Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

Managed by the MIDNR Forest Resources Division within the sites around Newberry State Forest Area, Wide Waters Dispersed Camping sits on a sandy meadow outside Paradise, Michigan, where the open ground is broken up by clusters of trees along the perimeter. It is a drive-in dispersed area with no formal sites, though several established fire rings mark where campers have set up before. The road in is gravel and generally manageable, but the sandy surface inside the area itself can be a hazard for vehicles that venture off firmer ground.

Bugs are a recurring concern here, particularly in July and August, when reviewers report they can be bad enough to keep campers inside their vehicles. Labor Day weekend brought only two or three other groups to the site, so crowds are not typically a problem, though the area does see regular truck and ATV traffic during daylight hours. Cell coverage has been inconsistent across visits, with at least one reviewer finding no signal at all, so plan accordingly.

The site has some litter issues worth noting. Abandoned vehicles have been left for long-term storage, and dumped debris including a tractor tire and old springs has been spotted on the grounds. Vidalia S. notes it was "pretty clean" beyond those eyesores. Also worth knowing: signage suggests the road connects to Whitefish Point, but it does not go through. Nearby, Lower Falls - Tahquamenon Falls State Park provides a more developed alternative for campers who want hookups or reservable sites. Wide Waters works best for self-sufficient campers with big rigs or vans who need a flat, free overnight stop and can tolerate an unpolished setting.