Best Dispersed Camping near Nisula, MI

The Upper Peninsula landscape surrounding Nisula, Michigan features primarily dispersed camping options focused on lakefront experiences. Lake Perrault and Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping represent the most established sites in the area, with both offering primitive tent camping in scenic waterfront settings. Lake Perrault provides approximately six cleared sites with established fire rings, some directly at the water's edge, while Mouth of the Huron offers beach camping on Lake Superior with first-come, first-served sites on the sand. Additional options include Thayer's Lake and Crowned Creek on South Boundary Road, though these appear to have minimal infrastructure and limited visitor data.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring careful navigation. Lake Perrault access requires slow driving due to substantial potholes, as one camper noted: "The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that." Most sites accommodate standard vehicles, though high clearance becomes beneficial when venturing to more remote locations. According to visitor Andrew B., Mouth of the Huron features "easy gravel road access, no clearance issues or 4WD needed," though others mention four-wheel drive helps "if you decide to go deeper down the road." Cell service exists at some locations like Lake Perrault (Verizon and AT&T reported), while Mouth of the Huron typically lacks connectivity.

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campers in the Nisula area, with Lake Superior sites receiving consistently high ratings. Visitors frequently mention spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the water as highlights. Most sites maintain a rustic, primitive character with minimal or no facilities. As camper Zachary J. described Mouth of the Huron: "You camp on the sand first come first serve, loved it no facilities pure dispersed." The carry-in, carry-out ethic prevails throughout the region. While some locations like Lake Perrault experience regular local traffic, campers report respectful behavior and peaceful overnight conditions. Mosquitoes can be problematic near wooded water areas, particularly during summer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Nisula, Michigan (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Nisula, MI

25 Photos of 4 Nisula Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Nisula, MI

17 Reviews of 4 Nisula Campgrounds


  • Zachary J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    On Lake Superior need I say more

    You camp on the sand first come first serve, loved it no facilities pure dispersed.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    Awkward parking on shifting sands.

    That's a beautiful place to park for free. The fresh water Lake Superior provides water for those who have the means to filter it. There's no grey dump and no trash. However, the fact that it's parking right on a beach makes it very difficult for larger vehicles, such as my 16,000-pound bus. I did manage to park it, though. In the dark.

  • Shawnee ..
    Feb. 5, 2022

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    Rustic beauty!

    One of my absolute favorite places to camp on Lake Superior. Rustic and beautiful. Carry in, carry out. Respect the land and space for those who have been enjoying this land for years and wish to for many more. Visit to see for yourself!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 14, 2023

    Lake Perrault

    Free dispersed

    Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow. A couple of the campers looked like they’re long-termers, but there was still plenty of room. It’s a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so. A couple of the spots are right down at the water. 

    There’s also a little trail by the water but the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it. Though this is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really nice and peaceful overnight. 

    There was a little road noise but not bad at all. Some interesting animal calls overnight as well. There was good cell reception for Verizon and ATT.

  • Pat F.
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Lake Perrault

    Great little overlook of the lake

    Very nice n open for pulling in and doing dispersed camping, nice overview of the lake from the hill , quite too, fire pit made of rocks

  • Rose G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Lake Perrault

    Wouldn’t recommend

    If arriving off-season and lucky enough to have it to yourself it would be a great location, but there is zero privacy otherwise. There were 3 different people/groups set-up, all of which looked to have been there for several weeks. The area in front of the lake is completely cleared and fairly large - if you don’t mind being out in the open and potentially siding directly with others you’ll probably be fine. I saw an additional 3 other vehicles drive in and proceed to exit, so it’s unlikely you’d find solitude here. You’re better off opting for a FR in Ottawa NF.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lake Perrault

    Beautiful and quiet lake front

    My fiancé and I (plus our dog) are doing a week of traveling out of our sprinter van through the UP. We stumbled upon this location through this app. This was a Monday evening and every site was being used or people just had stuff at the sites (not sure if anyone was actually staying at the spots) We were having an enjoyable time but then didn’t have a good interaction with one of the other campers. It was a problem to play fetch with our dog not being on a leash. Our dog was staying in our camp and playing fetch away from others. So we decided to pack up camp due to the interaction. Didn’t feel like any good was going to happen the rest of the night after that.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    Easy Access, Great Vibes

    Easy to find, beautiful area, lots of room, porta potties, direct lake access. Only “complaint” would be no service, but given how amazing the site is it felt more like a blessing.


