Best Dispersed Camping near Bruce Crossing, MI

Bruce Crossing, Michigan serves as a gateway to numerous dispersed camping opportunities in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula and nearby Wisconsin. The area features several lakeside camping options, with Lake Perrault standing out as a popular dispersed camping destination about 30 miles north of Bruce Crossing. Most sites in this region are primitive in nature, lacking developed facilities but offering direct access to small lakes and forested settings. Tent camping predominates, though some locations like Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite and Harriet Lake Campsite can accommodate small campers or RVs under 15 feet in length.

Road conditions significantly impact access to many camping areas near Bruce Crossing. As one camper noted about Lake Perrault, "The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that." Similar conditions exist at Bose Lake Campsite where "the road to get in is narrow and pot holed." Most dispersed sites feature basic amenities like fire rings, with some including picnic tables. Stay limits typically extend to 14 days at free sites, while others may require a small fee for parking or permits. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some areas receiving limited coverage. Weather considerations include heavy snow in winter months and mosquitoes during summer, particularly near water bodies.

Lakefront access represents the primary draw for campers in the Bruce Crossing area. Sites are typically small and secluded, with many accommodating just one or two camping parties. A reviewer of Robinson Lake noted, "Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picnic table and fire ring." This pattern repeats across multiple small lakes in the region. Despite being remote, some areas experience regular local traffic, particularly on weekends. As one Lake Perrault visitor observed, "This is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really nice and peaceful overnight." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting various animal calls during nighttime hours.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bruce Crossing, Michigan (10)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bruce Crossing, MI

6 Photos of 10 Bruce Crossing Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bruce Crossing, MI

12 Reviews of 10 Bruce Crossing Campgrounds


  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Nice secluded spot

    Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Three Johns Lake Dispersed

    Walk in campsite

    Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Jan. 10, 2025

    FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail

    Nice Spot in National forest

    Winter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite,but no water access to butternut lake or it would have been 5 star. There is access down the road.Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant. Note I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 4, 2024

    McKinley Lake Dispersed

    McKinley lake camp site

    A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 14, 2023

    Lake Perrault

    Free dispersed

    Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow. A couple of the campers looked like they’re long-termers, but there was still plenty of room. It’s a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so. A couple of the spots are right down at the water. 

    There’s also a little trail by the water but the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it. Though this is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really nice and peaceful overnight. 

    There was a little road noise but not bad at all. Some interesting animal calls overnight as well. There was good cell reception for Verizon and ATT.

  • Pat F.
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Lake Perrault

    Great little overlook of the lake

    Very nice n open for pulling in and doing dispersed camping, nice overview of the lake from the hill , quite too, fire pit made of rocks

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lake Perrault

    Beautiful and quiet lake front

    My fiancé and I (plus our dog) are doing a week of traveling out of our sprinter van through the UP. We stumbled upon this location through this app. This was a Monday evening and every site was being used or people just had stuff at the sites (not sure if anyone was actually staying at the spots) We were having an enjoyable time but then didn’t have a good interaction with one of the other campers. It was a problem to play fetch with our dog not being on a leash. Our dog was staying in our camp and playing fetch away from others. So we decided to pack up camp due to the interaction. Didn’t feel like any good was going to happen the rest of the night after that.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Harriet Lake Campsite

    Harriet lake campsite

    On small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake

  • C
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Lake Perrault

    Idyllic camping spot.

    I spent an overnight in this beautiful place. I was all alone in the campground. A few people drove down to the water while I was there. The place is a "lovers lane" of sorts. 

    The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that. 

    There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents.


Guide to Bruce Crossing

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bruce Crossing, Michigan, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bruce Crossing, Michigan

  • Many sites, like Crowned Creek on South Boundary Road, do not require a permit, making it easy to set up camp without any hassle.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Lake Perrault has no drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies and plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, especially at spots like Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite, where you can experience nature up close.

Enjoy fishing and swimming while free camping near Bruce Crossing

  • The clear waters at Lake Perrault provide excellent opportunities for fishing, so don’t forget your gear.
  • Robinson Lake offers a sandy bottom perfect for swimming, making it a great spot to cool off after a day of hiking.
  • Many dispersed sites, such as Bose Lake Campsite, are located near lakes, allowing for a refreshing dip or a relaxing day by the water.

Dispersed campers should check out McKinley Lake Dispersed

  • McKinley Lake Dispersed is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking.
  • This site is ideal for tent camping, providing a secluded atmosphere that enhances the outdoor experience.
  • With no fees and a serene environment, McKinley Lake is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bruce Crossing, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bruce Crossing, MI is Lake Perrault with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Bruce Crossing, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.