Best Dispersed Camping near Vanderbilt, MI

Dispersed camping near Vanderbilt, Michigan includes several primitive options on state forest land. The Pigeon River State Forest provides designated dispersed camping areas with minimal facilities. Additional options include De Cheau Lake Camping, which requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, and Sand Lakes Quiet Area, which offers backcountry sites accessible by short hikes from parking areas. The Goose Creek Trail Camp, though more structured with designated sites, still maintains a primitive camping experience with limited amenities.

Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Most dispersed areas have unpaved access roads that may become difficult during wet weather. De Cheau Lake sites can accommodate larger vehicles but the majority of locations are best suited for standard clearance vehicles or high-clearance vehicles depending on recent weather. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period across most state forest dispersed sites. Permits are required at several locations including De Cheau Lake and Goose Creek. Most sites allow campfires when no burn bans are in effect, though Pigeon River State Forest prohibits fires.

The dispersed camping experience near Vanderbilt provides isolation and natural beauty uncommon in more developed areas. Sites near water bodies, such as De Cheau Lake and Sand Lakes, offer fishing opportunities in relatively undisturbed settings. Many campers appreciate the relative seclusion, with one visitor noting that De Cheau Lake "feels more remote than it really is" with "lots of room for multiple vehicles/sites." Sand Lakes Quiet Area receives consistent praise for its fishing and serenity, with a camper mentioning "amazing fishing and spacious campsites far away from everybody." Navigation can be challenging, particularly at Sand Lakes where several reviews mention difficulty finding specific sites without clear directions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Vanderbilt, Michigan (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Vanderbilt, MI

22 Photos of 5 Vanderbilt Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Vanderbilt, MI

11 Reviews of 5 Vanderbilt Campgrounds


  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2025

    De Cheau Lake Camping

    Excellent Site

    Feels more remote than it really is. Lots of room for multiple vehicles/sites. Very near a handful of private residences. Can hear the state route from the site but it was low volume traffic. Didn't see anyone else during the stay.

    Beautiful lake, blessed by the Elk bugles nearby.

    Posted on Southern entrance: Michigan Rec Passport Required

  • Alyssa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Best backcountry camping in Grand Traverse area

    We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it. We pitched our tent, stoked the fire, and didn't see another soul during our entire time there. We had our car parked right up next to our site. We explored a bit walking around on the foot traffic trails, which is beautifully wooded and shaded. Didn't explore too much more of the area, but hopefully more reviews will tell of others' experiences here in this beautiful area. It's all backcountry, but it was perfect for the evening-- complete removal from the city!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2021

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Directions were unclear

    After driving to the coordinates listed, had a difficult time finding the actual spot, ended up leaving to find a different camp ground.

  • Rachael T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Beautiful but difficult to find!

    We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off and that got us closer. You park in this small lot with a yellow gate that is in-front of the trail and then walk down for about 10 min until you see a smaller trail to left follow that down and you will see the campsites!

  • Angelia R.
    Jul. 19, 2020

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Hidden Gem

    Though this area is usually busy, there is plenty of trail to explore here. We found a quaint opening with gorgeous water where the colors complimented each other. A beautiful spot for a quick lunch and as long as no one is across the way, good for a nice dip. Set up a tent and camp at one of the rustic campsites. There are options to drive in and camp. Campsites can be pretty buggy so bring your screens, hats and spray! Awesome backcountry camping spot in a populated area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2023

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Amazing area

    Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody. Fires were allowed ample firewood available for processing multiple lakes great hiking. 

    Literally , some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast.

    Beautiful nature area I loved hiking in and hiking around the various lakes seeing what the area had to offer. One of the best times I’ve ever had camping. Great company also helps. 

  • Katana H.
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Slightly Confusing

    We arrived somewhat late on the first night and had a hard time finding a proper area to camp. We eventually popped up a small tent near a hiking trail to avoid getting lost. After some driving around the next morning, we managed to find a quiet spot near the river which was quite relaxing! Hiking around it was clear there were a LOT of tics though so we avoided the trails. I didn’t find many clear areas with safe water to swim in which was disappointing but I will definitely be going back!


Guide to Vanderbilt

Dispersed camping near Vanderbilt, Michigan offers primitive experiences within the dense hardwood forests of northern Michigan. This region sits in the heart of the northern Lower Peninsula, with elevations ranging from 900-1200 feet and a climate characterized by significant seasonal variation. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer days typically reach the 70s, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season for most visitors.

