Best Dispersed Camping near Newberry, MI

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Newberry, Michigan on public lands, primarily in the Upper Peninsula region. The Lake Superior North Shore site offers beach camping access with Lake Superior views, while Wide Waters Dispersed Camping provides a larger open area suitable for multiple vehicles. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site features camping opportunities on Forest Service land, and Adams Trail Dirt Lot functions as a snowmobile parking area that accommodates tent and RV camping. All sites are primitive with no established facilities or reservation systems.

Access routes to these dispersed sites typically consist of unpaved forest roads that vary in condition. Many campers report sandy or rutted sections that may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at Lake Superior North Shore where the road has sections of deep, loose sand. Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, trash facilities, or other amenities. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most areas. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with most sites allowing campfires in established rings when no fire bans are in effect. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations.

The camping experience in this region is characterized by natural surroundings and minimal development. Wide Waters offers an open area with trees on the perimeter that serves as an ATV staging area. One camper noted that "it's flat and spacious for bigger rigs," though others mentioned heavy insect pressure during summer months. Lake Superior North Shore provides beachfront camping with incredible views but requires preparation for insects. According to a visitor, "the mosquitos were ruthless from the moment we got there." The USFS 3536 site offers seclusion but may have weekend traffic from ATV users. These areas provide genuine backcountry experiences with wildlife viewing opportunities and night sky visibility when weather permits.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Newberry, Michigan (13)

    2. Lake Superior North Shore

    12 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    37 miles

    "There’s a gravel drive for car camping and smaller rigs. If you’ve got 4WD you can manage to get through the sand to the other sites which are pretty much all on the lake."

    "Road is covered with heavy snow, no issue with an AWD camper van. Snow shoeing in the woods and alone the lake beach. Fantastic!"

    3. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Eckerman, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-7900

    "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."

    "Access to this FS Road is easy from M-28. We went to the coordinates, but found only one designated camping area, which already had a couple of campers there."

    4. Adams Trail Dirt Lot

    2 Reviews
    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI
    36 miles

    "Large, flat, dirt parking lot for snowmobilers in the winter. No other signage re: overnight parking."

    "Ideal for camper vans, or car camping. Close enough to Pictured rocks. Just pulled in here for the night since we are ahead of schedule."

    5. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Wetmore, MI
    47 miles

    "Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."

    "This is a great spot, very private and easy to access. T-Mobile cell services was very good. I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited."

    6. Castle Rock Ponds

    4 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    45 miles

    "Decent flat parking around the ponds, with plenty of room for at least 6 rigs."

    "The road was long but worth the drive back!"

    7. Mackinac Trail Spur Site

    2 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    44 miles

    "It's next to a campground and 15 minutes from the lighthouse and ferry to Macimac Island. I am looking forward to hanging out here ."

    8. Rhody Trail Pull Off

    1 Review
    Grand Marais, MI
    34 miles

    9. Carp River Boat Launch

    2 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    45 miles

    "Beautiful view of lake Huron. Labor Day weekend and no one else is here except the ubiquitous mosquitoes. Easy and easy out on a good gravel road. Access to Lake Huron."

    "Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water ! Very secluded feeling and peaceful !"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Newberry, MI

21 Reviews of 13 Newberry Campgrounds


  • Joel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Lake Superior North Shore

    Pretty cool spot

    The site was really cool. There’s a gravel drive for car camping and smaller rigs. If you’ve got 4WD you can manage to get through the sand to the other sites which are pretty much all on the lake. Bring a bug hat and plenty of bug spray unfortunately it’s a hotbed for black flies and skeeters.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2024

    Lake Superior North Shore

    Great location for snow camping

    Visited the site in a winter storm. A little worried before getting on the wild cat road. Turned out no issue at all. Road is covered with heavy snow, no issue with an AWD camper van. Snow shoeing in the woods and alone the lake beach. Fantastic!

