Top Free Dispersed Camping near Naubinway, MI

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Naubinway? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Naubinway. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Michigan camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Naubinway, MI (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    1. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    52 Saves

    Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. The following restrictions apply:

    Your stay is limited to 16 days. After this period, your camping equipment and all persons must move to another site at least one mile away, for an additional stay, not to exceed 16 days. Do not block any roads or restrict access to National Forest lands by others. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles (See https://lnt.org/why/7-principles) so that public lands will remain clean and attractive for others to enjoy. Camping in areas posted closed is prohibited. Camping within fifty (50) feet of a body of water is prohibited, unless otherwise posted. (Exceptions include Grand Island National Recreation Area (100 feet from water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation residences or recreation developments) and Big Island Lake Wilderness (200 feet from water). Do not camp at boat launches. On lakes with designated or reservable campsites, you may not set up your campsite within 400 feet of the shoreline anywhere on the lake. Note that camping reservations are required for these lakes: Bass Lake, Bear Lake, Camp Cook, Carr Lake, Chicago Lake, Cookson Lake, Council Lake, Crooked Lake, East Lake, Ewing Point, Gooseneck Lake, lronjaw Lake, Jackpine Lake, Lake Nineteen, Leg Lake, Lyman Lake, McKeever Cabin, Minerva Lake, Mowe Lake, Steuben Lake, Swan Lake, Toms Lake Cabin, and Triangle Lake.

    Group size can impact the land. Travel and camp in small groups. Place tents in cleared tent spaces if one is available. If not, find an opening at least 200 feet from water and trails, where understory vegetation or timber will not need to be cut or removed. Please stay at least ¼ mile away from developed campgrounds.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    • No image available

      3. Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

      2 Reviews
      24 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Adams Trail Dirt Lot
      Camper-submitted photo from Adams Trail Dirt Lot
      Camper-submitted photo from Adams Trail Dirt Lot
      Camper-submitted photo from Adams Trail Dirt Lot
      Camper-submitted photo from Adams Trail Dirt Lot
      Camper-submitted photo from Adams Trail Dirt Lot
      • No image available
        • No image available

          6. Steuben Lake - Manistique Rapid River Dispersed

          Be the first to review!
          9 Saves

          Although there is only one campsite on Crooked Lake, the lake is busy with a private resort and many private homes and cabins dotting its lengthy shoreline. Anglers will find good fishing for bluegill, crappie and northern pike, and some small mouth bass are also occasionally caught. Boat access to the lake is by carry-in only, which can be found at the campsite. There are no toilets or drinking water at this site. There is only one primitive campsite on Crooked Lake. It is small (35 ft. by 35 ft.), level and suitable for one family and a trailer. Swimming is considered to be poor. Keep in mind that the boat access must be shared with the public, and anglers may pass through your campsite to access the lake.

          • Phone Service
          • Dispersed
          • Trash
          • Picnic Table
          • Drinking Water
          • Toilets
          • No image available

            7. Steuben Lake Dispersed Campsite

            Be the first to review!
            14 Saves

            There are two primitive campsites located on the 151 acre Steuben Lake. There is no water available at this site. There is good swimming at both sites, but because of the hill at site #2, the beach area is difficult to see from the campsite. There is a good boat access located in the northwest corner of Steuben Lake, along Forest Road 2662. This access can accommodate most fishing boats and trailers. Steuben Lake has been stocked with walleye and has supporting populations of northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and perch.

            • Dispersed
            • No image available

            Recent Dispersed Reviews In Naubinway

            9 Reviews of 8 Naubinway Campgrounds


            • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
              Sep. 28, 2024

              Search Bay Dispersed

              Great little spot

              Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍

            • J
              Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
              Aug. 15, 2024

              Search Bay Dispersed

              Stunning

              Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!

            • Robert M.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
              Aug. 10, 2024

              Search Bay Dispersed

              Your Amenities are Fresh air, Nature, beauty and peace.

              I rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description. 

              I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful.

              I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug. 

              There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.

              Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.

            • Tori R.
              Camper-submitted photo from Wide Waters Dispersed Camping
              Aug. 2, 2024

              Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

              Parking pull off

              We spent about an hour exploring the surrounding roads for a better spot but it's all residential with some narrow and overgrown logging roads. Ended up coming back down to this spot which is just a little parking round-about. It's not private but no one drove by until morning and it's flat and spacious for bigger rigs.

            • Tony C.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Wide Waters Dispersed Camping
              Jul. 22, 2024

              Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

              Bondocking near Root bear falls

              Easy in and out. open area and trees on perimeter. Looks like its an ATV staging area. No starlink, no Cell service. Bring your bug spray!

            • DThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
              May. 22, 2024

              Search Bay Dispersed

              Search Bay

              Beautiful camp spots right on the lake. I have a 20 foot sprinter. I wouldn’t bring anything much bigger than that in here couldn’t make it to the last two camp spots tree overhang smaller vehicle could’ve made it through again beautiful spot. I’m gonna be here a few days.

            • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
              Oct. 7, 2023

              USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

              OK for a night

              We were a little confused here, as we thought the camping spots were the concrete pads leading up to the old airfield. But there are big rocks blocking the way from Rd 3536 to the airfield, so I don’t know if that’s a recent addition or what. There’s a large concrete pad on the west side of the rocks, and when we got there there was a nice looking (not sketchy) travel trailer set up for long term camping. Lots of trucks parked everywhere with trailers; they had hauled their ATVs in and were out riding for the day. They came back on their ATVs in the late afternoon, hung out for a few hours, then left (except for the trailer). All surprisingly quiet and respectful. 

              Zero cell service with Verizon but ATT had good service, mostly. It would randomly drop now and then but it would come back. We found a good spot to tuck into for the night, while staying out of the way of all the trucks parked everywhere. Very quiet and serene.

              This is dispersed camping so of course no amenities whatsoever. Please handle your waste appropriately and let's keep this area clean.

            • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
              Oct. 7, 2023

              Search Bay Dispersed

              Perfect Dispersed Camping

              Really cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers. Scope out the road and proceed as you feel comfortable. 

              The trees are really overgrown and low hanging, and there were lots of pot holes and mud holes when we were there. Definitely no place for our 26ft class c. There are two sites before you reach the river shore road, maybe three if you want to squeeze into a littler spot, and those are nice and big for RVs, and clear and open for solar panels, but were taken when we went. So we went a mile back up the road to a little pullout along a lake that looked like it was cleared out a bit and stayed there for two wonderful relaxing peaceful nights. 

              Some road traffic from people going to the bay, but the road condition is such that everyone was going really slowly, so that was nice. Road going in was doable, but you’d definitely need to take it slow because of all the potholes and dips. We did have cell service, though it wasn’t the greatest (Verizon & ATT). 

              Nice peaceful area to hang out right at the water. Bugs weren’t too bad, mostly bumble bees going about their business. Biting flies did bite through my socks though.

            • Victoria K.
              Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
              Aug. 22, 2022

              USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

              ORV trails

              These are sandy trails that lead nowhere in particular and I guess you camp on the side in the trees..you can't get down there with a regular vehicle without the possibilty of getting stuck in sand traps. I would say you should have 4 wheel drive and a tent.



            Guide to Naubinway

            Camping near Naubinway, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

            What to do

            • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Hog Island Point State Forest Campground, provide easy access to stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "The sites were spaced out perfectly. Our site was just steps from Lake Michigan."
            • Kayaking and canoeing: Campers at Northland Outfitters enjoyed renting watercraft. A review noted, "We rented a canoe trip right there in the campground."
            • Hiking: The area is great for hiking, with trails nearby. One visitor said, "There is some great hiking in the area," when talking about Trout Lake Campground.

            What campers like

            • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground said, "Our site was right on Brevoort Lake, the campsite was absolutely gorgeous."
            • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Brevoort Lake Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, "The vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen anywhere!"
            • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff at places like St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA. A review noted, "Staff is very helpful and pleasant."

            What you should know

            • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially if they are near roads. A camper at Hog Island Point State Forest Campground mentioned, "The only real complaint is how close to the main road you are."
            • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Brevoort Lake Campground lacks electric hookups and showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
            • Booking in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Wilderness State Park Camping advised, "Book early to get a campsite on the beach!"

            Tips for camping with families

            • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Lake Michigan At St. Ignace, where "Most sites are separated by natural forest."
            • Activities for kids: Many campgrounds offer fun activities. One camper at Northland Outfitters mentioned, "There is a horseshoe pit, volleyball court, canoe, and kayak rentals available."
            • Safety first: Ensure your campsite is safe for kids. A review for Trout Lake Campground noted, "The fire pit was less than desirable. Small and no concrete base which made me weary of littles."

            Tips from RVers

            Camping near Naubinway, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

            Frequently Asked Questions

            • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Naubinway, MI?

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Naubinway, MI is USFS 3536 Dispersed Site with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

            • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Naubinway, MI?

              TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Naubinway, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.