Search Bay Dispersed camping offers primitive overnight accommodations on Lake Huron about 30 miles east of I-75 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Vehicle access requires navigating approximately 3 miles of gravel roads with seasonal conditions varying greatly. The forest terrain transitions between dense cedar stands and open shoreline areas, with campsites scattered along a north-south strip following the Lake Huron coastline.
What to do
Seasonal fishing opportunities: Search Bay Dispersed provides direct lake access for anglers. "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! No one else at the site! Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water!" notes a Carp River Boat Launch visitor.
Fall camping for solitude: October offers dramatically reduced crowds at rustic camping areas near De Tour Village. "I was there in October, so I don't know what it would be like in warmer weather. I had the place to myself on a Saturday," reports one Search Bay camper.
Lake Huron beach access: While beachfront camping regulations change, shoreline access remains available. "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," explains a Search Bay Dispersed visitor.
What campers like
Multiple site options: The dispersed area features numerous established sites. "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. Highly recommend," shares one camper about Search Bay.
Wildlife viewing: Seasonal butterfly migration creates unique nature observation opportunities. "It is a beautiful area that has flowers blooming. The monarch butterflies are dancing on them. You travel down a sand road but then turn left in a grassy area," explains a visitor to Mackinac Trail Spur Site.
Lakefront views: Many sites provide direct water access and views. "Beautiful large dispersed camping area on the shores of lake Huron. Note camping on the beach is not permitted, but there are plenty of beautiful campsites overlooking the lake," reports a camper.
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: Mosquito presence varies significantly by month, location, and weather patterns. "Easy to get to camping spot with multiple camping sites overlooking ponds. A couple miles down a nice gravel road that any kind of car could make it down. The mosquitos were pretty bad but what do you expect in the UP in July," notes a Castle Rock Ponds visitor.
Roadway navigation: Access roads can change significantly based on recent weather. "There's a good road that leads to the shore road that isn't terrible. My 2wd Tacoma had no issue. People have cleared sites and set up fire rings down the shore road. Bring bugspray," advises one Search Bay camper.
Seasonal popularity fluctuations: Visitation levels vary dramatically by season. "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," shares a Carp River visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season family camping: Consider shoulder season visits for reduced crowds. "We came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70. No bathrooms or hook ups, but perfect for tent or car campers," explains a Castle Rock Ponds visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Several ponds and lake access points provide fishing options. "Good fishing in pond, caught a trout. We stayed for two nights and both days/nights there were people doing target shooting in the area so there was some pretty loud gunshots," notes a Castle Rock Ponds camper.
Beach day trips: Even if shoreline camping isn't permitted, beach access remains available. "There were only four or five other overnight campers, although during the day several groups came to use the beach and to ride ATVs, but very quiet by late afternoon," reports a Search Bay visitor.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: While some larger vehicles can access sites, navigation requires caution. "I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road," shares a Search Bay camper.
Overnight parking options: Some areas permit larger RVs to park overnight. "Just minutes off of 75 down a well maintained gravel road are the Castle Rock ponds. Decent flat parking around the ponds, with plenty of room for at least 6 rigs," notes a visitor to Castle Rock Ponds.
Limited facilities reminder: No hookups or dumping facilities exist in these rustic camping areas. "This place has a lot of people driving through it, but it's a nice place to park. The beach smells like fish, but overall it's pretty nice," reports a Carp River Boat Launch visitor.
