Best Dispersed Camping near Wetmore, MI

Dispersed camping dominates the landscape around Wetmore, Michigan, with numerous rustic sites scattered throughout the surrounding national forest lands. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping offers one of the highest-rated experiences, providing primitive sites accessible via drive-in routes that accommodate tents, RVs, and even cabins in some locations. Lake Superior Beachfront sites on US Forest Land provide tent camping with beach access, though recent reviews indicate changing regulations with some areas now posted as day-use only. Other notable options include Coalwood Trail, Herman Lake, and Ironjaw Lake dispersed sites, all offering varying levels of seclusion and natural settings within 30 miles of Wetmore.

Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many dispersed sites in the region. Herman Lake requires navigating "deeply rutted and muddy one-lane roads" according to camper Suzanne C., who noted her 21-foot travel trailer made it "unscathed" but wouldn't recommend the route for most towable RVs. Cell service varies dramatically by location, with Hunter W. reporting "shockingly good" Verizon coverage at Hickey Marsh while Adams Trail Dirt Lot has "zero cell reception for Verizon or ATT" according to Laura M. GPS coordinates sometimes prove unreliable, making navigation difficult in remote areas where service disappears. Several sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when forest roads deteriorate quickly.

Mosquitoes represent a common complaint across multiple camping areas, particularly near wetlands and ponds. Brad W. described Coalwood Trail as having "tons of mosquitoes right next to a small danky pond." Privacy and solitude rate highly among positive reviews, with Tim noting at Hickey Marsh "only 1 car drive by in 2 days" and Naomi L. describing it as "quiet and remote." Vehicle size limitations affect most sites, with Hickey Marsh accommodating trailers up to 26 feet according to reviews, though Naomi L. cautioned "wouldn't go much bigger" than 15 feet. Seasonal considerations impact accessibility, with Willow M. reporting they "had to clear a bunch of down trees" during pre-season visits to Ironjaw Lake but enjoyed having "the site and the lakes to ourselves."