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Water

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Search Bay Dispersed

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Location

Search Bay Dispersed is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.99355121693662 N
84.51579533948188 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • 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 Search Bay Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2024

Great little spot

Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Rachel S., September 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Rachel S., September 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Rachel S., September 28, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2024

Stunning

Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!

Siteshoreline
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Jaclyn G., August 15, 2024
  • just… yes
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  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Jaclyn G., August 15, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2024

Your Amenities are Fresh air, Nature, beauty and peace.

I rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description. 

I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful.

I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug. 

There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.

Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.

SiteSaw no markings, but the 5th site from the end of the road.
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Robert M., August 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Robert M., August 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Search Bay Dispersed by Robert M., August 10, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 22, 2024

Search Bay

Beautiful camp spots right on the lake. I have a 20 foot sprinter. I wouldn’t bring anything much bigger than that in here couldn’t make it to the last two camp spots tree overhang smaller vehicle could’ve made it through again beautiful spot. I’m gonna be here a few days.

Site5th one down
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2023

Perfect Dispersed Camping

Really cool dispersed camping area along the water. There are lots of sites right on the water shore, which we sadly could not make it to. These would be good for tents, or maybe vans/ truck campers. Scope out the road and proceed as you feel comfortable. 

The trees are really overgrown and low hanging, and there were lots of pot holes and mud holes when we were there. Definitely no place for our 26ft class c. There are two sites before you reach the river shore road, maybe three if you want to squeeze into a littler spot, and those are nice and big for RVs, and clear and open for solar panels, but were taken when we went. So we went a mile back up the road to a little pullout along a lake that looked like it was cleared out a bit and stayed there for two wonderful relaxing peaceful nights. 

Some road traffic from people going to the bay, but the road condition is such that everyone was going really slowly, so that was nice. Road going in was doable, but you’d definitely need to take it slow because of all the potholes and dips. We did have cell service, though it wasn’t the greatest (Verizon & ATT). 

Nice peaceful area to hang out right at the water. Bugs weren’t too bad, mostly bumble bees going about their business. Biting flies did bite through my socks though.

Month of VisitAugust
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Search Bay Dispersed?

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

  • Does Search Bay Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Search Bay Dispersed does not have wifi.