The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping in Michigan

126 Reviews

Michigan's public lands offer extensive dispersed camping opportunities across national forests and wilderness areas. The Huron-Manistee National Forest provides numerous free camping options with both designated and undesignated sites along forest roads and trails. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness features popular dispersed camping along Green Road, with sites ranging from spacious clearings to roadside pull-offs. Along Lake Superior's North Shore, campers find remote beachfront sites accessible by gravel roads. The Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers backcountry tent camping with basic amenities like toilets, while the Manistee River Trail provides hike-in tent sites along its approximately 20-mile loop.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout Michigan's dispersed camping areas, with many requiring careful navigation. As one camper noted, "Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips." Four-wheel drive is recommended for accessing deeper forest sites, particularly after rain. Cell service is inconsistent across most areas, with Verizon coverage reported as "fair" in some locations and completely absent in others. Seasonal considerations include spring mud, summer insects, and winter accessibility. Many campers report black flies and mosquitoes as significant concerns, with one visitor advising: "Bring a bug hat and plenty of bug spray unfortunately it's a hotbed for black flies and skeeters."

Waterfront access represents a major draw for Michigan's dispersed camping. Sites along Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and the Manistee River receive consistently high ratings from visitors. Campers frequently mention the privacy afforded by well-spaced sites, particularly in the Nordhouse Dunes area where "campsites are large and spread out." Weekend crowding is common at popular locations, especially during summer months. Several reviews mention concerns about trash and improper fire practices at some sites, with multiple campers noting they spent time cleaning up after previous visitors. Winter camping opportunities exist at several locations, with one visitor reporting successful snow camping along Lake Superior's North Shore: "Road is covered with heavy snow, no issue with an AWD camper van."

Map showing campgrounds in MichiganExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites in Michigan (48)

    1. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    16 Reviews
    Free Soil, MI

    "First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace". "

    "This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem."

    2. Search Bay Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Cedarville, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-5800

    "The road to the sign is easy-peasy, but the USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move."

    "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."

    3. Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Skanee, MI

    "You camp on the sand first come first serve, loved it no facilities pure dispersed."

    "Easy gravel road access ,no clearance issues or 4wd needed."

    4. Lake Superior North Shore

    11 Reviews
    Paradise, MI

    "There’s a gravel drive for car camping and smaller rigs. If you’ve got 4WD you can manage to get through the sand to the other sites which are pretty much all on the lake."

    "Road is covered with heavy snow, no issue with an AWD camper van. Snow shoeing in the woods and alone the lake beach. Fantastic!"

    5. Huron-Manistee National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Brethren, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    $10 - $14 / night

    "The children all carried their own tents , sleeping bags, and food for 4 days. The River trail supplied us with our water needs for cooking and drinking, from the Manistee River."

    "this is a vast area in which there are many campground sites with some opportunities for dispersed camping. Use a GPS system or a program to ensure you are not in private property."

    6. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    Website

    "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

    7. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike."

    "Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."

    8. Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping

    8 Reviews
    Whitehall, MI

    "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."

    "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."

    9. Lake Perrault

    6 Reviews
    Toivola, MI

    "Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow."

    "Very nice n open for pulling in and doing dispersed camping, nice overview of the lake from the hill , quite too, fire pit made of rocks"

    10. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Wetmore, MI

    "This is a great spot, very private and easy to access. T-Mobile cell services was very good. I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited."

    "There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 48 campgrounds

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in Michigan

111 Photos of 48 Michigan Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Michigan

126 Reviews of 48 Michigan Campgrounds

Guide to Michigan

Michigan offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the tranquility of nature through dispersed camping. With its diverse landscapes and well-maintained sites, campers can enjoy a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Michigan

Activities for dispersed campers

  • At Search Bay Dispersed, campers can enjoy stunning views right on the shoreline, making it a great spot for fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, with numerous trails and beautiful river views to explore during your stay.
  • Lake Superior North Shore provides opportunities for beach camping and stunning sunsets, perfect for those who appreciate scenic coastal views.

Dispersed campers should check out these hidden gems

  • Lake Perrault offers a serene overlook of the lake, making it a great spot for peaceful reflection and enjoying nature's beauty.
  • Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping allows for beach camping with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, ideal for those who love to be near the water.
  • Government Landing Campground features beautiful rustic riverside sites, providing a tranquil setting for a memorable camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula?

Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers abundant dispersed camping options. Adams Trail Dirt Lot provides a large, flat parking area ideal for motorhomes up to 26ft and is conveniently located near Pictured Rocks. For waterfront camping, Lake Superior North Shore offers sites directly on the lake if you have 4WD to navigate the sand (be prepared for black flies and mosquitoes). The Hiawatha National Forest contains numerous dispersed sites, including forest roads with established fire rings. Ottawa National Forest in the western UP has similar opportunities. Most sites are first-come, first-served and typically allow 14-day stays. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles as facilities are minimal to non-existent.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Michigan state forests?

Michigan state forests allow dispersed camping with specific regulations: you must set up at least one mile from established campgrounds and 100 feet from any water source, trail, or road. A free Recreation Passport is required for vehicles. Camping is limited to 15 nights at a single location. Campsites must be at least 200 feet apart. For stays longer than 3 nights or groups of 8+ people/4+ tents, you need a free Camp Registration Card from the DNR. In places like Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping and Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite, you must use existing fire rings and pack out all trash. Motorized vehicles must stay on designated roads and trails. Hunting season (October-November) brings additional restrictions.

Is dispersed camping allowed along Lake Michigan shorelines?

Dispersed camping directly on Lake Michigan shorelines is generally restricted, with limited exceptions. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road offers dispersed camping in wooded areas a short drive from Lake Michigan beaches, making it a popular alternative. The Nordhouse Dunes area is known for hammock camping on the beach, though overnight stays directly on the shoreline are typically for day use only. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road provides camping near Lake Michigan waters. Most Lake Michigan shoreline is either privately owned or part of state parks requiring permits and designated sites. Always check current regulations with the managing agency before camping, as rules may change seasonally.

Are there any dispersed camping options in Michigan's Lower Peninsula?

Michigan's Lower Peninsula offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF features spacious, private sites accessible with both standard vehicles and high-clearance rigs, though some deeper roads require 4WD. The sites accommodate various camping styles from tent camping to trailers. Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping provides additional opportunities in the eastern Lower Peninsula. The Pigeon River Country State Forest in the northern Lower Peninsula has numerous rustic sites along forest roads. Most dispersed camping in this region follows the standard state forest rules: 15-night maximum stay, camping at least one mile from established campgrounds, and 100 feet from water, trails, and roads.

Keep Exploring