Dispersed camping near Garden, Michigan extends beyond the Hiawatha National Forest sites mentioned in existing resources. Most primitive camping areas follow the 14-day maximum stay regulation typical of National Forest land. Several additional sites offer varied terrain and accessibility challenges depending on seasonal conditions and vehicle capabilities. Some lesser-known locations provide access to wildlife viewing opportunities and water recreation activities.
What to do
Kayaking on Herman Lake: The secluded setting at Herman Lake Dispersed provides paddling opportunities in a quiet environment. A camper notes, "We were able to kayak and it was beautiful and very private." The lake access is worth navigating the challenging road conditions.
Visit the historic lighthouse: The Peninsula Point area includes a lighthouse at the end of the access road that serves as a destination for day trips from camping areas. "There is a really neat old lighthouse with pit toilets at the end of the road," according to a visitor who stayed at Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed.
Wildlife observation: Several dispersed camping locations offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Peninsula Point, one camper mentioned, "Would love to be there for the monarch migration." The lighthouse area serves as a monarch butterfly migration observation point during certain seasons.
What campers like
Cell service at select locations: Contrary to expectations for remote areas, some dispersed sites maintain decent connectivity. A visitor to Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping reported, "T-Mobile cell services was very good. I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited." Another camper confirmed, "cell service with Verizon was shockingly good."
Dark skies for astronomy: The remote location of some sites provides excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed shared their experience: "Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day."
Early season solitude: Visiting before peak season offers greater site availability and privacy at popular locations. A camper at Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite shared, "We were lucky, we went pre-season. We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to dispersed sites range from easily navigable to challenging depending on recent weather and maintenance. A camper at Herman Lake warned, "We went down a very deeply rutted and muddy one lane road in 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."
Limited number of established sites: Some locations have fewer camping spots than might be expected. At Peninsula Point, a camper clarified, "There are only 2 dispersed campsites available here, and both are on the left side of the road (heading towards the lighthouse)."
Insect preparedness: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times and locations around Garden. A Hickey Marsh visitor warned, "the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited. Would still recommend for a quick stop over."
Site identification challenges: Dispersed camping locations often lack clear signage. A camper at Hickey Marsh noted, "No signage and only saw 2 pre used spots as another review said, but there is plenty of space to park along the road if you are not driving an rv or very large vehicle."
Tips for camping with families
Easier access options: For families with young children, choosing sites with simpler road access reduces travel stress. Hickey Marsh offers relatively straightforward access, with one camper noting it's "a great spot, very private and easy to access."
Sites with lighthouse exploration: The Peninsula Point area provides educational opportunities with its historic lighthouse. "This area is gorgeous, it's surrounded by lake superior, and there is a really neat old lighthouse with pit toilets at the end of the road," shared one visitor.
Plan for weather contingencies: Weather changes can impact both camping conditions and road access. A Herman Lake camper explained their precaution: "Rain was expected the following day so we only chanced it for one night afraid a tree would block the road and the mud would get worse."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions for trailers: Most dispersed sites have limitations for larger RVs. A camper at Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping advised, "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger."
Consider staying hitched: At some sites with limited space, remaining connected to your tow vehicle might be necessary. A Hickey Marsh visitor shared, "We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it."
Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many dispersed camping areas near Garden. Herman Lake campers particularly noted challenging conditions: "We have a 21 ft travel trailer. Although we stayed one night and made it to and from unscathed, we do not recommend towing down this road."
