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Dispersed Camping

Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping, near the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, is a no-frills spot perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. This area is all about embracing nature, with plenty of room for both families and solo campers to find their ideal spot among the trees.

Visitors rave about the stunning scenery, with some great riverside camping options that make for a picturesque backdrop. The freedom to have campfires and the fact that it’s free are big draws for many. One happy camper shared, “Camp here every year! Perfect for big families or even solo camp!”

While the amenities are minimal—no drinking water, electric hookups, or toilets—this rustic experience is what many come for. It’s a chance to truly disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own supplies and be prepared for a bit of adventure, as some reviewers noted that the directions can be tricky.

If you’re up for exploring, the surrounding area offers trails and access to the lake, making it a great spot for those who enjoy hiking or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash facilities. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent or park your van, Sand Road provides a laid-back atmosphere for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.476464742994274 N
86.23157187813027 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Meinert County Park

Meinert County Park

14 min away

Benton Lake Campground

Benton Lake Campground

44 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping needs a permit.


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Reviews

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out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2025

Wrong Location

The coordinates lead you to a state that park if it is off sand road or Russell road it’s 30 minutes out for where coordinates are. Struggled to find any primitive camping anywhere nearby.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 26, 2025

If you can get there, fantastic

This spot is wonderful, but boy howdy does it live up to its name. If you do not have AWD and good ground clearance, don’t even try to get there.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 24, 2025

Great Campsite, but couldn’t stay overnight.

Arrived to the campsite around 5pm, everything was fantastic. Fire pit, and large open, wooded area all to ourselves. We loved it. However, once we got a fire lit, and the sunlight started to leave for the night we heard a pack of coyotes nearby. Deciding to press on, we shrugged it off hoping this was just a one off. 3 hours later, we hear them again. Only, this time we could tell they were even closer. We decided to head to the car and reevaluate our plan, but decided to stay a little longer before calling it quits. Not 30 mins later, the coyotes were back again, but even closer. They were less than 100 yards away from us, and we had no choice but to stay in our tent, and wait for them to pass while holding our protection in hand. We decided it was time to pack up and leave this time.

Please be aware, when camping here you may be in coyote territory, and they don’t seem to like it. So, maybe not a great spot for kids, or smaller pets.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 13, 2025

Great area to explore

Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped. Very good area for those interested in back country camping and primitive camping, lots of forest to explore. There are also quite a few drive in sites as well for car camping. There was running water in a creek south of Sand Road.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping by Degen G., May 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping by Degen G., May 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping by Degen G., May 13, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2024

Site 2

Beautiful scenery

Sitesite 2
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2023

Perfect

Camp here every year! Perfect for big families or even solo camp! Spots big and small plenty to choose from and even some great riverside camping!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping by Ashley H., February 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping by Ashley H., February 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping by Ashley H., February 14, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2021

Nice spot for van camping

The directions take you to a parking lot. There looks like there are trails off of the parking lot. No signs that say no overnight parking. I'm in a van and this worked great for me. Quiet area and right off the lake.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2020

Rustic camping

Free rusty camping. You can get RVs in there but will need 4x4. Hits the name. Sand Rd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping?

Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping offers truly basic, primitive camping experiences with minimal facilities. There are established fire pits at some sites, but no developed amenities like bathrooms, running water, or trash services. The camping area features large, open wooded spaces that can accommodate both small and large camping groups. Some campsites are situated along the riverside, offering scenic spots for setting up camp. Be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste, as this is a true rustic camping experience.

How do I access Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping and what are the road conditions?

Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping truly lives up to its name with sandy road conditions that can be challenging. You'll need four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles with good ground clearance to access most camping spots. Some GPS coordinates may lead to a parking lot area where trails branch off, while others might direct you to private property areas that should be avoided. There are drive-in spots available, but be prepared for difficult terrain. The campground's access points can be confusing, so it's advisable to arrive during daylight hours to find suitable camping locations.

What nearby attractions can I visit while camping at Sand Road in Rothbury?

While camping at Sand Road in Rothbury, you can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, including riverside areas and expansive forests perfect for exploration and hiking. The campground is located near a lake, offering opportunities for fishing and water activities. The area is ideal for those who appreciate backcountry camping with scenic views and natural landscapes. For those willing to venture further, the greater Rothbury area provides additional outdoor recreation options. Be aware that wildlife is active in the area, including coyotes that have been heard at night, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.

Are permits required for Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping in Michigan?

Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping appears to be a free camping area that doesn't require specific camping permits. However, some portions of the area may be on state park land or near private property, which could have different regulations. There are no clear signage or official check-in procedures mentioned. For the most current information about permits or regulations, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or the local ranger station before your trip. Always practice Leave No Trace principles regardless of permit requirements, and be respectful of any posted private property boundaries.