Guide to Nisula

Dispersed camping near Nisula, Michigan centers primarily on the region's varied terrain of dense forests and waterfront locations. The area experiences seasonal temperature swings from below-freezing winters to warm summers with July averages around 75°F. Most camping opportunities lack designated amenities and require campers to be self-sufficient with supplies, though several established fire rings can be found at popular locations.

What to do

Water activities at Lake Superior beaches: At Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping, visitors can enjoy swimming and beachcombing along the shoreline. "Several spots in this rustic stop. The spot was amazing. Got to see a beautiful sunset and sunrise fun to watch bikers cross from the river and even saw a sea plane land on the beach," notes Myranda H.

Fishing opportunities: Several lakes in the region provide fishing access with varying catches depending on season. "Great spot to camp at. I went on a weekend and there were lots of people and kids. Most of the people left Sunday afternoon and the weekday seems to not be as bad with people," reports one camper at Mouth of the Huron.

Wildlife observation: The forests surrounding Nisula offer chances to spot native wildlife. "There was a little road noise but not bad at all. Some interesting animal calls overnight as well," mentions Laura M. about her stay at Lake Perrault.

What campers like

Beach camping convenience: The sandy shores at Mouth of the Huron provide direct waterfront access. "Easy to find, beautiful area, lots of room, porta potties, direct lake access. Only 'complaint' would be no service, but given how amazing the site is it felt more like a blessing," shares Jack H.

Quiet weekday experiences: Many campers note the difference between busy weekends and more peaceful weekdays. "The only thing you hear out here are the waves. Extremely peaceful. September 8," writes Richard O. about his experience at Mouth of the Huron.

Natural water sources: Access to lake water is valuable for prepared campers. "That's a beautiful place to park for free. The fresh water Lake Superior provides water for those who have the means to filter it," mentions Rick M., though he cautions about "shifting sands" making parking difficult for larger vehicles.

What you should know

Road conditions vary substantially: Access roads require preparation and appropriate vehicles. "Very nice n open for pulling in and doing dispersed camping, nice overview of the lake from the hill, quite too, fire pit made of rocks," reports Pat F. about Lake Perrault.

Varying site availability: Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with limited options. "My fiancé and I (plus our dog) are doing a week of traveling out of our sprinter van through the UP. We stumbled upon this location through this app. This was a Monday evening and every site was being used or people just had stuff at the sites," explains Marissa R.

Limited facilities: Most locations require self-sufficiency. "Few fire pits and no bathroom, worked well for a night," notes Mason V. about Thayer's Lake.

Seasonal crowds: Summer months bring more visitors, especially weekends. "Great spot right on the waters of Lake Superior. Absolutely gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. The drive out is manageable is about any car, four wheel drive helps if you decide to go deeper down the road," says Collin N.

Tips for camping with families

Fire safety preparation: Bring a portable fire pit or use existing rings when available. "I spent an overnight in this beautiful place. I was all alone in the campground. A few people drove down to the water while I was there," shares Chuck M. about Lake Perrault.

Insect protection: Pack adequate mosquito repellent, particularly for wooded areas. "There's also a little trail by the water but the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it," warns Laura M.

Local interaction expectations: Some areas see regular local traffic. "Though this is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really nice and peaceful overnight," reports a camper at Crowned Creek.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose carefully when bringing RVs or trailers. "There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents," advises Chuck M. about Lake Perrault.

Surface considerations: Beach camping presents unique challenges for heavier vehicles. "The fact that it's parking right on a beach makes it very difficult for larger vehicles, such as my 16,000-pound bus. I did manage to park it, though. In the dark," shares Rick M. about his experience at Mouth of the Huron.

Carry in, carry out requirements: No disposal facilities exist at most sites. "Rustic and beautiful. Carry in, carry out. Respect the land and space for those who have been enjoying this land for years and wish to for many more," reminds Shawnee about proper etiquette at dispersed camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nisula, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nisula, MI is Lake Perrault with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Nisula, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.