Best Dispersed Camping near Brimley, MI

Dispersed camping opportunities near Brimley, Michigan include several primitive sites on public lands. Lake Superior North Shore offers secluded beachfront camping with direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline. Search Bay Dispersed features multiple lakeside sites suitable for tents and smaller RVs. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site provides basic camping in a forested setting frequently used by ATV enthusiasts. Wide Waters Dispersed Camping accommodates larger vehicles but offers less privacy.

These free campsites require proper preparation as no amenities are provided. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service exists at any location. Campers must pack out all waste and bring sufficient supplies. Fire rings are present at some sites, particularly at Search Bay where visitors report established fire pits at most locations. According to reviews, mosquitoes can be problematic in cedar-dominated areas, especially during summer months. Several campers noted wildlife presence, including possible bear activity near Lake Superior North Shore.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Lake Superior North Shore access requires navigating sandy, rutted roads where four-wheel drive is recommended. As one camper observed, "Road is sandy and some parts pretty rutted so keep the vehicle moving." Search Bay Dispersed has low-hanging branches and potholes that limit access for larger vehicles. Visitors with campers exceeding 20 feet report difficulty reaching waterfront sites. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with Verizon coverage reported at Search Bay but absent at USFS 3536. Winter camping is possible at Lake Superior North Shore, where AWD vehicles have successfully navigated snow-covered roads. The area occasionally offers views of the Northern Lights during clear nights.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Brimley, Michigan (8)

    1. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Eckerman, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-7900

    "We found a good spot to tuck into for the night, while staying out of the way of all the trucks parked everywhere. Very quiet and serene."

    "Access to this FS Road is easy from M-28. We went to the coordinates, but found only one designated camping area, which already had a couple of campers there."

    2. Search Bay Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Cedarville, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-5800

    "The road to the sign is easy-peasy, but the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move."

    "Really cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers."

    3. Lake Superior North Shore

    11 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    33 miles

    "There’s a gravel drive for car camping and smaller rigs. If you’ve got 4WD you can manage to get through the sand to the other sites which are pretty much all on the lake."

    "Road is covered with heavy snow, no issue with an AWD camper van. Snow shoeing in the woods and alone the lake beach. Fantastic!"

    4. Mackinac Trail Spur Site

    2 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    26 miles

    "It's next to a campground and 15 minutes from the lighthouse and ferry to Macimac Island. I am looking forward to hanging out here ."

    5. Carp River Boat Launch

    2 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    27 miles

    "Beautiful view of lake Huron. Labor Day weekend and no one else is here except the ubiquitous mosquitoes. Easy and easy out on a good gravel road. Access to Lake Huron."

    "Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water ! Very secluded feeling and peaceful !"

    7. Castle Rock Ponds

    3 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    35 miles

    "Decent flat parking around the ponds, with plenty of room for at least 6 rigs."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Brimley, MI

18 Photos of 8 Brimley Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Brimley, MI

33 Reviews of 8 Brimley Campgrounds


  • Joel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Lake Superior North Shore

    Pretty cool spot

    The site was really cool. There’s a gravel drive for car camping and smaller rigs. If you’ve got 4WD you can manage to get through the sand to the other sites which are pretty much all on the lake. Bring a bug hat and plenty of bug spray unfortunately it’s a hotbed for black flies and skeeters.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2024

    Lake Superior North Shore

    Great location for snow camping

    Visited the site in a winter storm. A little worried before getting on the wild cat road. Turned out no issue at all. Road is covered with heavy snow, no issue with an AWD camper van. Snow shoeing in the woods and alone the lake beach. Fantastic!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Peaceful But No Beach Camping

    The road to the sign is easy-peasy, but the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move. We switched to one of the spots in the woods right before the welcoming sign.

    The bay is calm and beach nice.

    There are some logging activities, so some noise every once in awhile.

    But for free camping in the southern side of the UP, this is a home run.

