Dispersed camping options near Cedarville, Michigan provide campers with access to some of the Upper Peninsula's remote natural spaces. Located along the northern shore of Lake Huron, this area features primarily cedar forests with sandy terrain and numerous small inland ponds. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F with cooling breezes from Lake Huron, while spring and fall bring temperatures ranging from 45-65°F with significantly fewer visitors.
What to do
Fishing in local ponds: Castle Rock Ponds offers decent fishing opportunities with multiple sites overlooking small bodies of water. "Good fishing in pond, caught a trout," reports one visitor to Castle Rock Ponds.
Lake Huron access: Several sites provide direct water access for kayaking and swimming. At Carp River Boat Launch, campers can enjoy "beautiful view of Lake Huron" and easy water access, though "the beach smells like fish," according to reviews.
Wildflower viewing: Spring and summer bring abundant wildflowers to the area. The Mackinac Trail Spur Site features "flowers blooming" where "monarch butterflies are dancing on them" during summer months.
ATV riding: Sandy trails throughout the region attract off-road enthusiasts. At Castle Rock Ponds, visitors note there were "people doing target shooting in the area so there was some pretty loud gunshots" which may affect your camping experience if seeking quiet.
What campers like
Off-season solitude: October through early May offers significantly fewer visitors. At Castle Rock Ponds, campers appreciate that "we came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70" providing comfortable conditions with fewer crowds.
Proximity to attractions: Many sites offer convenient access to Upper Peninsula highlights. One camper at Mackinac Trail Spur Site notes it's "15 minutes from the lighthouse and ferry to Macimac Island" making it ideal for day trips.
Easy access from highways: Several sites require minimal travel on rough roads. Castle Rock Ponds is located "just minutes off of 75 down a well maintained gravel road" with "decent flat parking around the ponds, with plenty of room for at least 6 rigs."
Wind patterns: Consistent breezes from Lake Huron can significantly reduce insect problems. At Search Bay Dispersed, one camper mentions "I saw a lot of reviews about mosquitoes, but I haven't had any issues - may be because of the wind (it can blow really strong off the water)."
What you should know
Beach camping restrictions: Recent rule changes affect waterfront camping. At Search Bay Dispersed, "the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move. We switched to one of the spots in the woods right before the welcoming sign."
Variable site conditions: Site availability and quality change seasonally. "Tons of sites here and most are easily accessible with just about any car. Unfortunately it's quite popular and there's lots of trash in some areas," notes one camper about Search Bay Dispersed.
Multiple camping areas: Some dispersed sites have various sections with different characteristics. At USFS 3536 Dispersed Site, "there is a large concrete pad on the west side of the rocks" where campers can set up, rather than on the blocked airfield.
Carrier-specific cell coverage: Cell service varies by provider. At USFS 3536, visitors report "zero cell service with Verizon but ATT had good service, mostly. It would randomly drop now and then but it would come back."
Tips for camping with families
Timing for bug reduction: Schedule family trips strategically to minimize insect encounters. One camper at Search Bay Dispersed noted "in late April so with the chilly weather there isn't a soul in site," offering both solitude and fewer mosquitoes.
Consider vehicle limitations: Some access roads restrict family-sized vehicles. At Carp River Boat Launch, campers warn "the road is decent but has MANY deep potholes. So you need to watch for that!" especially when arriving after dark with children.
Day-use popularity: Some areas become busy during daytime hours but empty at night. At Search Bay Dispersed, "during the day several groups came to use the beach and to ride ATVs, but very quiet by late afternoon."
Water access evaluation: Beach areas vary significantly in quality and safety. "The bay is calm and beach nice" at Search Bay Dispersed, making it more suitable for families with children than rockier shorelines at other sites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions for access: Larger RVs face significant limitations on forest roads. At Castle Rock Ponds, a camper in a "26' Winnebago View" had no issues but notes many spots are better suited to smaller rigs.
Sand road considerations: Several access routes require careful navigation. The Mackinac Trail Spur Site requires travel "down a sand road but then turn left in a grassy area," which may present challenges after rain.
Concrete pad availability: Some sites offer improved parking surfaces. At USFS 3536, "there's a large concrete pad" that provides stable parking for rigs compared to softer surfaces elsewhere.
Weekend density patterns: RV camping pressure increases significantly on weekends. "A couple people were here with moderate sized RVs" at Castle Rock Ponds, but weekday visits offer much better site selection.
