Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? We've got you covered. Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
US National Forest Land borders day-use only land, be cautious of signs and setup camp in the appropriate areas.
The 45 acre Minerva Lake contains largemouth bass and perch. The lake has always enjoyed a good reputation for fishing. No primitive toilet or drinking water are available at this site. There is one primitive campsite located on Minerva Lake. It is located in a small, semi-open area bordered by hardwood trees and hemlocks. It is 40 ft. by 30 ft. and suitable for one family and tents or small trailers due to limited turn around space. Swimming at Minerva Lake is considered to be poor. There is an improved, day use boat access located adjacent to the campsite. It has a gravel base and is recommended for small boats and trailers only. Parking is limited.
$8 / night
Ironjaw Lake is located in the heart of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, which is managed for both motorized and non-motorized uses. Our management efforts seek to provide for quiet, peaceful recreation opportunities in a semi-primitive setting. The campsite is also located on the trail system of the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. The campsite at Ironjaw is a pull-through site that also features a tent pad situated on a hill overlooking Lake Nineteen. This site is suitable for only one family with a small trailer. There is limited turnaround space. A primitive toilet is located across the road. There is no drinking water available at this site. The swimming area is poor. The boat access to Ironjaw Lake (62 acres) is down a steep hill but the surface is firm. Turn-around and back-in space at the base of the hill is very limited however, and 4 wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Parking is restricted to a small area located at the top of the hill. Ironjaw Lake is one of the better fishing lakes in the area. Crappie fishing is excellent in the spring. The lake also contains northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and bullheads. Horse camping is allowed at Ironjaw Lake.
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.
US National Forest Land borders day-use only land, be cautious of signs and setup camp in the appropriate areas.
The 45 acre Minerva Lake contains largemouth bass and perch. The lake has always enjoyed a good reputation for fishing. No primitive toilet or drinking water are available at this site. There is one primitive campsite located on Minerva Lake. It is located in a small, semi-open area bordered by hardwood trees and hemlocks. It is 40 ft. by 30 ft. and suitable for one family and tents or small trailers due to limited turn around space. Swimming at Minerva Lake is considered to be poor. There is an improved, day use boat access located adjacent to the campsite. It has a gravel base and is recommended for small boats and trailers only. Parking is limited.
$8 / night
Ironjaw Lake is located in the heart of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, which is managed for both motorized and non-motorized uses. Our management efforts seek to provide for quiet, peaceful recreation opportunities in a semi-primitive setting. The campsite is also located on the trail system of the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. The campsite at Ironjaw is a pull-through site that also features a tent pad situated on a hill overlooking Lake Nineteen. This site is suitable for only one family with a small trailer. There is limited turnaround space. A primitive toilet is located across the road. There is no drinking water available at this site. The swimming area is poor. The boat access to Ironjaw Lake (62 acres) is down a steep hill but the surface is firm. Turn-around and back-in space at the base of the hill is very limited however, and 4 wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Parking is restricted to a small area located at the top of the hill. Ironjaw Lake is one of the better fishing lakes in the area. Crappie fishing is excellent in the spring. The lake also contains northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and bullheads. Horse camping is allowed at Ironjaw Lake.
Swan Lake (52 acres) is the most popular lake in the primitive campsite program, so getting a permit to camp can be quite competitive! All four campsites are located on the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. There are three primitive toilets available, but no drinking water. All campsites on Swan Lake have excellent swimming areas. Swan Lake offers a good fishery for large and smallmouth bass, bluegills and pumpkinseeds.
$8 - $16 / night
