Searching for a dispersed campsite near Newberry? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Michigan camping adventure.
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.
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.
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.
Three primitive campsites are located on the 53 acre East Lake. East Lake has fishing for largemouth bass, perch, bluegill and bullheads. There is no drinking water at this location. A boat access is located just past site #1. It is unimproved, shallow and sandy. Carry-in access is recommended.
Traveler
Absolutely gorgeous! Right on the lake, wouldn’t suggest driving all the way back just park and take all your stuff to your spot. There is a “no drive thru” sign ignore it and drive back the pathway you’ll find it 😍 two other campers there and they were lovely (they also found this place off the dyrt app). You truly can’t beat this place, we even seen the Northern lights
ScoutWe 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.
ScoutEasy 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!
Legend
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.
GuideGreat camping area. There is a sign that says “Closed To Thru Traffic”. Just keep driving. You will get there. Road is sandy and some parts pretty rutted so keep the vehicle moving. You are a 1 min walk to the beach area.
Some campers are pigs and leave their trash around so we had to tidy our site up a little.
Really is a beautiful place. We are here on the 20th of September 2023.
I think close to the camp we ran across some bear scat.
ScoutWe love this spot! It’s super secluded and right on the beach. We’ve had one other tent camper out with us. We are in a small travel trailer, 22’, and there was room for our rig. There are a few spots with packed sand that are easy to drive in, but the middle path is pretty deep loose sand. When we came, there were other cars parked in the spots big enough for a camper, so we had to wait until they left. With cars parked in the bigger spaces, it was difficult to get out of the way or get turned around so we were just kind of stuck waiting. Also the mosquitos were also thick when we went. Overall we loved the spot, just wrote a review to give a few heads up!
TravelerVery sandy, beautiful , remote and totally unbelievable. Such a hidden gem! Thanks Dyrt! Fantastic find!
ScoutThese 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.
Camping near Newberry, Michigan, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Newberry, Michigan, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Newberry, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Newberry, MI is Lake Superior North Shore with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Newberry, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Newberry, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
