Search Bay Dispersed Camping Area
Search Bay Dispersed Camping Area is a national forest camping area in Michigan.
- Type
- National forest camping area
- Location
- Michigan
- Coordinates
- 45.99406, -84.51643
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Website
- www. fs. usda. gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea/?re…
About Search Bay Dispersed Camping Area
Search no more for your perfect, off-the-beaten-track campsite and swimming hole. At Search Bay you will be surrounded by:Aspen grovesCedar swampsMeadows and pondsDeerBald eaglesLoonsHow to Get to Search Bay?A single-track dirt road, (Forest Road 3436) starts from Michigan Highway 134 (M-134) and meanders through aspen groves, cedar swamps, meadows and ponds to an unimproved camping area along the edge of Search Bay. Primitive Camping:Camping is primitive, with no facilities such as tables, toilets or drinking water. Wildlife:The diversity of habitats along the road attracts a variety of wildlife, so stop frequently to scan the surrounding area. During the breeding season in spring, watch for nesting bald eagles and listen for loons calling from the water. Walk along the edge of the bay in the spring and fall and scan the adjacent trees and shrubs for migrating songbirds. In the summer, stop for a swim and watch for waterfowl feeding in the shallow bay. This is also an important winter deer range as the browse line on the trees indicates. Small Boats Allowed:Trails traverse the area and provide a wonderful experience. Depending on water levels, the boat launch may be used to launch small boats. Kayak and canoe access is available.
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- Indian River RV Resort · 36 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- Airgas · 36 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 54 designated routes (38 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedarville RV Park and Campground | RV park | 8.0 mi | — | — |
| Loons Point RV Park and Campground | RV park | 8.7 mi | — | — |
| Government Island | National forest camping area | 10 mi | — | — |
| Carp River Campground | National forest campground | 10 mi | — | No hookups |
| Carp River - Cg | National forest campground | 10 mi | — | — |
| Carp River Campground | Private campground | 10 mi | — | — |
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Sources. USFS and BLM recreation sites. Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.