Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Hiawatha National Forest, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Hiawatha National Forest campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Hiawatha National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
"This is a great spot, very private and easy to access. T-Mobile cell services was very good. I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited."
"Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin."
"We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous."
"Large, flat, dirt parking lot for snowmobilers in the winter. No other signage re: overnight parking."
"Ideal for camper vans, or car camping. Close enough to Pictured rocks. Just pulled in here for the night since we are ahead of schedule."
ScoutThe site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site. We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.
ScoutGreat site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.
TravelerThere is signs posted just about everywhere “no camping or overnight parking” don’t waste your time
TravelerWe were lucky, we went pre-season. We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous. There is a permitted site (May-Sept) at the end but multiple pull out spots for dispersed camping along the forest road.
ScoutTons of mosquitos right next to a small danky pond.
ScoutThis place is tricky to find and I would suggest keeping a low profile. I didn’t have problems but others have said locals don’t like people camping here. You’ll have a a front row seat to the lake. My hammock was almost over the water. Great spot
ScoutWe went down a very deeply rutted and muddy one lane road in for about 1.5-2 miles. We have a 21 ft travel trailer. Although we stayed one night and made it to and from unscathed, we do not recommend towing down this road. We were able to kayak and it was beautiful and very private. Rain was expected the following day so we only chanced it for one night afraid a tree would block the road and the mud would get worse.
ScoutThere are several signs saying “No Camping” and “Day Use Only.”
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan, where nature lovers can find secluded spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of unique camping experiences, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best areas for dispersed camping in Hiawatha National Forest?
Hiawatha National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite is a standout location situated between two lakes with multiple pull-out spots along the forest road for dispersed camping. For those seeking privacy, Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping provides secluded sites with good cell service, though mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months. Other notable areas include Adams Trail Dirt Lot for those with smaller rigs, and the Manistique Rapid River area which contains several dispersed sites around lakes like Steuben, Triangle, and Mowe. Always follow forest service regulations, bring what you need, and practice Leave No Trace principles while enjoying Hiawatha's beautiful dispersed camping areas.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hiawatha National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hiawatha National Forest is Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hiawatha National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Hiawatha National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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