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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Menominee, Michigan (9)

    1. Sturgeon Bay Canal

    2 Reviews
    Sturgeon Bay, WI
    27 miles

    "It’s a loose gravel road that isn’t lit but we felt safe! There were a few fishermen, a couple told us that the longer grass near the gravel lot had a lot of ticks but would still be camp-able."

    2. pioneer park

    1 Review
    Oconto Falls, WI
    27 miles

    3. McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    5 Reviews
    Lakewood, WI
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 362-1300

    "Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."

    "The first site, east side, is a pull in right off the road with the pit and table a few steps down from the parking pad. The second site is a pull through facing west right off the road."

    5. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Escanaba, MI
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-5800

    "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.."

    "I can confirm that there is a trailhead, national campground, private campgrounds, and boat launches down this road. Another review mentioned a site, that now has a no camping sign on it."

    6. Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road

    4 Reviews
    Mountain, WI
    47 miles

    "Stayed two nights, and the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away. The campsite is right along a deep, and steadily moving stream."

    "Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service :)"

    7. Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Mountain, WI
    46 miles

    "Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Pick nik table and fire ring. Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy."

    8. Octonto River - South Branch

    1 Review
    Townsend, WI
    48 miles

    "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart. 

    The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Menominee, MI

8 Photos of 9 Menominee Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Menominee, MI

14 Reviews of 9 Menominee Campgrounds


  • evi L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2021

    Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    Beautiful but very limited camping sites

    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.. It's a one lane road btw, with multiple cutouts in the road for passing. I stayed here 2 nights in what appears to be an established campsite (with a fire ring, on the right side of the road heading towards the lighthouse) before meeting a local ranger this morning, who informed me that there are only 2 dispersed campsites available here, and both are on the left side of the road (heading towards the lighthouse.) But she did say that you are allowed to stay up to 14 days at either of those sites, before asking me to promptly gtfo. I would have rated 5 stars if there were more sites available, but if you manage to snag one of the permitted ones, lucky you!

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 22, 2024

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Nice sites along brook

    There are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in. Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max. One site I would say is tent only very tight. Wilderness toilet but they look pretty full.

  • Robyn B.
    Jun. 14, 2025

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Hidden little gem by the brooke

    There are 3 sites each with a table, fire pit, a toilet pit and right off the brooke. The cost is $5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach. The first site, east side, is a pull in right off the road with the pit and table a few steps down from the parking pad. The second site is a pull through facing west right off the road. The easements were a little washed out. The third site is a deep, large site away from the road facing west, with a bad easement. There was some occasional traffic on the main road and a quite a few UTVs.

    No one else was here so we chose the third site away from the road. The only con we found to this site was the easement was really washed out and we bottomed our minivan coming in but were able to leave going out on the far right edge. The site is so spacious and could easily be for a large group.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Shady, Creek-Side, $5 Fee

    There are three pull-in areas, with picnic tables and fire rings just off the road. Two *may* be large enough to handle more than 1 small rig/tent/popup. They are shaded and right by the creek, which gurgled along happily (and had some bugs in mid-August, but that was to be expected).

    We ultimately decided not to stay here simply because it was so shaded. While that made it nice and cool, it made solar & Starlink impossible. 

    There was no AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    A beautiful location when I went!

    Stayed for 6 nights and loved all of it. I was in the camp more south on the left. I can confirm that there is a trailhead, national campground, private campgrounds, and boat launches down this road. Another review mentioned a site, that now has a no camping sign on it. I believe that was the site, but there is 2 sites. Some very light traffic as there is a lighthouse/ restrooms down the road from both of these. Not really walking distance for most, but manageable in any form. Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed

    Rustic camping

    Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Pick nik table and fire ring. Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy.

  • W
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    Beautiful Lake View

    We camped one night at the first dispersed site and had a great view of the lake from the site. The sunset was incredible. There are two sites, both on the left side while headed south.

  • Zachary S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2023

    Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road

    Quaint and quiet. (Two campsites, dispersed from each other)

    Loved this spot. Stayed two nights, and the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away. The campsite is right along a deep, and steadily moving stream. Water is very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream.

    There is an outdoor toilet, and I've attempted to point it out in the pictures.

    The entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky. I believe a camper could make it going slowly. The second campsite entrance may have an easier time in.

    Do not follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted my sedan would have gotten stuck if I tried.

    Both campsites are accessed from the main road and have a brown "campsite" sign.

    AT&T: No Service.

  • C
    Mar. 22, 2024

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Easy access near town

    The McCauslin Brook runs through Townsend and Lakewood. There are a total of 3 sites in this location and all are on the Brook.


Guide to Menominee

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Menominee, Michigan, where nature meets tranquility. These spots offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers

  • The Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road provides a serene setting right by the water, perfect for those who enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the riverbank.
  • With two well-spaced sites, this area allows for a peaceful camping experience while still being close to nature's beauty.
  • The site features an outdoor toilet and is accessible for both drive-in and walk-in campers, making it convenient for various camping styles.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Menominee, Michigan

  • When visiting the McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, be prepared for a bit of a rough entrance, as the road may require some care to navigate.
  • This location allows campfires, so bring your firewood and enjoy cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash facilities available at this site, ensuring you leave the area as beautiful as you found it.

Outdoor Adventures While Free Camping Near Menominee

  • The Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed area is ideal for ATV enthusiasts, with easy access to trails right from your campsite.
  • Enjoy the rustic charm of this site, which features a fire ring and ample space for larger camping setups, making it perfect for groups.
  • The lack of amenities encourages a true back-to-nature experience, so be ready to embrace the wilderness and disconnect from modern distractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What primitive camping options are available in Menominee, Michigan?

McCaslin Brook Dispersed site offers three primitive sites, each with a table and fire pit, situated right alongside a brook. The sites cost $5 per night (payable at Wheeler Walker Beach) and include access to a toilet pit. The first site on the east side is a pull-in right off the road, while the middle site has the best brook access. One site can accommodate up to a 20-foot camper, while another may be tent-only. Octonto River - South Branch provides two well-spaced campsites at the trailhead with a clean, maintained vault toilet. The first site has more of an opening for those needing solar access, while the second is tucked in the back where the road turns around.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Menominee, MI?

Several dispersed camping options are available near Menominee. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed offers gorgeous sites surrounded by Lake Superior with established campsites featuring fire rings. There are two main sites on the left side while heading south, with the first site providing lake views and spectacular sunsets. Another option is Sturgeon Bay Canal, which features a gravel parking lot with a mowed area for tenting, suitable for vans/RVs with flat, serviceable spots. While basic (no hiking trails or amenities), it provides good WiFi and is easily accessible via a good gravel road with plenty of room and easy turnarounds.

Are there secluded camping spots in the Menominee area?

Yes, secluded camping spots can be found near Menominee. Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed offers a small pull-off a little way from Highway 64, featuring a picnic table and fire ring. This larger site accommodates ATV campers right off the trail and can easily fit toy haulers. Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road provides an exceptionally quiet camping experience, especially on weeknights when campers report almost absolute silence except for the sound of water. These secluded spots are ideal for those seeking privacy and a more authentic wilderness experience away from crowded campgrounds and facilities.