  • Tony C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Lake Superior North Shore

    On the water… amazing… super remote

    Very sandy, beautiful , remote and totally unbelievable. Such a hidden gem! Thanks Dyrt! Fantastic find!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    One great large-ish area

    Access to this FS Road is easy from M-28. We went to the coordinates, but found only one designated camping area, which already had a couple of campers there. While they seemed friendly enough, there was poor T-Mobile connectively and no hope for Starlink.

    On an offshoot of the FS Road closer to M-28, there is a single path towards the airfield. We camped there. Some highway noise, but a little more sun and great T-Mobile.  

    46.35276778604294,-84.82903811659388

  • Chase G.
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Lake Superior North Shore

    Wrong coordinates!

    Coordinates took us off to the left of the first junction, where there was a gate that said closed so we didn’t go to this site unfortunately! Continue straight instead

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Superior North Shore

    Mosquito Hatchery

    Pros: just steps from the shores of Lake Michigan. Near whitefish point. 4-5 sites.

    Cons: about 2-3 miles down road of mosquito hatchery so you will get swarmed - only my late season (early sept) tour of UP, this was the only place I ran into heavy mosquitos and it was unbearable. Sites are closer than the pin shows and the furthest 2-3 are in deep sand/can’t be driven to on most vehicles.

  • Tori R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.


Guide to Newberry

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Newberry, Michigan, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can find the perfect place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Newberry

  • Enjoy stunning views and the chance to see the Northern Lights at Lake Superior North Shore, a hidden gem right on the lake.
  • Explore ATV trails and immerse yourself in nature at USFS 3536 Dispersed Site, where you can ride during the day and camp in peace at night.
  • Experience the tranquility of Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, where you can find quiet spots with minimal traffic and beautiful surroundings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Newberry, Michigan

  • Bring bug spray when visiting Lake Superior North Shore, as the area can have a high mosquito population during certain seasons.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at Wide Waters Dispersed Camping, which does not offer drinking water, toilets, or trash disposal, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep your campsite clean and respect the environment at Adams Trail Dirt Lot, ensuring that this free spot remains available for future campers.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out USFS 3536

  • This site offers a unique experience with its sandy trails and proximity to ATV riding, making it ideal for adventure seekers looking to camp off the beaten path at USFS 3536 Dispersed Site.
  • Expect a quiet atmosphere, as many visitors report minimal noise and respectful fellow campers, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • The area is known for its natural beauty, so take time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the serenity of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for dispersed camping at Newberry Caldera?

Dispersed camping at Newberry Caldera follows standard Forest Service regulations. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Campers must stay at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roads. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site exemplifies typical dispersed sites with designated concrete pads in some areas. No facilities are provided, so pack out all trash and waste. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, especially during high fire danger periods. Check with Deschutes National Forest for current fire restrictions before your trip. Camping directly within the caldera itself is generally prohibited except in designated campgrounds. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for self-sufficient camping.

Where is Newberry National Volcanic Monument dispersed camping located?

Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers dispersed camping opportunities in designated areas throughout the monument, which is located in central Oregon near Bend. Dispersed camping is primarily available in the Deschutes National Forest areas surrounding the monument. Adams Trail Dirt Lot offers a large, flat parking area that serves as a convenient dispersed camping option, particularly for motorhomes and van lifers. The monument encompasses the Newberry Volcano and its notable features including the caldera, Paulina Lake, East Lake, and numerous lava flows. Access is typically via Forest Service roads, with most dispersed sites located outside the main caldera area.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Paulina Lake in Newberry Monument?

Dispersed camping directly at Paulina Lake within Newberry Monument is not permitted. The lake area has developed campgrounds that require reservations, but dispersed camping is allowed in surrounding Deschutes National Forest areas outside the immediate lake vicinity. Castle Rock Ponds represents the type of accessible dispersed site you might find in the broader area, with flat parking areas accessed via well-maintained gravel roads. When seeking dispersed sites near Paulina Lake, look for pullouts along forest service roads outside the monument's core area. Remember that all dispersed campers must follow Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal and respecting seasonal fire restrictions.