Best Dispersed Camping near Nunica, MI
Dispersed camping near Nunica, Michigan centers on two main areas: Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping and Sawkaw Lake. Sand Road offers free primitive sites with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options. Located about 30 minutes from Nunica proper, this area permits campfires and allows alcohol and pets. Sawkaw Lake, situated near Bitely, provides similar primitive camping opportunities with drive-in access and basic vault toilets, though it may require permits according to recent visitor reports.
Vehicle access to Sand Road requires careful consideration as the terrain lives up to its name. High-clearance vehicles with all-wheel drive are strongly recommended for navigating the sandy, unpaved access routes. Multiple reviews confirm challenging road conditions, with one visitor noting, "If you do not have AWD and good ground clearance, don't even try to get there." Both camping areas lack amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, or waste disposal facilities. Campers must pack in all supplies and follow leave-no-trace principles. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences depending on location and timing. Sand Road features large camping spots suitable for groups and some riverside camping opportunities, with scattered sites throughout wooded areas. Some visitors report wildlife encounters, including coyotes in the vicinity. Sawkaw Lake offers lakeside camping with good access to hiking trails, including connections to the North Country Trail. The lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing. Weekday visits typically offer greater solitude, as noted by one camper: "On a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday." Recent reviews indicate some confusion about permit requirements at Sawkaw Lake, with signs posted but limited information on how to obtain them.
