Best Dispersed Camping near Naubinway, MI
Dispersed camping options near Naubinway, Michigan include several primitive sites with varying accessibility and amenities. Search Bay Dispersed offers waterfront camping with established fire rings along the shoreline. According to reviews, the sites provide "breathtaking views right on the shoreline" though access requires navigating potholed roads with low-hanging branches. Vehicles larger than 20 feet may have difficulty reaching the shoreline sites, with most suitable for tents or smaller camper vans.
USFS 3536 Dispersed Site functions primarily as an ATV staging area with concrete pads near an old airfield. The site accommodates larger rigs but experiences regular ATV traffic. Several campers noted it's "very quiet and peaceful" despite occasional recreational vehicle use. Cell service is spotty, with ATT providing better coverage than Verizon in most locations.
Wide Waters Dispersed Camping and Adams Trail Dirt Lot provide additional free camping options. The Adams Trail site consists of a "large, flat, dirt parking lot" originally designed for snowmobilers but suitable for overnight camping. Insect activity varies seasonally across all sites, with cedar areas particularly prone to mosquitoes. Campers should bring insect repellent, especially during summer months.
All dispersed sites in the area lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Visitors must pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites except Adams Trail. Road conditions deteriorate after rain, making 4WD recommended for accessing remote locations. The Rhody Trail Pull Off, despite appearing on some maps, has been confirmed by DNR officials as not an authorized camping area.
