Hiawatha National Forest Rapid River Dispersed Sites

Scattered dispersed sites along Forest Road 2173 follow the Rapid River through dense hardwood forest. Sites are small clearings that can handle 1-2 rigs each, with natural fire rings and flat spots carved out by previous campers. The river runs clear and cold, perfect for filling water jugs or trying your luck with brook trout. Expect company during peak fall color season but decent solitude otherwise.

Access via Forest Road 2173 off Highway 2 near Rapid River town. The road is maintained gravel for the first few miles, then transitions to rougher dirt with some washboard sections. Sites start about 3 miles in and continue for another 2 miles upstream. High-clearance recommended for the better sites deeper in.

River camping in Upper Peninsula hardwoods