Dispersed camping opportunities near Marquette, Michigan include several equestrian-friendly sites within the Hiawatha National Forest. The Upper Peninsula region features mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 600-1,400 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Winter access becomes limited with annual snowfall often exceeding 150 inches in this Lake Superior-influenced climate zone.
What to do
Trail riding connections: Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping provides access to several multi-use trails. "Just off M-28, down the right side road a bit you will see campfire remnants and a spot where people tend to park on the left," notes Hunter W., who found "quiet spot especially in early May" with "shockingly good" Verizon cell service.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite offers water access for anglers. "Great site located between two lakes," reports Ben L., who adds that "because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day."
Seasonal trail exploration: The western Upper Peninsula trail systems include seasonal variations in accessibility. "We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves," writes Willow M. about spring conditions at Ironjaw Lake.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping offers secluded sites away from crowds. "Quiet spot especially in early May," notes Hunter W., while Tim confirms "We only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one... There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days."
Accessibility for smaller rigs: Most horse campgrounds near Marquette, Michigan accommodate modest-sized trailers. "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger," explains Naomi L. about Hickey Marsh, while Tim notes "We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it."
Natural surroundings: The forest setting provides immersion in nature. "It was gorgeous," states Willow M. about Ironjaw Lake during pre-season. "We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Connectivity depends on location and carrier. "T-Mobile cell services was very good," reports Amy Y. about Hickey Marsh, while Hunter W. notes "Verizon was shockingly good." Other remote equestrian camping areas near Marquette may have limited service.
Seasonal insects: Catchin' Crickets Campground and surrounding areas experience significant bug activity. "I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited," cautions Amy Y. Insect repellent is essential during summer months.
Navigation challenges: Forest roads require planning and possibly detailed maps. "Your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin," advises Ben L. "That took us straight to the location no problem."
Limited shade at some locations: Not all sites offer natural coverage. About Catchin' Crickets, Arash F. notes "Trees need some time to grow larger to provide any shade if anybody looking for a campsite with shade."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose established sites with appropriate facilities. "Clean, sites are level," reports Arash F. about Catchin' Crickets Campground, which offers "reasonable good space in between sites."
Pack adequate supplies: Remote equestrian campgrounds near Marquette require self-sufficiency. "Just want an overnight stay and are self contained it's perfect," explains Naomi L. about Hickey Marsh.
Consider timing: Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and insects. "We were lucky, we went pre-season," shares Willow M. about Ironjaw Lake, noting they "had the site and the lakes to ourselves."
Check road conditions: Forest service roads may require clearance. "We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road," reports Willow M. about early season access.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Swan Lake Campsites and other dispersed camping areas near horse trails have vehicle restrictions. "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger," cautions Naomi L.
Leveling considerations: Prepare for variable terrain at unmarked sites. "Sites are level," notes Arash F. about Catchin' Crickets, but dispersed locations may require additional equipment.
Cost comparison: Prices vary between established and dispersed options. "I was charged $45 for a site with electricity. A site without is $35," reports Arash F. about Catchin' Crickets, while dispersed options in national forests remain free.
Hook-up availability: Most equestrian-focused sites lack utilities. Tim mentions at Hickey Marsh they "were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it," referring to staying connected to their tow vehicle rather than campground utilities.
