Top Free Dispersed Camping near St. Ignace, MI

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Best Dispersed Sites Near St. Ignace, MI (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    2. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    52 Saves

    Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. The following restrictions apply:

    Your stay is limited to 16 days. After this period, your camping equipment and all persons must move to another site at least one mile away, for an additional stay, not to exceed 16 days. Do not block any roads or restrict access to National Forest lands by others. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles (See https://lnt.org/why/7-principles) so that public lands will remain clean and attractive for others to enjoy. Camping in areas posted closed is prohibited. Camping within fifty (50) feet of a body of water is prohibited, unless otherwise posted. (Exceptions include Grand Island National Recreation Area (100 feet from water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation residences or recreation developments) and Big Island Lake Wilderness (200 feet from water). Do not camp at boat launches. On lakes with designated or reservable campsites, you may not set up your campsite within 400 feet of the shoreline anywhere on the lake. Note that camping reservations are required for these lakes: Bass Lake, Bear Lake, Camp Cook, Carr Lake, Chicago Lake, Cookson Lake, Council Lake, Crooked Lake, East Lake, Ewing Point, Gooseneck Lake, lronjaw Lake, Jackpine Lake, Lake Nineteen, Leg Lake, Lyman Lake, McKeever Cabin, Minerva Lake, Mowe Lake, Steuben Lake, Swan Lake, Toms Lake Cabin, and Triangle Lake.

    Group size can impact the land. Travel and camp in small groups. Place tents in cleared tent spaces if one is available. If not, find an opening at least 200 feet from water and trails, where understory vegetation or timber will not need to be cut or removed. Please stay at least ¼ mile away from developed campgrounds.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      • No image available

        4. Pigeon River State Forest dispersed camping

        Be the first to review!
        10 Saves

        You may camp for no fee anywhere on state forest land as long as: The area is not posted “No Camping.” You are at least a mile from a designated state forest campground. You are at least 600 ft from the posted sinkhole lakes in the PRC.

        • Tents
        • Dispersed

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In St. Ignace

      7 Reviews of 4 St. Ignace Campgrounds


      • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
        Sep. 28, 2024

        Search Bay Dispersed

        Great little spot

        Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
        Aug. 15, 2024

        Search Bay Dispersed

        Stunning

        Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!

      • Robert M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
        Aug. 10, 2024

        Search Bay Dispersed

        Your Amenities are Fresh air, Nature, beauty and peace.

        I rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description. 

        I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful.

        I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug. 

        There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.

        Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
        May. 22, 2024

        Search Bay Dispersed

        Search Bay

        Beautiful camp spots right on the lake. I have a 20 foot sprinter. I wouldn’t bring anything much bigger than that in here couldn’t make it to the last two camp spots tree overhang smaller vehicle could’ve made it through again beautiful spot. I’m gonna be here a few days.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
        Oct. 7, 2023

        USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

        OK for a night

        We were a little confused here, as we thought the camping spots were the concrete pads leading up to the old airfield. But there are big rocks blocking the way from Rd 3536 to the airfield, so I don’t know if that’s a recent addition or what. There’s a large concrete pad on the west side of the rocks, and when we got there there was a nice looking (not sketchy) travel trailer set up for long term camping. Lots of trucks parked everywhere with trailers; they had hauled their ATVs in and were out riding for the day. They came back on their ATVs in the late afternoon, hung out for a few hours, then left (except for the trailer). All surprisingly quiet and respectful. 

        Zero cell service with Verizon but ATT had good service, mostly. It would randomly drop now and then but it would come back. We found a good spot to tuck into for the night, while staying out of the way of all the trucks parked everywhere. Very quiet and serene.

        This is dispersed camping so of course no amenities whatsoever. Please handle your waste appropriately and let's keep this area clean.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
        Oct. 7, 2023

        Search Bay Dispersed

        Perfect Dispersed Camping

        Really cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers. Scope out the road and proceed as you feel comfortable. 

        The trees are really overgrown and low hanging, and there were lots of pot holes and mud holes when we were there. Definitely no place for our 26ft class c. There are two sites before you reach the river shore road, maybe three if you want to squeeze into a littler spot, and those are nice and big for RVs, and clear and open for solar panels, but were taken when we went. So we went a mile back up the road to a little pullout along a lake that looked like it was cleared out a bit and stayed there for two wonderful relaxing peaceful nights. 

        Some road traffic from people going to the bay, but the road condition is such that everyone was going really slowly, so that was nice. Road going in was doable, but you’d definitely need to take it slow because of all the potholes and dips. We did have cell service, though it wasn’t the greatest (Verizon & ATT). 

        Nice peaceful area to hang out right at the water. Bugs weren’t too bad, mostly bumble bees going about their business. Biting flies did bite through my socks though.

      • Victoria K.
        Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
        Aug. 22, 2022

        USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

        ORV trails

        These are sandy trails that lead nowhere in particular and I guess you camp on the side in the trees..you can't get down there with a regular vehicle without the possibilty of getting stuck in sand traps. I would say you should have 4 wheel drive and a tent.



      Guide to St. Ignace

      Camping near St. Ignace, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Straits State Park Campground, have great access to beaches. One reviewer mentioned, "Great views of the mighty Mackinaw bridge! Nice grass sites close to the water for tents!"
      • Visit Mackinac Island: Take a ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. A camper noted, "This KOA provides you information for Shepler’s Ferry," making it easy to plan your trip.
      • Hiking and nature walks: Campgrounds like Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park are close to hiking trails. One visitor shared, "This was a really nice spot with clean bathrooms and showers, quiet, and close to some nice hiking and scenery."

      What campers like:

      • Scenic views: Campers rave about the views at places like Wilderness State Park Camping. A reviewer said, "The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw city!"
      • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Straits State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom and shower facilities were nice and clean!"
      • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Burt Lake State Park Campground are great for families. A visitor noted, "Wonderful campground that is great for the family. Has a beautiful sand beach with a shallower swim area for younger kids."

      What you should know:

      • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Tahquamenon Falls State Park mentioned, "The campsites are so close to one another, with absolutely no privacy."
      • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Fisherman's Island State Park Campground has no showers or toilets, but one camper said, "You can't beat the location because it is absolutely gorgeous right on Lake Michigan."
      • Weather considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Brimley State Park Campground noted, "We were there mid-week so it wasn't too crowded either."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose a family-friendly campground: Look for places like Burt Lake State Park Campground that offer activities for kids. One parent shared, "The kids loved the beach and swimming in the clean Lake Superior water."
      • Plan for activities: Bring along games and outdoor toys. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "There are lots of activities for the kids and a shuttle to the ferry."
      • Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. A visitor at Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park noted, "We ended up going to Eddy's food truck... Food was alright, prices were fair for a food truck."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA said, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull-throughs."
      • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Brimley State Park Campground offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. One reviewer mentioned, "Bathhouses are new, in great shape."
      • Plan for noise: Some campgrounds can be near busy roads or factories. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground noted, "I barely noticed it after a while," but it's good to be aware.

      Camping around St. Ignace, Michigan, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the crowds and plan accordingly!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near St. Ignace, MI?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near St. Ignace, MI is Search Bay Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near St. Ignace, MI?

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