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Best Dispersed Camping near De Tour Village, MI

14 Reviews

Search Bay Dispersed offers primitive camping opportunities near De Tour Village in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula. This free public land camping area features multiple waterfront sites with established fire rings. Vehicle access requires careful navigation due to overgrown trees and seasonal road conditions. The main access road contains numerous potholes and dips, necessitating slow travel, especially after rain. Vehicles larger than 20 feet face significant challenges reaching shoreline sites.

No amenities exist at Search Bay Dispersed. Campers must pack in all water, supplies, and pack out all waste. Several campers noted the sites closest to the water accommodate tents and smaller vehicles like vans or truck campers, while a few larger clearings farther from shore can fit RVs up to about 20 feet. According to reviews, the terrain near the shoreline is "slightly rocky" with "constant wind" typical of Great Lakes camping.

The area permits campfires in existing fire rings, though visitors should verify current fire restrictions before arrival. Cell service varies throughout the area, with Verizon typically providing 1-3 bars of service. Insect activity fluctuates seasonally; cedar forests harbor significant mosquito populations during warm months. One camper reported "swarms of skeeters" in the cedar areas, while others encountered minimal insects. Biting flies may be present near the water. The bay provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing, with some campers reporting northern lights visibility during clear nights. Proper waste disposal is essential to maintain this natural area and prevent hazards like the metal debris that has caused flat tires for some visitors.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near De Tour Village, Michigan (5)

    1. Search Bay Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Cedarville, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-5800

    "The road to the sign is easy-peasy, but the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move."

    "Really cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers."

    2. Carp River Boat Launch

    2 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    38 miles

    "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. Access to Lake Huron."

    "Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water ! Very secluded feeling and peaceful !"

    3. Mackinac Trail Spur Site

    2 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    39 miles

    "It's next to a campground and 15 minutes from the lighthouse and ferry to Macimac Island. I am looking forward to hanging out here ."

    4. Castle Rock Ponds

    4 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    43 miles

    "Decent flat parking around the ponds, with plenty of room for at least 6 rigs."

    "The road was long but worth the drive back!"

    5. Mackinac Trail Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Moran, MI
    39 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near De Tour Village, MI

13 Photos of 5 De Tour Village Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near De Tour Village, MI

14 Reviews of 5 De Tour Village Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Peaceful But No Beach Camping

    The road to the sign is easy-peasy, but the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move. We switched to one of the spots in the woods right before the welcoming sign.

    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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2023

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Perfect Dispersed Camping

    Really cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers. Scope out the road and proceed as you feel comfortable. 

    The trees are really overgrown and low hanging, and there were lots of pot holes and mud holes when we were there. Definitely no place for our 26ft class c. There are two sites before you reach the river shore road, maybe three if you want to squeeze into a littler spot, and those are nice and big for RVs, and clear and open for solar panels, but were taken when we went. So we went a mile back up the road to a little pullout along a lake that looked like it was cleared out a bit and stayed there for two wonderful relaxing peaceful nights. 

    Some road traffic from people going to the bay, but the road condition is such that everyone was going really slowly, so that was nice. Road going in was doable, but you’d definitely need to take it slow because of all the potholes and dips. We did have cell service, though it wasn’t the greatest (Verizon & ATT). 

    Nice peaceful area to hang out right at the water. Bugs weren’t too bad, mostly bumble bees going about their business. Biting flies did bite through my socks though.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Stunning

    Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    mousquitio heaven

    if you go there it’s mostly cedar and the swarms of skeeters are pretty bad, we did not stay we moved on just be aware

  • Vidalia S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Busy because it's perfection

    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. 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. Several campsites at the end of an excellent gravel road, more further down if you have four-wheel drive. Active logging in the area when we were there. No. T-Mobile, no bugs or mosquitoes when we were there.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Great little spot

    Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍

  • Bare Soul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Very peopley

    Great spot on the lake. A lot of people are set up. Otherwise great location

  • Joel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Not bad

    Tons of sites here and most are easily accessible with just about any car. Unfortunately it’s quite popular and there’s lots of trash in some areas.

  • Robert M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Your Amenities are Fresh air, Nature, beauty and peace.

    I rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description. 

    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. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful. It is just west of and actually closer to Hessel than Cedarville.

    I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug. 

    There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.

    Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.

Guide to De Tour Village

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near De Tour Village, Michigan, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning views and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle, these spots offer a unique outdoor experience.

Stunning Shoreline Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking views right on the shoreline at Search Bay Dispersed, where the serenity of the water enhances your camping experience.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near De Tour Village, Michigan

  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, consider visiting Search Bay Dispersed, which offers a beautiful bay view and a deep cedar forest, perfect for relaxation.

Activities While Free Camping Near De Tour Village

  • Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Search Bay Dispersed, where you can kayak, hike, or simply soak in the natural beauty surrounding you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in De Tour Village?

Dispersed camping in the De Tour Village area follows standard US Forest Service regulations. At Carp River Boat Launch and Castle Rock Ponds, camping is allowed without special permits, but a 14-day stay limit typically applies. Important to note that beach camping is no longer permitted at some locations - you must use designated areas set back from the shoreline. Pack-in/pack-out principles are strictly enforced due to trash issues in popular areas. Always check with the local ranger district for the most current regulations before your trip.

Is there free camping available near De Tour Village, Michigan?

Yes, there are several free dispersed camping options near De Tour Village. Search Bay Dispersed offers multiple free sites along Lake Huron with beautiful shoreline views. Some sites are located in wooded areas just before the welcome sign, while others overlook the lake. The area can accommodate various camping setups, though larger rigs might have difficulty accessing some of the more remote spots due to overgrown trees and narrow access roads.

When is the best season for dispersed camping around De Tour Village?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near De Tour Village. Mackinac Trail Spur Site is particularly beautiful during summer when wildflowers bloom and monarch butterflies are present. However, be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in cedar-dominated areas during warmer months. Labor Day weekend can still offer relative solitude even during peak season. Late summer provides opportunities to witness spectacular night skies and potentially the northern lights. Weather remains mild enough for comfortable camping through early autumn.

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