What to do

Horseback riding trails: Goose Creek Trail Camp provides excellent access to equestrian paths with specialized amenities. "I camp here with my horse - there are plenty of trails and there is river access with big stairs leading down to the nice footed river - it was my young horses first time being in the water and the stairs made it easier for him," notes Brianna K.

Lake fishing: Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers multiple fishing opportunities across several small lakes. Dan K. reports, "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast."

Wildlife observation: The forest areas near De Cheau Lake Camping provide opportunities to see and hear native wildlife. One camper describes being "blessed by the Elk bugles nearby" during their stay, adding a memorable dimension to the camping experience.

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites offers lakeside camping spots that provide privacy. Roger V. confirms they're "great spots near lakeside" and notes it's "quiet, hardly saw anyone."

Clear waters: Several lakes in the region feature exceptional water clarity. At Sand Lakes, campers mention "the lake is beautiful clear water and a lot of fish" and another describes finding "a quaint opening with gorgeous water where the colors complimented each other."

Rustic camping experience: Goose Creek Trail Camp maintains a traditional rustic camping environment. Lydia T. describes it as a "Rustic state forest campground located near trails. Each site has its own fire pit and picnic table."

What you should know

Navigation challenges: Finding specific sites can be difficult in this region, particularly at Sand Lakes. One camper notes, "We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off."

Permit requirements: Most state forest campsites require permits or recreation passports. At De Cheau Lake Camping, campers should know that "Michigan Rec Passport Required" as posted on the southern entrance.

Walking distances: Some sites require short hikes from parking areas. At Sand Lakes, "From the trail head/parking it's about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping," according to Maddy T., who also mentions "I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears."

Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent in wooded camping areas. One camper warns that "Campsites can be pretty buggy so bring your screens, hats and spray!" when discussing the Sand Lakes area.

Tips for camping with families

Choose drive-up sites: Some areas offer both walk-in and drive-in options, making planning easier with children. At Sand Lakes, one family notes, "We had our car parked right up next to our site. We explored a bit walking around on the foot traffic trails, which is beautifully wooded and shaded."

Consider noise levels: Campsite atmosphere varies widely. One camper at Sand Lakes mentioned "Too many people and yelling kids but breath taking for sure," suggesting families should consider timing their visits during less busy periods.

Check for ticks: Parents should be vigilant about tick checks after hiking. Katana H. warns, "Hiking around it was clear there were a LOT of tics though so we avoided the trails."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Cut River Dispersed Campsite accommodates larger vehicles and offers some hookup options including fifty-amp electrical connections, making it suitable for RVers requiring some amenities while still enjoying a rustic setting.

Multiple vehicle considerations: De Cheau Lake receives positive mentions for its spaciousness. One RVer notes there's "Lots of room for multiple vehicles/sites," making it suitable for those traveling with trailers or multiple vehicles.

Road conditions: Access roads to most rustic camping near Vanderbilt become challenging after rain. RVers should call ahead or check recent reviews for current road status before attempting access with larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Vanderbilt, Michigan?

The Vanderbilt area offers several dispersed camping options in Northern Michigan's beautiful wilderness. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites provides serene, secluded spots with walk-in access. After parking in a small lot with a yellow gate, you'll hike about 10 minutes to reach campsites near pristine lakes with excellent fishing opportunities. Another option is De Cheau Lake Camping, which offers more vehicle-accessible sites while maintaining a remote feel. This area features beautiful lake views and you might even hear elk bugling nearby. Both locations require proper dispersed camping etiquette and potentially permits, so check current regulations before your trip.

Are there any free camping spots near Vanderbilt?

Goose Creek Trail Camp offers free, rustic camping near Vanderbilt. This state forest campground provides basic amenities with each site featuring its own fire pit and picnic table. It's particularly well-suited for equestrians, with river access via stairs that lead down to a nice footed river. For those seeking more primitive options, Cut River Dispersed Campsite provides free camping with drive-in access and is big-rig friendly. While Michigan's state forests generally allow dispersed camping at no cost, always verify current regulations as permit requirements may change seasonally.

What are the rules for dispersed camping in Pigeon River Country near Vanderbilt?

Pigeon River State Forest dispersed camping follows specific regulations to preserve this unique wilderness area. Campers must set up at least one mile from established campgrounds and 100 feet from any water source, trail, or road. Stays are limited to 15 consecutive days. Campfires are permitted but must be properly contained and fully extinguished. Pack out all trash as there are no services. Hunting and fishing require appropriate Michigan licenses. Vehicle access is restricted to designated roads only—no off-road travel. Given recent forest service cuts mentioned in reviews of nearby areas, always check for current permit requirements before your trip, as registration cards may be required but not always available on-site.