Search Bay Sites | Established Campground

September 21st, 2023 by manni1kp

Great off the beaten path campsites directly off of Search Bay/Lake Huron waterfront. Roughly 4 large campsites (to the left of where the main forest road forks) spaced out far from each other offering ample privacy. Once the main forest service road forks left, the road does get pretty rough - recommend only trucks/suvs attempt passing through here. Would recommend to anyone looking for a more secluded camping experience directly off the water. There is a sandy beach you can walk to where the road forks as well.

September 3rd, 2023 by jas44811

Beautiful campsite along the waterfront. No issues getting to the spot. Directions above from prior posts to travel the gravel road was spot on. Highly recommend! Peaceful and quiet!

September 2nd, 2023 by jas44811

Beautiful campsite along the waterfront. No issues getting to the spot. Directions above from prior posts to travel the gravel road was spot on. Highly recommend! Peaceful and quiet!

July 19th, 2023 by viclillo

Wonderful secluded locations along the waterfront - fire rings made with stone - a little 4 WD to get to our spot - bumpy and muddy but well worth the trek!

October 4th, 2022 by instagram.com/ryan.j.drewes/

Beautiful spot. As mentioned above Apple Maps will try and take you into residential neighborhood. Drive a bit further down and hang on right onto the gravel road. Everyone flocking to national parks, yet this hidden gem is right here in Michigan. Best of all it’s free. Go scratch NPS!

June 29th, 2022 by alex.moore2034

The place has been well described in previous posts. I parked my van at the small spot right of the sign and was 50 yards from waters edge. My only things to add are:
- 1-2 bars of spotty Verizon coverage
- Apple Maps took me to a small residential neighborhood. If you’re asked to turn right at St Martins Point Rd don’t, keep going ~.5 mile to a gravel Forest road.
- The shoreline roads are impassable after a rain without 4x4

June 16th, 2022 by instagram.com/roaminginavan

this place is amazing. had no issues taking our high roof van to one of the furthest campsites. no problems with ticks!

September 18th, 2021 by theblackpearl.van

Hidden gem. Great spot to park and camp. Big rigs might have trouble getting to the waterfront, but we did it with a sprinter van. Dog friendly, no amenities.

August 23rd, 2021 by joelblondy

Beautiful sites but as others mentioned it was crowded. I had no trouble getting to all of the sites in a high top sprinter van. Lots of trash though and some noise at night due to all the people

July 19th, 2021 by ekirchlechner

Don’t try to come here in the summer - it’s packed . Also if you are a high top vehicle you will only be able to park at the beginning in an open field area. The rest of the spots are only Overlander , car and pickup friendly . 16 day limit .

July 15th, 2021 by instagram.com/gooftrooperz

Awesome spot, if you’re lucky you can get a place right by the lake. Roads are pretty muddy if there is rain, so be careful. Drove in with our vintage RV (no 4x4) and found a gorgeous spot right on the lake. Camping spots are spaced out and a lot of them are secluded. 10/10

July 9th, 2021 by zubkovvw

I got here late evening, drove some might require 4x4 there are like 5 to 6 sites . they feel fast by evening time, even with some YouTubers. but spot right on lake . my actual location :
45.9951179 , -84.5101506

45.9951179 , -84.5101506

June 19th, 2021 by swixing

One of the better free camping locations I’ve found in MI. Most campsites are right on the lake shore, with a couple big grass “overflow” sites inland. Was here the weekend before Memorial day and was the only one there, now it’s late June and the place is pretty full. Campsites are spaced well apart and everyone is quiet. Although it’s National Forest a couple guys from the local native tribe came by to warn of the ‘red flag’ condition due to the dry conditions and high winds, so no fires. When reaching the shore the road splits to two dead end paths. 2-3 sites on the right, 4-5 on the left. I would not take anything bigger than my 17’ high top van to the left, rough road and overhanging trees. Bring a kayak.

August 20th, 2020 by M_McK

Dispersed campground (no amenities) in national forest.Gravel road access. Several sites accessible to most all vehicles. Some may require 4x4 or high clearance depending on conditions. Incredible views and good swimming.

May 23rd, 2020 by Matt W

Came for Memorial Day weekend, beat the rush but the spots are pretty well spaced out. Closest group to us was 100 ft or so. All primitive, no water (just a beautiful lake) power or toilets. Mix of tree covered sites and non. Weather permitting, it is easy for most any vehicle even the mini van that pulled in.