Search Bay Dispersed Camping Area

About

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.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

• dump station

  Castle Rock Campark

  12 mi

• fuel station

  Sunoco

  7.3 mi

• grocery

  Cedarville Foods

  7.5 mi

• potable water

  Potable water

  10 mi

• trailhead

  St. Martins Ski Trail

  1.2 mi

• attraction

  Old Hessel Schoolhouse Museum

  4.3 mi

• recreation site

  Hessel Boat Launch

  4.4 mi

Forest road access near this stay: SEARCH BAY SPUR A in Hiawatha National Forest. Motorhome access is listed as open on the nearest MVUM segment — verify current restrictions.

Contact & access

• MI
• OPEN