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Dispersed camping near Covington, Michigan centers around several primitive campsites on public lands, offering free access to Lake Superior beaches and quiet inland lakes. The Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping area provides beach camping directly on Lake Superior, while Lake Perrault offers lakeside dispersed sites with approximately six cleared spots, some at the water's edge. Additional options extend into nearby Wisconsin, where the Ottawa National Forest contains several small lake access points with primitive camping, including Robinson Lake, McKinley Lake, Three Johns Lake, Bose Lake, and Harriet Lake dispersed sites.
Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation due to rough conditions. Lake Perrault's access road features significant potholes requiring slow driving, though standard vehicles can reach most sites. The Mouth of the Huron area has gravel road access without clearance issues or 4WD requirements. Most Wisconsin forest sites have narrow, potholed roads that may challenge larger vehicles. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days at Robinson Lake and likely other forest service sites. Most areas lack amenities, with only a few sites offering fire rings, picnic tables, or wilderness toilets. "The road to the lake isn't paved and there are huge potholes so go slow," noted one Lake Perrault visitor.
These primitive camping areas provide direct access to water bodies, making them popular for fishing and paddling. The Mouth of the Huron site offers camping directly on Lake Superior's sand beach with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. "Awesome spot right on the waters of Lake Superior. Absolutely gorgeous sunsets and sunrises," reported one camper. Lake Perrault features approximately six cleared spots with fire pits, some directly at the water's edge. Wisconsin forest sites typically include single campsites on small lakes, often with fire rings and occasionally picnic tables. Most locations remain relatively quiet during weekdays, though Lake Perrault sees regular local traffic. Cell reception varies by location, with Lake Perrault offering good Verizon and AT&T coverage, while the Mouth of the Huron area has limited to no service.
"You camp on the sand first come first serve, loved it no facilities pure dispersed."
"Easy gravel road access ,no clearance issues or 4wd needed."
"Absolutely amazing spring fed lake! Free camping, not sure on the stay limit, a few locals park their campers here all summer."
"Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow."
"Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days."
"Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."
"After scouting different campsites around this area I was really hoping to get to stay here and when we went to set up the spot was available and I was beyond ecstatic."
"A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake"
"The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It’s intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area. Many hiking opportunities are nearby."
"Follow the dirt road to Luna Lake of Forest Road 2140. There are 2 dispersed sites on this road. We stayed 3 nights at the second one. We had our own private sand beach!"
"Single campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
GuideAbsolutely amazing spring fed lake! Free camping, not sure on the stay limit, a few locals park their campers here all summer. A couple lake front spots that are decently level for RVs/trailers, and many wooded tent sites. Mosquitoes are heavy in the woods but sparse next to the lake. Lots of people in and out to swim and fish but still a nice quiet spot. Easy to get into main area, slightly rocky terrain to get into the woods.
RangerYou camp on the sand first come first serve, loved it no facilities pure dispersed.
GuideTwo sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.
GuideTents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.
ScoutEasy gravel road access ,no clearance issues or 4wd needed.
GuideWinter 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.
RangerThat's a beautiful place to park for free. The fresh water Lake Superior provides water for those who have the means to filter it. There's no grey dump and no trash. However, the fact that it's parking right on a beach makes it very difficult for larger vehicles, such as my 16,000-pound bus. I did manage to park it, though. In the dark.
GuideOne of my absolute favorite places to camp on Lake Superior. Rustic and beautiful. Carry in, carry out. Respect the land and space for those who have been enjoying this land for years and wish to for many more. Visit to see for yourself!
GuideA single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake
Dispersed camping near Covington, Michigan encompasses public lands in both Michigan's Upper Peninsula and nearby Wisconsin. The Ottawa National Forest contains numerous primitive sites at elevations ranging between 1,500-1,800 feet, with most experiencing temperatures that drop into the 40s during summer nights. Rustic sites typically feature cleared areas in mixed hardwood and pine forests with minimal amenities and varying water access.
Paddling opportunities: Two Sisters Lake Dispersed Campsite offers a quiet paddling experience on a smaller lake. One camper at Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping noted, "Easy to find, beautiful area, lots of room, porta potties, direct lake access."
Winter camping: The area provides year-round camping options with different seasonal experiences. A visitor to FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail reported, "Winter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot local wildlife including deer, black bears, and various bird species. A camper at Mouth of the Huron mentioned, "Got to see a beautiful sunset and sunrise fun to watch bikers cross from the river and even saw a sea plane land on the beach."
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant space between camping spots. At Indian Lake, "The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It's intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area. Many hiking opportunities are nearby."
Limited cell service: While some may view this as a drawback, many campers appreciate the digital detox. A Mouth of the Huron camper mentioned that their "only 'complaint' would be no service, but given how amazing the site is it felt more like a blessing."
Waterfront access: Direct lake or river frontage is available at several sites. At Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite, "Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days."
Variable road conditions: Access roads often deteriorate seasonally. At Lake Perrault, a camper advised: "The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that."
Long-term occupancy: Some sites may have semi-permanent campers during peak season. A Lake Perrault visitor observed, "A couple of the campers looked like they're long-termers, but there was still plenty of room."
Local traffic patterns: Expect increased activity on weekends and during summer months. One Lake Perrault camper noted, "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."
Small lake options: Several sites offer safer swimming and fishing for children. A camper at McKinley Lake Dispersed reported, "A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake."
Site selection timing: Arrive mid-week for better site availability during summer months. At Mouth of the Huron, "I went on a weekend and there were lots of people and kids. Most of the people left Sunday afternoon and the weekday seems to not be as bad with people."
Bring all necessities: No services or stores exist near most sites. A Robinson Lake visitor noted, "No fee for camping can stay 14 days," highlighting the remote nature requiring self-sufficiency.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Harriet Lake Campsite, there's "Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake."
Sand hazards: Beach camping presents traction challenges. A Mouth of the Huron visitor warned, "Awkward parking on shifting sands... makes it very difficult for larger vehicles, such as my 16,000-pound bus. I did manage to park it, though. In the dark."
Road clearance concerns: Forest roads often have significant obstacles. A camper at Bose Lake Campsite reported, "Single campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Covington, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Covington, MI is Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Covington, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Covington, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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