Best Dispersed Camping near Chatham, MI
The Upper Peninsula region surrounding Chatham, Michigan features predominantly dispersed camping options on public lands, with sites scattered throughout the Hiawatha National Forest. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping and Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite represent the more established options, offering primitive sites for tent and small RV camping. Lake Superior beachfront areas north of Chatham provide scenic camping opportunities, though recent reviews indicate changing regulations with some formerly available sites now posted with "No Camping" signs. Most dispersed sites lack amenities, with campers needing to be self-sufficient regarding water, waste disposal, and other necessities.
Forest roads throughout the region vary significantly in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles or careful navigation during wet conditions. As one camper noted about Herman Lake, "We went down a very deeply rutted and muddy one lane road for about 1.5-2 miles. Although we stayed one night and made it to and from unscathed, we do not recommend towing down this road." Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with most sites having limited or no connectivity. Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito activity in summer months, particularly near wetland areas, and potential road closures during spring thaw or after heavy rainfall.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those with Lake Superior views. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road offers limited but highly sought-after camping with exceptional views. According to one camper, "We camped one night at the first dispersed site and had a great view of the lake. The sunset was incredible." Visitors frequently mention the solitude and privacy as major benefits, with many sites seeing minimal traffic. Hickey Marsh receives positive reviews for accessibility, with one camper noting, "Just off M-28, down the right side road a bit you will see campfire remnants and a spot where people tend to park on the left." Navigation challenges appear in multiple reviews, suggesting that GPS coordinates sometimes lead to incorrect locations, making physical maps or detailed directions advisable.
