Dispersed camping sites in the Hiawatha National Forest near Gwinn, Michigan offer primitive camping experiences on National Forest land with minimal facilities. The area features elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet with a mixture of hardwood forests and wetlands surrounding numerous small lakes. Most sites permit camping for up to 14 days with seasonal fire restrictions that vary according to current conditions and drought status.
What to do
Kayaking on Herman Lake: The secluded waters at Herman Lake Dispersed provide excellent paddling opportunities. "We were able to kayak and it was beautiful and very private," notes one camper who visited with their travel trailer.
Sunset viewing: Watch for exceptional sunsets at the dispersed sites along the western shore areas. "The sunset was incredible," reports one visitor at the first dispersed site on Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road, highlighting the natural beauty of camping near Lake Michigan.
Monarch butterfly migration: The Peninsula Point area becomes a monarch butterfly viewing location during migration season. "Would love to be there for the monarch migration," mentions one camper who explored the lighthouse area, suggesting timing your visit to witness this natural phenomenon.
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping offers genuine seclusion with minimal traffic. "There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days," reports a camper with a 26-foot travel trailer who appreciated the quiet setting.
Astronomical viewing: The dark skies at Peninsula Point provide opportunities for night sky observation. One camper who stayed six nights reported: "Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day," demonstrating the area's potential for stargazing when conditions permit.
Lake access: Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite features positioning between two lakes for water recreation. "Great site located between two lakes," notes a camper who found the location using GPS coordinates rather than written directions.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites near Gwinn can be extremely challenging. "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," reports a camper at Ironjaw Lake, highlighting both the difficulty and reward.
Insect pressure: Coalwood Trail - Dispersed Campsite and similar sites can have significant mosquito populations. "Tons of mosquitoes right next to a small danky pond," warns one camper, suggesting bringing appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Limited designated sites: Some areas have stricter regulations than indicated online. A visitor to Peninsula Point notes: "There are only 2 dispersed campsites available here, and both are on the left side of the road heading towards the lighthouse," after speaking with a local ranger who enforced the restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Check site legitimacy: Several locations marked as dispersed camping may actually prohibit overnight stays. "There are several signs saying 'No Camping' and 'Day Use Only,'" reports a camper about Lake Superior Beachfront, indicating the importance of confirming camping rules before arriving with family.
Weather contingency plans: Rain can rapidly deteriorate road conditions and trap vehicles. One camper at Herman Lake shared: "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."
Cell service considerations: Contrary to expectations, some remote sites have reliable connectivity. "T-Mobile cell services was very good," notes a visitor to Hickey Marsh, providing reassurance for families needing to maintain communication while camping.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger," advises an overnight camper at Hickey Marsh, providing specific guidance on vehicle length restrictions.
Pre-season advantages: Consider visiting outside peak season for better site availability. "We were lucky, we went pre-season," mentions a camper who found Ironjaw Lake entirely to themselves, though they needed to clear fallen trees to access the site.
Travel trailer cautions: Some access roads are unsuitable for towed campers despite being technically reachable. "Although we stayed one night and made it to and from unscathed, we do not recommend towing down this road," warns a camper who brought a 21-foot travel trailer down Herman Lake's deeply rutted access road.
