Shoreline sites on Lake Huron, free of charge, and reachable only by navigating a potholed two-track through low-hanging cedar forest: that is the entry point for Search Bay Dispersed, a US Forest Service area within Hiawatha National Forest near Cedarville, Michigan. The road demands attention. Campers report mud holes, deep ruts, and overhanging branches that rule out anything much larger than an 18-foot Class B or a truck camper. A handful of larger, more open sites sit closer to the road's beginning and can accommodate small RVs; the waterfront sites at the end of the trail reward higher-clearance vehicles.
Once in, campers find multiple fire-pit sites overlooking the bay, with open sightlines across the water toward a cedar forest on the opposite shore. "Beautiful large dispersed camping area on the shores of lake Huron," notes Vidalia S., who counted only four or five overnight campers during her stay. Weekday arrivals tend to have the area largely to themselves; weekend day-use visitors, including ATV riders and beachgoers, show up during daylight hours but clear out by late afternoon. Camping directly on the beach is not permitted, though the overlook sites sit close enough to the water's edge to make the distinction minor.
Cell coverage runs to one to three bars on Verizon; AT&T users report a signal as well, though it is inconsistent. T-Mobile has not worked for at least one reviewer. Wind off the water blows steadily enough that several campers mention it keeps mosquitoes manageable, though one visitor in June encountered them in numbers. Scattered trash and occasional metal debris on the ground are worth watching for, particularly when driving in.
The campground is free, pets are allowed, and no reservation system exists. It draws paddlers, anglers, and campers who want direct water access without a fee. Those planning a longer trip to the eastern Upper Peninsula can compare campsites near Cedarville or look at nearby options like Hessel Marina Harbor House to the east or Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow to the west. Search Bay works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rough road access and no facilities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSearch Bay Dispersed is located in Michigan near Cedarville
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
45.99355121693662 N
84.51579533948188 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 9/7/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 9/7/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/15/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 9/7/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 9/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 27 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 53 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 55 min from Bay City, MI
- 3 hrs 5 min from Saginaw, MI
