Dispersed camping near Stephenson, Michigan offers primitive outdoor experiences throughout the Michigan-Wisconsin border region. These basic sites typically lack amenities but provide access to natural surroundings with minimal development. Primitive sites in this area range from established spots with minimal facilities to completely undeveloped locations where visitors create their own campsites according to forest regulations.
What to do
Brook fishing access: McCaslin Brook sites provide direct water access. According to a camper, "The McCauslin Brook runs through Townsend and Lakewood. There are a total of 3 sites in this location and all are on the Brook."
Visit historical sites: The Peninsula Point area includes a historic lighthouse. One visitor mentioned, "This one was very cool. We had a great time. The 'camp' spots are about 1 mile before the lighthouse and outhouse bathrooms."
Stargazing opportunities: Several sites offer exceptional night sky viewing. At Peninsula Point, a camper reported, "Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day."
Wildlife observation: Peninsula Point provides seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities, with one visitor noting they "Would love to be there for the monarch migration."
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Sites along bodies of water receive positive reviews. At McCaslin Brook, campers appreciate that "There are three sites each with a table, fire pit, a toilet pit and right off the brooke."
Privacy levels: The more secluded sites tend to receive higher ratings. One camper at McCaslin Brook noted, "The third site is a deep, large site away from the road facing west," choosing it because "No one else was here."
Natural setting: Primitive conditions appeal to those seeking nature immersion. A Peninsula Point visitor explained, "It was very nice to have open space. We were the only ones who were there so we have the whole area to ourselves."
Cost efficiency: Most dispersed sites are free or low-cost. At McCaslin Brook, "The cost is $5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach," according to one review.
What you should know
Site availability limitations: Many dispersed areas have few established sites. At Peninsula Point, one camper warned about "taking your chances on an open spot" and another mentioned meeting a ranger who informed them "there are only 2 dispersed campsites available here."
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for certain vehicles. A McCaslin Brook reviewer noted, "Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road."
Regulatory changes: Camping rules can change without notice. At Sturgeon Bay Canal, a recent visitor warned, "There are signs everywhere not to camp/overnight park. Cool little park by the canal, no people, but I wouldn't plan on staying overnight."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs by location and carrier. At Sturgeon Bay Canal, one camper reported "Good WiFi," while at McCaslin Brook another noted, "There was no AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Choose sites with appropriate space and facilities. At McCaslin Brook, "There are three pull-in areas, with picnic tables and fire rings just off the road. Two may be large enough to handle more than 1 small rig/tent/popup."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for insects depending on season and location. One camper at Sturgeon Bay Canal mentioned, "a couple told us that the longer grass near the gravel lot had a lot of ticks but would still be camp-able. Neither my friend or I got any ticks but we did spray pretty heavily."
Safety factors: Some sites offer better security than others. Two female campers at Sturgeon Bay Canal reported, "We stayed here the night of the Fourth of July and it was pretty quiet... Overall really nice, the stars were beautiful. We're both young females so as far as safety for us it was good!"
Noise considerations: Proximity to roads affects the camping experience. At Pioneer Park, a visitor warned it's "Buggy and Noisy. You're right next to the highway and the area is covered in mosquitos."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Site dimensions limit which vehicles can be accommodated. A camper at McCaslin Brook advised, "Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max. One site I would say is tent only very tight."
Solar considerations: Tree cover affects power options. One RVer at McCaslin Brook explained, "We ultimately decided not to stay here simply because it was so shaded. While that made it nice and cool, it made solar & Starlink impossible."
Specialized camping: Some sites cater to particular recreational vehicles. At Mountain Lakes Road, "Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Pick nik table and fire ring. Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy."