  • Tony C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

    Bondocking near Root bear falls

    Easy in and out. open area and trees on perimeter. Looks like its an ATV staging area. No starlink, no Cell service. Bring your bug spray!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2023

    USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    OK for a night

    We were a little confused here, as we thought the camping spots were the concrete pads leading up to the old airfield. But there are big rocks blocking the way from Rd 3536 to the airfield, so I don’t know if that’s a recent addition or what. There’s a large concrete pad on the west side of the rocks, and when we got there there was a nice looking (not sketchy) travel trailer set up for long term camping. Lots of trucks parked everywhere with trailers; they had hauled their ATVs in and were out riding for the day. They came back on their ATVs in the late afternoon, hung out for a few hours, then left (except for the trailer). All surprisingly quiet and respectful. 

    Zero cell service with Verizon but ATT had good service, mostly. It would randomly drop now and then but it would come back. We found a good spot to tuck into for the night, while staying out of the way of all the trucks parked everywhere. Very quiet and serene.

    This is dispersed camping so of course no amenities whatsoever. Please handle your waste appropriately and let's keep this area clean.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2023

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Perfect Dispersed Camping

    Really cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers. Scope out the road and proceed as you feel comfortable. 

    The trees are really overgrown and low hanging, and there were lots of pot holes and mud holes when we were there. Definitely no place for our 26ft class c. There are two sites before you reach the river shore road, maybe three if you want to squeeze into a littler spot, and those are nice and big for RVs, and clear and open for solar panels, but were taken when we went. So we went a mile back up the road to a little pullout along a lake that looked like it was cleared out a bit and stayed there for two wonderful relaxing peaceful nights. 

    Some road traffic from people going to the bay, but the road condition is such that everyone was going really slowly, so that was nice. Road going in was doable, but you’d definitely need to take it slow because of all the potholes and dips. We did have cell service, though it wasn’t the greatest (Verizon & ATT). 

    Nice peaceful area to hang out right at the water. Bugs weren’t too bad, mostly bumble bees going about their business. Biting flies did bite through my socks though.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    One great large-ish area

    Access to this FS Road is easy from M-28. We went to the coordinates, but found only one designated camping area, which already had a couple of campers there. While they seemed friendly enough, there was poor T-Mobile connectively and no hope for Starlink.

    On an offshoot of the FS Road closer to M-28, there is a single path towards the airfield. We camped there. Some highway noise, but a little more sun and great T-Mobile.  

    46.35276778604294,-84.82903811659388

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Lake Superior North Shore

    On the water… amazing… super remote

    Very sandy, beautiful , remote and totally unbelievable. Such a hidden gem! Thanks Dyrt! Fantastic find!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Stunning

    Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!


Guide to Brimley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Brimley, Michigan, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Brimley

  • Experience the thrill of off-roading on sandy trails at Search Bay Dispersed, where you can park your vehicle and explore the surrounding wilderness.
  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking in the stunning waters at Lake Superior North Shore, which offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere right on the lake.
  • Take in the northern lights while camping at Search Bay Dispersed, a perfect spot for stargazing and enjoying the natural beauty of the night sky.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Brimley, Michigan

  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities at USFS 3536 Dispersed Site, as it offers no drinking water, toilets, or trash disposal, making it essential to pack out what you bring in.
  • If you're traveling with a larger vehicle, consider the accessibility of sites like Wide Waters Dispersed Camping, which is big rig-friendly but may require some maneuvering due to narrow roads.
  • Bring your own firewood and be mindful of fire regulations at Lake Superior North Shore, where fires are allowed but firewood is not provided.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Search Bay Dispersed

  • This location is well-reviewed for its stunning shoreline views and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind in nature at Search Bay Dispersed.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at Search Bay Dispersed, as the area is known for its natural beauty and diverse fauna.
  • The terrain can be rocky, so it's advisable to have a vehicle with good clearance when accessing sites like Search Bay Dispersed to ensure a smooth arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Brimley, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Brimley, MI is USFS 3536 Dispersed Site with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Brimley, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Brimley, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.