Dispersed camping near Watersmeet, Michigan offers solitude amid dense forest terrain in the Upper Peninsula. The surrounding Ottawa National Forest encompasses over 990,000 acres with elevations ranging from 1,140 to 1,900 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop below 0°F with snow accumulation often exceeding 200 inches annually, requiring advanced preparation for cold-weather camping.
What to do
Loon watching opportunities: Wolf Lake Campsite hosts resident loons that share the small lake with campers. One visitor noted, "The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach." The parking area accommodates small trailers.
Hiking access: Forest Roads provide entry points to multiple trail systems. At FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail, campers can access hiking trails directly from their site. According to one winter camper: "There is hiking trail access from campsite, but no water access to butternut lake or it would have been 5 star."
Swimming at sandy beaches: Several lakes feature natural sand bottoms ideal for swimming. The remote Woodbury Lake Campsite has "a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling" according to a recent visitor. Access requires navigating forest roads approximately 8 miles from paved highways.
What campers like
Motorless lakes: Many small lakes prohibit motorized watercraft, creating quiet fishing environments. At Harriet Lake Campsite, campers appreciate the tranquility: "On small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake."
Easy road access: While most sites require travel on unpaved roads, some camping areas can be reached via paved routes. At Indian Lake, "The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It's intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area."
Extended stays permitted: Forest Service regulations allow longer camping periods than most developed campgrounds. At Robinson Lake, campers note the flexibility: "No fee for camping can stay 14 days."
What you should know
Vehicle size limitations: Most sites accommodate only small RVs or campers. Bose Lake has "Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot" with road conditions that may challenge larger vehicles: "Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
Limited amenities: Sites typically offer only basic facilities. At Wolf Lake Campsite, visitors found "fire ring and picnic table, wilderness toilet" but no other services. Campers must bring all water, supplies, and waste disposal containers.
Seasonal road conditions: Summer brings dust while spring melt creates mud. One FR 2140 camper warned, "I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic."
Tips for camping with families
Lake size considerations: Smaller lakes with minimal boat traffic provide safer swimming areas for children. Indian Lake offers a compact shoreline that's easier to monitor, while at Woodbury Lake, there's "space for a trailer" near the swimming area for convenient supervision.
Site accessibility: Some locations require minimal walking from parking to lakefront. At McKinley Lake Dispersed, one camper noted it's "A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake," making it manageable for families with young children or gear.
Private swimming areas: Sites with individual beach access reduce concerns about crowding. Wolf Lake features additional waterfront spots: "Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water," allowing families to spread out.
Tips from RVers
Parking surface details: Most sites have uneven, natural surfaces requiring leveling blocks. At Woodbury Lake, RVers noted "can fit trailer in parking area" but recommend bringing leveling equipment as the ground is rarely graded.
Winter RV access: Some areas remain accessible during winter months with proper equipment. A winter camper at FR 2140 reported successful cold-weather camping but limited cell service: "Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant."
Site spacing: RVers appreciate distance between camping areas. At Three Johns Lake Dispersed, the site is noted as the "only one on lake," providing complete privacy, though it's marked as "Tents only. Short walk to campsite" with a "$5 dollar parking national Forest" fee.
