Looking for dispersed camping near Sault Ste. Marie? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Sault Ste. Marie's most popular destinations.
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.
Traveler
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 😍
Traveler
Absolutely gorgeous! Right on the lake, wouldn’t suggest driving all the way back just park and take all your stuff to your spot. There is a “no drive thru” sign ignore it and drive back the pathway you’ll find it 😍 two other campers there and they were lovely (they also found this place off the dyrt app). You truly can’t beat this place, we even seen the Northern lights
TravelerAbsolutely 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!
TravelerI 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.
ScoutWe spent about an hour exploring the surrounding roads for a better spot but it's all residential with some narrow and overgrown logging roads. Ended up coming back down to this spot which is just a little parking round-about. It's not private but no one drove by until morning and it's flat and spacious for bigger rigs.
ScoutEasy in and out. open area and trees on perimeter. Looks like its an ATV staging area. No starlink, no Cell service. Bring your bug spray!
TravelerBeautiful 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.
Legend
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.
LegendReally 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.
GuideGreat camping area. There is a sign that says “Closed To Thru Traffic”. Just keep driving. You will get there. Road is sandy and some parts pretty rutted so keep the vehicle moving. You are a 1 min walk to the beach area.
Some campers are pigs and leave their trash around so we had to tidy our site up a little.
Really is a beautiful place. We are here on the 20th of September 2023.
I think close to the camp we ran across some bear scat.
ScoutWe love this spot! It’s super secluded and right on the beach. We’ve had one other tent camper out with us. We are in a small travel trailer, 22’, and there was room for our rig. There are a few spots with packed sand that are easy to drive in, but the middle path is pretty deep loose sand. When we came, there were other cars parked in the spots big enough for a camper, so we had to wait until they left. With cars parked in the bigger spaces, it was difficult to get out of the way or get turned around so we were just kind of stuck waiting. Also the mosquitos were also thick when we went. Overall we loved the spot, just wrote a review to give a few heads up!
TravelerVery sandy, beautiful , remote and totally unbelievable. Such a hidden gem! Thanks Dyrt! Fantastic find!
ScoutThese 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sault Ste. Marie, MI is USFS 3536 Dispersed Site with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Sault Ste. Marie, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
