Best Dispersed Camping near Menominee, MI
Dispersed camping near Menominee, Michigan includes several primitive sites across Wisconsin and Michigan state lines, primarily on public lands in the Hiawatha National Forest and Nicolet National Forest. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road offers two designated dispersed sites on the left side of the road heading toward the lighthouse, both with picnic tables and fire rings. Additional dispersed camping options include McCaslin Brook with three small sites along the water, Mountain Lakes Road with pull-off sites suitable for ATVs, and several locations along the Oconto River.
Access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved roads. Several locations, particularly those along the Oconto River, have rough entrances that may require high-clearance vehicles. Peninsula Point Lighthouse sites permit stays up to 14 days. McCaslin Brook sites charge a $5 per night fee payable at Wheeler Walker Beach. Most sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities are minimal. Vault toilets are available at some locations including Peninsula Point, McCaslin Brook, and Oconto River South Branch, but drinking water is not provided at any site.
The dispersed camping experience varies significantly across locations. Peninsula Point sites provide lake views with "incredible sunset" opportunities according to campers. McCaslin Brook offers shaded creek-side camping with three pull-in areas, though one visitor noted the sites are "too shaded for solar." Oconto River sites feature moving water and relative quiet, though some campers report "a lot of trash left" and "decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic." Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, with one camper confirming "AT&T: No Service" at Oconto River. Sites near Pioneer Park are described as "buggy and noisy" due to proximity to highways.