Dispersed camping opportunities near Hancock, Michigan extend beyond established campgrounds into the rugged wilderness of the Upper Peninsula. This northern Michigan region sits approximately 1,000 feet above sea level and experiences heavy winter snowfall averaging over 200 inches annually. Primitive camping options range from lakeside spots with minimal amenities to remote wilderness areas requiring substantial preparation.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Perrault offers good fishing opportunities in a secluded setting. "There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents," notes reviewer Chuck M., who spent time fishing at this dispersed camping area.
Wilderness hiking: The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness provides challenging terrain for hikers seeking solitude. One visitor recommends: "I highly recommend heading over to nearby Silver Mountain," highlighting additional exploration opportunities beyond the campground itself.
Paddling excursions: For water activities, bring your own kayak or canoe to tent campsites near Copper Harbor. A camper at High Rock Bay notes: "No boat ramp, but you could get kayaks or canoes in the water easily enough," making this a good option for paddlers willing to navigate the rough access road.
What campers like
Seasonal berry picking: Late summer visitors to Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground enjoy wild fruit gathering. "There were tons of wild blueberries and huckleberries while we were there in late August," reports one camper about this beachfront camping area.
Wildlife observation: Morning wildlife viewing opportunities abound at tent campsites near Hancock. According to Amy K., who camped at Big Lake State Forest Campground: "Enjoyed listening to the sandhill cranes every morning," highlighting the natural sounds that enhance the camping experience.
Stargazing: The remote Upper Peninsula location provides excellent dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Craig Lake State Park campers report excellent star viewing conditions on clear nights, with one visitor noting the park's seclusion makes it "an absolute heavenly oasis" for those seeking to escape city lights.
What you should know
Access road conditions: Many tent campsites near Hancock, Michigan require careful driving on unpaved roads. For Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay, campers warn: "DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service," advising that high-clearance 4WD vehicles are necessary.
Permit requirements: Several dispersed camping areas require permits obtained in advance. At Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground, "you must get your permit to camp here in Lake Linden about 10 miles west of the grounds and the office hours are limited so you should call if you're planning to head the UP."
Seasonal differences: Camping conditions vary dramatically by season, with shoulder seasons requiring additional preparation. One camper at Big Lake notes: "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites when camping with children. Emily Lake State Forest Campground provides "Several great sites to tent camp" according to Adam, making it suitable for families needing extra space for multiple tents or play areas.
Swimming access: For family cooling-off options during summer months, consider campgrounds with swimming beaches. Craig Lake State Park Campground offers swimming from sandy beaches, though one visitor cautions about the lake: "not sure I'd trust it to be swimmers itch free. I suspect it's a shallow lake."
Supply planning: Stock up on supplies before heading to remote campgrounds. Campers note Big Lake campground is 10 miles from the nearest "large gas station/convenience store and café where you could get a hot meal or stock up on a few essentials," requiring advance planning for family meals and necessities.
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Some dispersed sites can accommodate modest trailers despite rough roads. At Lake Perrault, campers note "a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer," though they caution to drive slowly on the rough access road to avoid damage.
Site size variations: Campground reviews indicate significant differences in site sizes across the region. Big Lake State Forest Campground provides what one camper described as "HUGE sites" that can accommodate larger setups, while other areas are more suitable for compact camping units.
Clearing changes: Recent logging operations have altered some camping areas. Art S. reports about Big Lake: "This area is being logged so many trees are gone. This makes it less pleasant now but that will change over time," indicating that shade availability and site appeal may differ from older reviews.
