Several dispersed camping options exist near Trenary, Michigan, primarily concentrated around lakes in the surrounding national forest lands. These free dispersed campsites range from roadside pull-offs to remote lake settings, offering primitive conditions with no formal amenities or check-in process. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping offers accessible sites just off M-28, with minimal amenities but relatively good cell reception for Verizon users. Sites are limited—campers report only 2-3 established spots with rudimentary fire rings. These sites accommodate small trailers, though larger RVs may struggle with turnaround space.
Ironjaw Lake provides primitive camping between two lakes, though access requires navigating forest roads that may be obstructed by fallen trees, especially in early season. Reviews indicate this area is best suited for self-contained camping with no amenities beyond basic toilet facilities. Herman Lake Dispersed sites require traversing "deeply rutted and muddy one lane roads" for 1.5-2 miles, making access challenging for trailers or larger vehicles. Other options include dispersed campsites near Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead and along Coalwood Trail, though campers warn about substantial mosquito populations, particularly near standing water. Most sites enforce the standard 14-day camping limit, with many areas entirely self-service with no formal check-in process.
"Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin."
"We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous."
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
"Could only find two pull off spots which are both relatively small, and only one has a fire pit in good condition so you’d need to build back up the other a bit."
"Unfortunately my rear wheel drive tundra did not make it very far. That said, I walked the remaining 100 feet to the site, right on Lake Superior."
"Port-a-potties were in need of emptying, but the beach area is easy to walk down to, there are beautiful trees, and it is so quiet at night!"
"This area is gorgeous, it's surrounded by lake superior, and there is a really neat old lighthouse with pit toilets at the end of the road.."
"Lots of tree cover to protect from winds and plenty of firewood. Well worth it"
from $8 - $16 / night
TravelerThis spot is beautiful for someone with a 4x4. Unfortunately my rear wheel drive tundra did not make it very far. That said, I walked the remaining 100 feet to the site, right on Lake Superior. There are local walkers, I encountered about 5 - 8 teams walking the beaches.
TravelerSuper easy to get to. 1.7 miles of a well maintained gravel road and the last .5 is more dirt but still well maintained.
GuideGreat area, down a gravel road. Camp spots are identified with fire rings, and lots of space between. Port-a-potties were in need of emptying, but the beach area is easy to walk down to, there are beautiful trees, and it is so quiet at night!
LegendOnly 2 real sites and parking lot where overnight stays might be thwarted by rangers. Both sites can accommodate smaller rigs, but were occupied by van campers. Lighthouse was cool...and cold with the wind.
LegendOnly 2 sites, and they need to be reserved, according to the ass who told me. Both occupied by people with pets, which I don't mind but is supposedly not allowed. 2 stars for the view.
LegendWent all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away. Thought the skeeters were insane, but this time of year, it's to be expected.
TravelerFirst time doing this at a free campsite. Huge site easy access right off small road. 5-6 cars drove down to see lighthouse and back and a few walkers as well. Will be back.
ScoutCamped during a snowstorm at the end of Decembers. Lots of tree cover to protect from winds and plenty of firewood. Well worth it
ScoutLong nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle. Is first come first serve but if you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp. We stayed in our car just in case. NOTE! the camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint
Dispersed camping opportunities near Trenary, Michigan extend beyond the immediate lake areas into the broader Hiawatha National Forest region. Most sites follow the standard USFS 14-day maximum stay policy during peak season (May-September). Winter access becomes limited as forest roads receive no maintenance during snow months, with temperatures regularly dropping below 20°F between December and March. Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region, creating communication dead zones.
Kayaking access points: At Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite, campers can utilize two different boat launches with room to park or camp nearby. "We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous," reports Willow M. The waterways provide excellent opportunities for paddlers with minimal motorized traffic.
Fishing opportunities: Local anglers frequent Mowe Lake for early season fishing as it tends to warm faster than larger bodies of water nearby. Target species include smallmouth bass and northern pike, particularly near fallen timber. Lake Superior shoreline fishing is accessible within a 25-minute drive northeast from Trenary.
Wildlife observation: The marsh areas surrounding Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping support diverse wildlife viewing. Kevin D. notes, "At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice." Spring and fall migrations offer prime bird watching opportunities.
Solitude and remoteness: Many primitive camping areas near Trenary provide excellent isolation. At Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, Tim notes, "There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days." The site's location just off major roads makes it accessible while maintaining a sense of wilderness.
Lake Superior proximity: Though not directly in Trenary, the nearby Lake Superior shoreline offers unique camping experiences within 30 minutes driving time. However, campers should verify regulations before setting up, as Nathan B. advises: "This place is tricky to find and I would suggest keeping a low profile. I didn't have problems but others have said locals don't like people camping here."
Multiple lake access: Several sites provide options for water activities on multiple bodies of water. "Great site located between two lakes," says Ben L. about Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite. This positioning allows visitors to choose conditions based on weather or recreational preferences.
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be difficult to navigate, especially for first-time visitors. "Your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem," advises Ben L. about finding Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite. Many sites lack formal addresses or signage.
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential, particularly in warmer months. "I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited," reports Amy Y. about Hickey Marsh. Brad W. similarly notes about Coalwood Trail - Dispersed Campsite: "Tons of mosquitos right next to a small danky pond." Bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Early season obstacles: Spring camping often requires extra preparation. Willow M. recounts: "We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves." Carry basic tools for clearing minor obstacles when visiting remote sites in April-May.
Proximity to amenities: For family camping, consider sites closer to main roads. "About 10min from Munising," notes Bryce B. about Hickey Marsh, making it convenient for supply runs or emergency exits if weather turns unfavorable.
Safer water access: Herman Lake Dispersed offers kayaking opportunities in more protected waters compared to Lake Superior. "We were able to kayak and it was beautiful and very private," says suzanne C., though she cautions about the access road conditions.
Backup options: Always have secondary camping locations identified. "We only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one," reports Tim about Hickey Marsh, indicating limited availability during peak times.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face significant limitations at most Trenary dispersed sites. "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger," advises Naomi L. about Hickey Marsh. Most forest roads cannot accommodate vehicles over 25 feet in length.
Road condition assessment: Herman Lake Dispersed presents particular challenges for towed vehicles. "We went down a very deeply rutted and muddy one lane road in for about 1.5-2 miles. We have a 21 ft travel trailer. Although we stayed one night and made it to and from unscathed, we do not recommend towing down this road," cautions suzanne C.
Weather contingencies: Rain can rapidly deteriorate forest road conditions. "Rain was expected the following day so we only chanced it for one night afraid a tree would block the road and the mud would get worse," notes suzanne C., highlighting the importance of monitoring weather forecasts when camping with RVs in primitive locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Trenary, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Trenary, MI is Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Trenary, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Trenary, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
