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Best Dispersed Camping near Newaygo, MI

14 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the Newaygo area includes several primitive sites throughout the Manistee National Forest. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping provides free camping with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options along with permission for campfires. Sawkaw Lake near Bitely offers more developed dispersed camping with vault toilets but maintains the rustic character typical of Michigan's forest service lands. Additional options include Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed and Neil's Secret Spot, both providing remote camping opportunities in wooded settings.

Access varies significantly across sites, with Sand Road living up to its name and requiring all-wheel drive vehicles with good ground clearance. Campers report that many roads leading to dispersed sites are unpaved with sandy or rough conditions. Seasonal weather can affect accessibility, particularly during spring thaw or after heavy rainfall. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, trash removal, or hookups. While fires are permitted at most locations, campers must practice Leave No Trace principles. Wildlife encounters are common, with one review noting "coyotes were less than 100 yards away from us," suggesting proper food storage and wildlife awareness are essential.

The dispersed camping areas provide solitude and direct access to natural features. Sawkaw Lake offers lakeside camping with "sites large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around," according to one visitor. The area connects to recreational opportunities including the North Country Trail network. Sand Road locations provide riverside camping options that are "perfect for big families or even solo camp." Most sites feature established fire rings with adequate space for tents or small RVs. During weekdays, campers report peaceful, uncrowded conditions even during summer months, though weekend traffic increases considerably. Despite the primitive conditions, the natural settings and lake access make these dispersed sites popular among those seeking authentic outdoor experiences.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Newaygo, Michigan (4)

    1. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    8 Reviews
    Whitehall, MI
    22 miles

    "Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped."

    "There looks like there are trails off of the parking lot. No signs that say no overnight parking. I'm in a van and this worked great for me. Quiet area and right off the lake."

    2. Sawkaw Lake

    5 Reviews
    Bitely, MI
    25 miles
    Website

    "It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail.

    Loved it!"

    "Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite."

    3. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    4. Neil's Secret Spot

    1 Review
    Baldwin, MI
    33 miles
    +1 (352) 480-8860

    "No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Newaygo, MI

12 Photos of 4 Newaygo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Newaygo, MI

14 Reviews of 4 Newaygo Campgrounds

  • Degen G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    Great area to explore

    Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped. Very good area for those interested in back country camping and primitive camping, lots of forest to explore. There are also quite a few drive in sites as well for car camping. There was running water in a creek south of Sand Road.

  • J
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    Wrong Location

    The coordinates lead you to a state that park if it is off sand road or Russell road it’s 30 minutes out for where coordinates are. Struggled to find any primitive camping anywhere nearby.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    Nice spot for van camping

    The directions take you to a parking lot. There looks like there are trails off of the parking lot. No signs that say no overnight parking. I'm in a van and this worked great for me. Quiet area and right off the lake.

  • J
    May. 24, 2025

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    Great Campsite, but couldn’t stay overnight.

    Arrived to the campsite around 5pm, everything was fantastic. Fire pit, and large open, wooded area all to ourselves. We loved it. However, once we got a fire lit, and the sunlight started to leave for the night we heard a pack of coyotes nearby. Deciding to press on, we shrugged it off hoping this was just a one off. 3 hours later, we hear them again. Only, this time we could tell they were even closer. We decided to head to the car and reevaluate our plan, but decided to stay a little longer before calling it quits. Not 30 mins later, the coyotes were back again, but even closer. They were less than 100 yards away from us, and we had no choice but to stay in our tent, and wait for them to pass while holding our protection in hand. We decided it was time to pack up and leave this time.

    Please be aware, when camping here you may be in coyote territory, and they don’t seem to like it. So, maybe not a great spot for kids, or smaller pets.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2021

    Sawkaw Lake

    It's quite deep in the forest

    Was planning on staying at Highbank Campground but it was closed. Thankfully had the Dyrt App to see this spot.

    It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail.

    Loved it!

  • L
    May. 26, 2025

    Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    If you can get there, fantastic

    This spot is wonderful, but boy howdy does it live up to its name. If you do not have AWD and good ground clearance, don’t even try to get there.

  • Jay D.
    Jun. 10, 2022

    Sawkaw Lake

    Little Half Moon Lake

    Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite. Depending on the spot, there could be some people around, but most the most part, it was pretty tranquil. There are even some hike paths around the area.

  • Ileene R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Peaceful

    There are signs on the sites saying permit required, but no info for that purpose. No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site, toilet is nice. Lake has boat access. There are fire rings and lots of wood to collect. Not tons of trash but I cleaned up some left in fire pit.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2024

    Sawkaw Lake

    Peaceful

    Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday.

Guide to Newaygo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Newaygo, Michigan, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape into the wild.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Newaygo

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the tranquil shores of Sawkaw Lake, where you can find large sites and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forest.
  • Discover the hidden gems around Sawkaw Lake, including nearby Little Half Moon Lake, perfect for a quiet retreat.
  • Take advantage of the deep forest setting at Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of modern life.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Newaygo, Michigan

  • Make sure to check the location details before heading to Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping, as some reviews indicate that the coordinates may lead you to a different area.
  • Bring your own firewood and supplies when visiting Sawkaw Lake, as amenities like firewood and trash disposal are not provided.
  • Be prepared for a more rustic experience at Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed, where facilities are minimal, but the natural beauty is abundant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Newaygo dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping in Newaygo is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Sawkaw Lake offers some of the better facilities among dispersed sites, featuring a brand new vault toilet, scenic lake views, and access to hiking paths including the North Country Trail. Most sites in the area have basic fire rings, though not all. The camping areas are typically set in wooded locations with enough space for privacy. Neil's Secret Spot is another option that welcomes tent campers but lacks an outhouse, though it's conveniently located near town for necessities. Generally, you should be prepared to be self-sufficient with your own water, waste disposal, and supplies.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Newaygo?

Newaygo offers several free dispersed camping options in the surrounding forest areas. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping is a popular choice with multiple spots suitable for both solo campers and families, including some riverside camping opportunities. The sandy roads require AWD or 4x4 vehicles with good ground clearance to access. Another option is Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed, which provides a safe place to pull off the road for camping, though access to the meadow may be blocked. Both areas are free to use but have varying accessibility depending on your vehicle type and weather conditions.

Is boondocking allowed in Newaygo wilderness areas?

Yes, boondocking is allowed in designated areas of Newaygo's wilderness regions. The Manistee National Forest, which encompasses much of the region, permits dispersed camping in many sections. When boondocking, you'll find varying terrain conditions - some areas have spacious clearings suitable for RVs (though 4x4 may be needed), while others are better suited for tent camping. Campsites around lakes like Little Half Moon Lake offer tranquil settings away from crowds, especially on weekdays. Always check for posted restrictions, as some parking areas may have overnight parking prohibitions or private property boundaries. The forest service generally allows stays up to 14 days, though this should be verified with local ranger stations before setting up camp.

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