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Best Dispersed Camping near Marquette, MI

18 Reviews

Dispersed camping sites dot the Lake Superior shoreline and inland forest areas near Marquette, Michigan. Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping offers direct beach access with portable toilets and sites directly on the sand. A gravel road provides access with no clearance issues or 4WD requirements. Campers note "rustic and beautiful" conditions with "gorgeous sunsets and sunrises," though the area can become crowded on weekends.

Several inland forest sites provide alternatives to beach camping. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping features private, easily accessible sites just off M-28, with good cell service and flat ground suitable for tent camping. Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite sits between two lakes but requires navigation through forest roads. Lake Superior Beachfront sites have conflicting status, with recent visitors reporting "No Camping" signs posted throughout the area. Most dispersed sites require self-containment with no hookups, drinking water, or trash facilities. Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially at forest sites near water.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Marquette, Michigan (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Marquette, MI

24 Photos of 12 Marquette Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Marquette, MI

18 Reviews of 12 Marquette Campgrounds

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    My nightmare

    The site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site.  We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.

  • Zachary J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    On Lake Superior need I say more

    You camp on the sand first come first serve, loved it no facilities pure dispersed.

  • Ben L.
    Aug. 24, 2020

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Awesome Site

    Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    Awkward parking on shifting sands.

    That's a beautiful place to park for free. The fresh water Lake Superior provides water for those who have the means to filter it. There's no grey dump and no trash. However, the fact that it's parking right on a beach makes it very difficult for larger vehicles, such as my 16,000-pound bus. I did manage to park it, though. In the dark.

  • Shawnee ..
    Feb. 5, 2022

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    Rustic beauty!

    One of my absolute favorite places to camp on Lake Superior. Rustic and beautiful. Carry in, carry out. Respect the land and space for those who have been enjoying this land for years and wish to for many more. Visit to see for yourself!

  • W
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Gorgeous Spot

    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. It was gorgeous. There is a permitted site (May-Sept) at the end but multiple pull out spots for dispersed camping along the forest road.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    Easy Access, Great Vibes

    Easy to find, beautiful area, lots of room, porta potties, direct lake access. Only “complaint” would be no service, but given how amazing the site is it felt more like a blessing.

Guide to Marquette

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Marquette, Michigan, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Stunning Lake Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Marquette

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Hickey Marsh

  • With only a couple of pull-in sites, Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping provides a quiet atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • The area is known for its minimal traffic, allowing campers to enjoy a peaceful experience without the noise of busy campgrounds.
  • This spot is free to use and does not require a permit, making it an accessible option for spontaneous camping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Marquette?

Dispersed camping in Marquette follows standard 'Leave No Trace' principles. At Lake Superior Beachfront (US Forest Land), be aware that certain areas have signs posted prohibiting camping or overnight parking, so always check for restrictions before setting up. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Coalwood Trail - Dispersed Campsite and other dispersed sites typically require you to pack out all trash and waste. Generally, dispersed camping limits stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always verify current regulations with the Ottawa National Forest or Hiawatha National Forest offices, as rules can change seasonally.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Marquette, MI?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Marquette. Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping offers beach camping on Lake Superior with easy gravel road access. The site features direct lake access and portable toilets. Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite is another popular option located between two lakes. It's best reached by using GPS coordinates to navigate there. During peak season (May-September), there's a permitted site at the end of the road, but multiple pull-out spots exist along the forest road for dispersed camping. When planning your trip, it's advisable to use GPS navigation or drop a pin on mapping apps to locate these sites precisely.

Is there free camping available in Marquette, Michigan?

Yes, free camping is available near Marquette on public lands. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping offers free sites just off M-28, with no signage but visible campfire remnants marking established spots. It's particularly good for overnight stays when you're self-contained. The site provides privacy and good cell service (T-Mobile reported working well), though mosquitoes can be prevalent. Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead is another free option with basic amenities like toilets. As with all dispersed camping, these areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system or fees.

Can I bring an RV for dispersed camping in Marquette?

RV accessibility varies significantly among Marquette's dispersed camping areas. Herman Lake Dispersed can accommodate RVs with proper planning. At Hickey Marsh, campers have successfully parked smaller travel trailers (up to 26 feet) at pull-in sites, though space is limited with only a few accessible spots. Some visitors stayed hooked up to their trailers overnight. For larger rigs, Mowe Lake - Manistique Rapid River Dispersed is more accommodating as it's noted as big-rig friendly. Always scout locations in advance if possible, as forest roads can present clearance challenges, and turning around may be difficult for larger vehicles.

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