Dispersed camping near Brimley, Michigan attracts outdoor enthusiasts to its dense forests and proximity to both Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The area sits at relatively low elevation (600-700 feet) with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer days reach the 70s with cooler nights, making primitive camping comfortable during late spring through early fall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Castle Rock Ponds offers trout fishing in a secluded setting. "Good fishing in pond, caught a trout," reports one camper at Castle Rock Ponds. The nearby lakes also provide diverse fishing options.
ATV trail riding: The forest service roads near USFS 3536 connect to extensive trail networks. "These are sandy trails that lead nowhere in particular and I guess you camp on the side in the trees," notes one visitor, adding that "you should have 4 wheel drive and a tent" for optimal exploration.
Winter recreation: The area transforms into a snow camping destination during winter months. At Lake Superior North Shore, one camper shared: "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."
What campers like
Beach access: Many campers value the shoreline locations. At Carp River Boat Launch, one visitor noted, "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."
Seasonal wildlife viewing: The fields near Mackinac Trail Spur Site become butterfly havens in summer. "It is a beautiful area that has flowers blooming. The monarch butterflies are dancing on them," reports one camper.
Off-season solitude: Primitive camping near Brimley becomes significantly less crowded during spring and fall. At Search Bay Dispersed, a camper observed: "Great sites here (so many to choose from all across the water). Each have their own fire pits. We are here in late April so with the chilly weather there isn't a soul in site."
What you should know
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential, especially in wooded areas. One camper at Wide Waters described: "Bring your bug spray! Looks like its an ATV staging area. No starlink, no Cell service."
Site selection timing: Popular areas fill quickly on summer weekends. "We spent about an hour exploring the surrounding roads for a better spot but it's all residential with some narrow and overgrown logging roads," reports a camper.
Road navigation challenges: Some sites have specific access requirements. "Continue straight instead," advises a camper regarding Lake Superior North Shore, noting that "coordinates took us off to the left of the first junction, where there was a gate that said closed."
Tips for camping with families
Location selection: Choose sites away from ATV staging areas for quieter family camping. At USFS 3536, one camper observed: "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."
Beach day trips: Several sites offer good beach access for day activities. "The bay is calm and beach nice," notes one camper about Search Bay Dispersed, though they caution that "the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be significant even in summer. Pack layers and rain gear, as weather patterns can change quickly near the Great Lakes.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller RVs better. At Castle Rock Ponds, one RVer noted: "Decent gravel road leading to it, and easy to navigate to the different spots along the pond (we were in a 26' Winnebago View)."
Turn-around space: Check for adequate turning room before committing to narrow forest roads. "We drove a 24 ft RV at night to the site and the road is decent but has MANY deep potholes. So you need to watch for that!" reports one RVer at Carp River.
Surface conditions: Sand presents challenges for heavier vehicles. "Once you're there, be careful not to get stuck in the sand," warns a visitor to Wide Waters, where the sandy meadow areas can become problematic for larger rigs.
