugged landscapes. If you’re planning to escape the grid or simply perfect your prepping skills, the right campsite can make all the difference.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

I’ve personally spent countless nights camping across the state, and I can tell you that Michigan is a hidden gem for survivalists. With a little planning and the right mindset, these campgrounds offer excellent opportunities for honing your survival skills while enjoying the state’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting out, these sites are perfect for testing your gear, learning new skills, or practicing emergency preparedness. Let’s dive into the top camping spots for survival preppers across Michigan.

1. Huron-Manistee National Forests

Located in central Michigan, Huron-Manistee National Forests offer more than 900,000 acres of diverse terrain, including dense forests, open meadows, and several lakes. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, the forest is perfect for survivalists who want to practice wilderness navigation, bushcraft, and shelter building.

The forest has plenty of campsites that are remote enough for preppers to practice real-world survival skills, but still accessible if you need to bail out quickly. There’s ample game for hunting, freshwater sources for filtering, and thick foliage for setting up camouflaged shelters. This is one of the best spots to prep for a bug-out scenario.

Why Preppers Love It: Remote and diverse, perfect for extended survival training, and great fishing opportunities.

2. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

The Porcupine Mountains, often referred to as “The Porkies,” is one of Michigan’s most rugged wilderness areas, located in the Upper Peninsula. It’s a popular destination for hikers and survivalists looking to test their wilderness skills. The park features over 60,000 acres of dense forests, steep hills, and pristine lakes, offering survivalists the chance to practice navigating through challenging terrain.

With remote campsites and few modern amenities, this park is perfect for those who want to experience true wilderness living. You can practice building shelters, finding wild edibles, and setting up long-term camps in a natural environment that will make you feel isolated and self-reliant.

Why Preppers Love It: Ideal for long-term survival practice, remote campsites, and abundant natural resources.

3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes is famous for its towering dunes, breathtaking views, and proximity to Lake Michigan. But beyond its beauty, it’s also a perfect location for preppers looking to test their skills. The park features a mix of dunes, forests, and lakeshores, with plenty of terrain to practice building shelters and navigating diverse landscapes.

For survival preppers, the real gem is the remote, backcountry campsites, which allow for quiet, uninterrupted training. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and observing wildlife—all important for learning self-sufficiency in the wild.

Why Preppers Love It: A variety of landscapes to practice different skills, remote campsites, and proximity to water.

4. Manistee National Forest

Another large national forest in Michigan, Manistee offers over 500,000 acres of forested land, making it ideal for preppers looking for solitude and the chance to practice survival skills. You’ll find miles of hiking trails, secluded campsites, and the Big Manistee River for fishing or water purification practice.

The terrain varies from flat lands to hilly areas, giving preppers a chance to work on different survival techniques. It’s also a great location for long-term camping and off-grid living, especially if you’re looking for a place to bug out in an emergency scenario.

Why Preppers Love It: A vast, diverse landscape for practicing all kinds of survival skills.

5. Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale, located in the northwest part of Lake Superior, is a unique and remote national park that offers unparalleled opportunities for preppers. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this island is a true escape from civilization. Its remote location means that preppers can practice self-sufficiency without any nearby distractions or modern amenities.

The park is home to dense forests, rugged shorelines, and plenty of wildlife, including moose and wolves. It’s perfect for preppers looking to truly disconnect and live off the land for an extended period. With over 165 miles of hiking trails, the island offers a variety of terrains and challenges.

Why Preppers Love It: Truly isolated and remote, great for extended survival training, and abundant wildlife.

6. Cheboygan State Park

Located in the northern Lower Peninsula, Cheboygan State Park offers a great mix of forests, wetlands, and shoreline along Lake Huron. The park has several secluded campsites that offer privacy and a perfect spot for practicing wilderness survival techniques. It’s not as remote as some of the other locations on this list, but its diverse ecosystems provide a variety of opportunities for survival training.

Why Preppers Love It: Secluded campsites, good fishing, and an opportunity to practice wilderness navigation along lakes and forests.

7. North Manitou Island

Part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, North Manitou Island is one of Michigan’s most isolated camping areas. It’s only accessible by boat, making it a prime location for survival preppers. With dense forests, lakes, and minimal human presence, the island provides the perfect environment to test your survival gear and skills.

Wildlife on the island includes deer, foxes, and various bird species, which provides great opportunities for hunting and foraging. This is ideal for those looking for a truly off-grid, isolated experience.

Why Preppers Love It: Isolation, minimal human activity, and natural resources make it perfect for survival scenarios.

8. Kalkaska County State Forest

For preppers seeking a more accessible camping site, Kalkaska County State Forest offers excellent opportunities to practice bushcraft and wilderness survival. This forest is located near Traverse City and features a mix of wooded areas, wetlands, and rivers. It’s a great spot for practicing water purification, fire starting, and shelter building.

Why Preppers Love It: Remote, yet easily accessible; varied terrain with lakes and rivers for fishing and water gathering.

9. Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground

Big Bear Lake offers a quieter, more secluded experience for preppers who want to escape the crowds. Situated in the northern Lower Peninsula, it provides peaceful surroundings and a variety of terrain for practicing wilderness skills. The lake is perfect for practicing water filtration and fishing, while the surrounding woods offer ample shelter-building material and space for long-term camping.

Why Preppers Love It: Peaceful, secluded, and plenty of natural resources for testing survival techniques.

10. Lake Michigan Campground at Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is known for its beauty, but it’s also a great spot for preppers who want to practice coastal survival skills. The park features diverse landscapes, including dense forests, dunes, and lakeshores. The Lake Michigan Campground offers a more rustic experience with opportunities for fishing, water purification, and shelter building.

Why Preppers Love It: Varied terrain with the added challenge of lakeside survival, making it perfect for testing water filtration and fishing techniques.

11. Wells State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Wells State Park offers a mix of forests, dunes, and wetlands. It’s an excellent place to practice wilderness navigation and build your survival skills. The park has fewer crowds than some of Michigan’s more famous parks, giving preppers the privacy needed for effective training.

Why Preppers Love It: Diverse terrain, remote campsites, and excellent opportunities for water purification and fishing.


30 Michigan Camping Sites Every Survival Prepper Should Know

  1. Huron-Manistee National Forests
  2. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
  3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  4. Manistee National Forest
  5. Isle Royale National Park
  6. Cheboygan State Park
  7. North Manitou Island
  8. Kalkaska County State Forest
  9. Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
  10. Lake Michigan Campground at Ludington State Park
  11. Wells State Park
  12. Muskegon State Park
  13. Holland State Park
  14. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  15. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
  16. Straits State Park
  17. Tippy Dam Recreation Area
  18. Wilderness State Park
  19. Fife Lake State Forest Campground
  20. Bay City State Park
  21. Aloha State Park
  22. Yankee Springs Recreation Area
  23. Ludington State Park
  24. Ann Arbor Campground
  25. Hartwick Pines State Park
  26. Port Crescent State Park
  27. Grand Traverse County Campground
  28. Interlochen State Park
  29. Woodland Park Campground
  30. Traverse City State Park

In Conclusion

Whether you’re prepping for a long-term bug-out scenario or just want to hone your survival skills, Michigan offers a variety of camping spots that will test and improve your abilities. From the dense forests of the Upper Peninsula to the rugged lakeshores of the Lower Peninsula, these 30 campsites provide the perfect environment for honing your survival techniques.

Each location offers unique challenges, from building shelters in dense woodlands to fishing in pristine lakes and learning how to navigate remote areas. As survival preppers, it’s important to always be prepared, and what better way to practice than in Michigan’s diverse, beautiful wilderness?