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Dispersed Camping

Sawkaw Lake

Sawkaw Lake, near Bitely, MI, offers a dispersed camping experience surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Manistee National Forest and the North Country Trail, providing opportunities for hiking and exploration.

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Location

Sawkaw Lake is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.76294101 N
85.89773036 W

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Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • 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 Sawkaw Lake needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed May. 15, 2024

Peaceful

Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around. Might change by Friday.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by lori T., May 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by lori T., May 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by lori T., May 15, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2022

Little Half Moon Lake

Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite. Depending on the spot, there could be some people around, but most the most part, it was pretty tranquil. There are even some hike paths around the area.

SiteLittle Half Moon Lake Site
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by Jay D., June 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by Jay D., June 10, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2021

It's quite deep in the forest

Was planning on staying at Highbank Campground but it was closed. Thankfully had the Dyrt App to see this spot.

It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail.

Loved it!

SiteSite 7
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by Fiona , October 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by Fiona , October 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sawkaw Lake by Fiona , October 8, 2021
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Sawkaw Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sawkaw Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sawkaw Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.