Dispersed camping near Mullett Lake, Michigan offers secluded options in the northern Lower Peninsula, where campers can set up at elevations ranging from 600-700 feet above sea level. The area features a mix of cedar forests and shoreline access points with variable road conditions depending on recent weather and seasonal maintenance. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer highs typically range between 65-80°F.
What to do
Lake access exploration: Castle Rock Ponds provides multiple camping sites overlooking peaceful water bodies. "Easy to get to camping spot with multiple camping sites overlooking ponds. A couple miles down a nice gravel road that any kind of car could make it down," notes camper Evan D.
Butterfly watching: The Mackinac Trail Spur Site offers unique opportunities for nature observation. "It is a beautiful area that has flowers blooming. The monarch butterflies are dancing on them," reports one camper who enjoyed the natural habitat.
Fishing opportunities: Several dispersed camping locations provide direct access to fishing. The Carp River Boat Launch offers "beautiful view of lake Huron" with "access to Lake Huron" for anglers wanting to cast directly from shore.
What campers like
Uncrowded waterfront: During certain seasons, campers report having entire shorelines to themselves. "Stopped for the night at Castle Rock Ponds. Easy to get to from the Hwy. I must have had a good night as the bugs were at a minimum," shares Luke T.
Wildlife encounters: De Cheau Lake Camping provides opportunities for unique animal sightings. One camper was "blessed by the Elk bugles nearby" while enjoying the "beautiful lake" setting.
Proximity to attractions: Some dispersed sites offer convenient access to regional destinations. Campers at Mackinac Trail report the area is "15 minutes from the lighthouse and ferry to Macimac Island," making it practical for day trips.
Seasonal quiet periods: Timing affects crowd levels significantly. At Search Bay, one visitor noted, "We are here in late April so with the chilly weather there isn't a soul in site. Highly recommend."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. At Castle Rock Ponds, campers report "a couple miles down a nice gravel road that any kind of car could make it down," while other areas require higher clearance vehicles.
Beach camping restrictions: Regulations change periodically. One camper at Search Bay noted, "The road to the sign is easy-peasy, but the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move."
Permit requirements: Some locations require state recreation passes. De Cheau Lake Camping has signage indicating "Michigan Rec Passport Required" according to recent visitors.
Insect intensity fluctuates: Bug populations vary by location and season. A Search Bay camper reported, "During the day several groups came to use the beach and to ride ATVs, but very quiet by late afternoon. No bugs or mosquitoes when we were there."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose established sites with natural windbreaks. At Search Bay Dispersed, families can find "plenty of spots to pick from" with several campers noting the option to select sites that balance privacy with accessibility.
Weather preparation: Wind conditions can change rapidly. One camper advised that at Search Bay "it can blow really strong off the water" which actually helps reduce mosquito activity but requires securing loose items.
Safety considerations: Watch for potential hazards. One family noted they "ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites" underscoring the importance of careful site inspection upon arrival.
Timing recommendations: Shoulder seasons offer unique advantages. Multiple campers report April and late September provide excellent opportunities for both reduced crowds and potential natural phenomena, with one group mentioning they "got to see the northern lights."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Carefully assess access roads before attempting entry with larger rigs. One RVer with "an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer" noted, "I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail" at Search Bay.
Site availability patterns: Holiday weekends affect occupancy dramatically. One RVer at Carp River was surprised to find "Labor Day weekend and no one else is here except the ubiquitous mosquitoes. Easy in and easy out on a good gravel road."
Maneuverability considerations: Some sites accommodate unexpected rig types. At Castle Rock Ponds, a camper observed "a couple people were here with moderate sized RVs" despite the remote setting, indicating certain spots can handle larger vehicles than might be expected.
