Best Dispersed Camping near Au Train, MI
Dispersed camping in the Au Train, Michigan region occurs primarily on U.S. Forest Service land, with several primitive sites located around lakes and along forest roads. Areas like Hickey Marsh, Coalwood Trail, and Herman Lake offer secluded camping opportunities in the surrounding Hiawatha National Forest. These sites generally lack formal boundaries or designated spaces, instead featuring informal pull-offs where previous campers have established clearings. Lake Superior beachfront camping was once available but recent reviews indicate this area now prohibits overnight stays.
Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads with varying conditions. Several locations, including Herman Lake and Ironjaw Lake, necessitate travel down deeply rutted, muddy single-lane roads that may challenge vehicles without high clearance. Most sites provide no amenities such as drinking water, trash collection, or restroom facilities. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas offering surprisingly good coverage while others have none. Campers should prepare for self-contained camping and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary by season and location, with some sites permitting campfires while others prohibit them.
The dispersed camping experience near Au Train combines privacy with proximity to natural features like lakes, marshes, and forests. Many sites sit between water bodies or along shorelines, providing opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Seasonal factors significantly impact the camping experience. A camper noted, "We 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." Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at sites near standing water, with one visitor describing "tons of mosquitos right next to a small danky pond." Winter transforms some areas into snowmobile parking zones that double as campsites during warmer months.
