Best Dispersed Camping near Watersmeet, MI

Dispersed camping on public lands surrounds Watersmeet, Michigan, with multiple primitive sites located on nearby Wisconsin land in the Ottawa National Forest. Several lakeside options exist within a 30-minute drive, including Robinson Lake, Three Johns Lake, McKinley Lake, Bose Lake, Harriet Lake, Wolf Lake, and Woodbury Lake. Most sites feature fire rings with some including picnic tables. These rustic camping areas typically allow stays up to 14 days and accommodate both tent and small RV camping, though vehicle size restrictions apply at most locations.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many access routes consisting of narrow, unpaved forest roads that may become potholed or dusty during summer months. Several sites require short walks from parking areas to lakeside camping spots. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally. While many sites are free, some areas may require a $5 National Forest parking fee as noted at Three Johns Lake.

These secluded lakeside camping areas provide quiet fishing opportunities and access to hiking trails in the surrounding forest. Many sites offer direct water access with sandy shorelines for swimming. The remote setting creates opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing. Winter camping is possible in some locations but requires proper preparation. Cell service is limited throughout the area, with one reviewer noting: "Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant." Another camper described their lakeside experience as a "nice secluded spot" with "sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Watersmeet, Michigan (11)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Watersmeet, MI

8 Photos of 11 Watersmeet Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Watersmeet, MI

10 Reviews of 11 Watersmeet Campgrounds


  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Nice secluded spot

    Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Three Johns Lake Dispersed

    Walk in campsite

    Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Jan. 10, 2025

    FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail

    Nice Spot in National forest

    Winter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite,but no water access to butternut lake or it would have been 5 star. There is access down the road.Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant. Note I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Wolf Lake Campsite

    Wolf lake campsite

    Small campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table ,wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 4, 2024

    McKinley Lake Dispersed

    McKinley lake camp site

    A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Woodbury Lake Campsite

    Sweet spot on small lake

    This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Woodbury Lake Campsite

    Out of the way spot

    Nice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wolf Lake Campsite

    Beautiful small lake

    I love this campsite. The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach. The parking area is adequate, I’ve seen small trailers set up here. Many hiking trails are nearby.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Harriet Lake Campsite

    Harriet lake campsite

    On small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake


Guide to Watersmeet

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Watersmeet, Michigan?

The Watersmeet area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite features two sites on the lake with sand-bottom shoreline, picnic tables, and fire rings at no cost (14-day stay limit). Woodbury Lake Campsite provides a remote experience with a sandy beach perfect for swimming and paddling, plus trailer parking. Other notable options include Indian Lake, Harriet Lake, Wolf Lake, and Three Johns Lake dispersed sites. Most locations provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with several offering direct lake access for fishing and water activities.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet?

Dispersed camping in Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet generally follows a 14-day stay limit. Some sites like Three Johns Lake Dispersed require a $5 national forest parking fee. Most dispersed sites have restrictions based on vehicle size and camping style—for example, Three Johns is tent-only with a short walk to the site. Bose Lake Campsite can accommodate small campers under 15 feet but has a narrow, potholed access road. Always use existing fire rings, pack out all trash, and respect quiet hours. Many sites have wilderness toilets, but come prepared with your own sanitation supplies and water treatment options.

Is dispersed camping in Watersmeet available year-round?

Yes, dispersed camping is available year-round in the Watersmeet area, though conditions vary dramatically by season. FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail has been used for winter camping and provides amenities like a picnic table, fire ring, and wilderness toilet even in cold months. Wolf Lake Campsite is accessible from a paved road, making it more feasible during shoulder seasons. Summer and fall are ideal for most sites, offering the best access and weather conditions. Winter camping requires significant preparation for cold temperatures, potential snow-blocked access roads, and limited services. Always check current forest conditions before winter trips.