Best Dispersed Camping near Stephenson, MI
Dispersed camping options in the Michigan-Wisconsin border region include Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road in Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest and several sites in Wisconsin's national forests. Peninsula Point offers two designated dispersed sites on the left side of the road heading toward the lighthouse, with Lake Superior views and 14-day stay limits. McCauslin Brook in Wisconsin features three primitive sites along a brook with picnic tables and fire rings. Additional options include Mountain Lakes Road, Sturgeon Bay Canal, and Pioneer Park dispersed sites.
Road conditions vary significantly between locations. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Road is a single-lane route with passing cutouts, while McCauslin Brook sites have entrances described as "washed out with large drops from the paved road." Many dispersed sites require careful navigation, especially in standard vehicles. Most areas permit campfires, though regulations may change seasonally. According to one visitor, "There are three sites, each with a table, fire pit, a toilet pit and right off the brooke" at McCauslin Brook, where camping costs $5 per night. Most other sites are free with primitive conditions and no amenities.
These camping areas provide access to natural features including Lake Superior, forest streams, and scenic landscapes. Peninsula Point campers mention exceptional views, with one noting "the sunset was incredible" from lakeside sites. The lighthouse area permits extended stays but competition for the limited sites can be high. Another camper shared that they "stayed for 6 nights and loved all of it" while experiencing "northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day." McCauslin Brook sites accommodate different camping styles, from tent-only areas to spaces large enough for small RVs. Some locations have environmental considerations, as noted at Sturgeon Bay Canal where campers mentioned potential tick presence in longer grass areas. Cell service is limited but varies by carrier and location.
