Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sault Ste. Marie, MI

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sault Ste. Marie, MI (5)

    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

    1. 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)
    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 Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    • No image available

      4. Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

      2 Reviews
      24 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • No image available

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Sault Ste. Marie

      13 Reviews of 5 Sault Ste. Marie 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 😍

      • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
        Sep. 26, 2024

        Lake Superior North Shore

        The best little spot you could imagine

        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

      • 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.

      • Tori R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wide Waters Dispersed Camping
        Aug. 2, 2024

        Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

        Parking pull off

        We 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.

      • Tony C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wide Waters Dispersed Camping
        Jul. 22, 2024

        Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

        Bondocking near Root bear falls

        Easy 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!

      • 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.

      • Clete B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
        Sep. 20, 2023

        Lake Superior North Shore

        Great secluded camping on Lake Superior

        Great 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.

      • Meredith S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
        Aug. 22, 2023

        Lake Superior North Shore

        Great Spot!

        We 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!

      • 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 Sault Ste. Marie

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

      What to do:

      What campers like:

      • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Straits State Park Campground said, "The bathroom and shower facilities were nice and clean!"
      • Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer beautiful views of lakes and forests. One camper at Wilderness State Park Camping mentioned, "The tent site we stayed at had a good view of the lake and passing ships."
      • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Brimley State Park Campground noted, "The camp host was very friendly and helpful."

      What you should know:

      • Crowded during peak season: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A visitor at Tahquamenon Falls State Park mentioned, "The campsite was packed with people."
      • Limited privacy: Some sites are close together, which might not suit everyone. A camper at Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park said, "The campsites are so close to one another, with absolutely no privacy."
      • Weather can change quickly: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially near the water. A camper at Straits State Park Campground warned, "If there is inclement weather, it will seem like you are in a hurricane due to the proximity to the water."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "Lots of activities for the kids and a shuttle to the ferry."
      • Plan for quiet hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which can be great for families. A camper at Brevoort Lake Campground noted, "Very quiet after 10pm, the quiet hours seemed very enforced."
      • Pack games and outdoor gear: Bring along games and outdoor equipment to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Wilderness State Park Camping suggested, "The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw city!"

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces, so check the site dimensions before booking. A reviewer at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull throughs."
      • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with amenities like laundry and dump stations. A camper at St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA appreciated the "laundry room!! Great play area for kids!"
      • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds may have bumpy access roads. A visitor at Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground noted, "The drive here is super fun if you have a 4WD and capable vehicle."

      Camping near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

      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.