While not well known for its Michigan location, the Great Lakes state has some lovely places to camp and dock for free. While dispersed camping in Michigan is still difficult for many people, we've compiled a list of 64 attractive locations across the state that might interest you.
go directly to32 Free Boondocking Locations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
go directly to31 Michigan Boondocking Locations in the Lower Peninsula
Boondocking Locations in Michigan
You've come to the right place if you're looking for great free camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula Boondocking locations for the next U.P. car or camping! We've got you covered with 32 free camping spots in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
There are 32 free campgrounds in Michigan. This means you need to be prepared for a remote or wild camp without running water, electricity, garbage services or showers. Before hitting the road, read the 7 Rules of Leave No Trace.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains many of these sites within the Michigan State Forest. The "Camping Scatter Policy" category on this page provides information on how to use this land for free.
Always leave places in better condition than when you arrived, which may include cleaning up other people's rubbish. Michigan locations are often closed because they are too expensive to maintain when large numbers of people leave trash in them. We recommend taking several garbage bags and disposable gloves with you.
These campgrounds are not open in winter as they are located in the cold and sometimes harsh Upper Peninsula. Most are open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Mistakes! Instead of memorizing every swarm of insects - from stinging flies to mosquitoes - we just say it once! If you're visiting secluded spots in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, be sure to have several insect repellent alternatives.
Want more ideas to end your trip to the Northeast?
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32 Free Boondocking Locations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
go directly to31 Michigan Boondocking Locations in the Lower Peninsula
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1. Cedarville, MI
Address
M-134 Highway between Cedarville and DeTour Village
From Tour Village, Michigan
GPS: 45.96968, -84.07427
Governance: Public - State Land (official)
The road is paved. Cedarville, MI is open year round. There are 1-5 Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You can stay 14 days in Cedarville, MI. Several elevators on the south side of M-134 between Cedarville and DeTour Village.
2. Jezioro Thayera See More
Address
Jezior Linden, Michigan
GPS: 47.28839, -88.253632
Height: 774'
Management: Public - State Forests (Official)
The road is dirt and 2.5 km of paved road. Lake Thayera is open all year round. There are 1-5 free campgrounds in Michigan at this location. You can stay 15 nights at Lake Thayer. A shallow fishing pond in the Michigan State Forests. The Trout River flows from the lake. Scattered campsite with no facilities.
3. Hiawatha National Forest
Address
Saint Ignatius, Michigan
GPS: 46.018146, -84.719897
Management: Public - Forest Service
We found this little spot while driving through the woods looking for places to dock in Michigan. Looks like it's been used many times before, available for any vehicle. It gets noisy near the highway and in summer the mosquitoes are really bad. But it's a good place to spend the night.
4. Castle Rock Road – St. Ignace, MI
Address
St. Inacio, Michigan
GPS: 45.922312, -84.797911
Height: 636'
Governance: Public - National Park Service (unofficial)
From Castle Rock Road, continue past the start of the North Country Trail. Look for the next road on the left. There's a small lake with campgrounds in Michigan.
5. North Shore do Lago Superior de Wild Cat Rd.
Address
Raj, Michigan
GPS: 46.763213, -85.021967
Height: 610'
Management: Public - State Forests
The road is dirty. Staying in state forests requires a permit. Michigan free locations. This is where you can set up camp in the Paradise area. It's good for camping under a tent/car. I think the trailer could go down the dirt road, but turning would be a problem.
6. Wide waters
Address
Raj, Michigan
GPS: 46.746331, -85.1194
Height: 669'
Management: Public - State Forests (Official)
The road is dirty. Free Michigan Camping Spots.
7. Shelldrake Dam
Address
Raj, Michigan
GPS: 46.71258, -85.06436
Height: 650'
Management: Public - State Forests
The road is dirt and 3 miles of paved road. There are 1-5 Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum RV length is unlimited. A DRIVE or PERMIT is required at this campground.
8. CCC Camp "Prison Camp" near Tahquamenon Falls
Address
Raj, Michigan
GPS: 46.641113, -85.126612
Height: 696'
Management: Public - State Forests (Official)
The road into town is gravel and less than 1 mile off the paved road. Free Michigan Camping Spots. The maximum length of the motorhome at CCC Camp "prison camp" near Tahquamenon waterfall is unlimited.
9. Jezioro Perrault
Address
Toivola, Michigan
GPS: 47.029353, -88.731405
Altitude: 1257'
Governance: Public - area managed by DNR (unofficial)
The road is gravel and 0.25 km of paved road. There are 1-5 Michigan boondocking sites in this area and the maximum camper length is 45 feet
10. Lake Michigan Scenic Tour
Address
New Road, Michigan
GPS: 46.09735, -85.397656
Height: 587'
Management: public - pulloff (unofficial)
Rte 2 side exit. Very nice, right on the beach (also right on rte 2) We weren't bothered by anyone and there were 2 other tourists parked all night. Free Michigan Camping Spots.
11. Kemping Hanson Creek
Address
Rock River, Michigan
GPS: 46.43079, -86.93956
Altitude: 751'
Management: Public - Forest Service (unofficial)
The road is dirty and 4 miles of paved road. Hanson Creek Campground is open year round. There are 1-5 Michigan boondocking sites in this area and the maximum camper length is 25 feet. You can stay 16 nights at Hanson Creek Campground.
12. Loch Hovey Scattered Camping Area
Address
CR 519
Wetmore, Michigan
GPS: 46.291, -86.700996
Height: 852'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (USDA)
There are 1-5 free campgrounds in Michigan at this location. This secluded, peaceful and family-friendly camp is on the east side of Lake Hovey. It's a good place for kayaking, bird watching or just admiring nature. The North Country National Scenic Trail is nearby. There are 4 campsites, each with a table and fire pit
13. The Beginning of the Oakwood Trails
Address
Forest road 2473C
Munising, Michigan
GPS: 46.28718, -86.7031
Height: 879'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is dirty and 2 miles off the paved road. There are 6 to 15 Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum RV length is unlimited. While hiking the trail I came across this spot and checked the Hiawatha National Forest website to make sure camping was allowed. The area itself is a large field with several places to back or park in the central area along the edge.
14. Exit the M28
Address
Singleton, Michigan
GPS: 46.365838, -86.531822
Height: 883'
Governance: Public - National Park Service (unofficial)
Westbound at 28 Michigan Free RV Sites in the Hiawatha National Forest, just a few miles from Shingleton, MI
15. Hiking - Ottawa NF near the Porcupine Mountains
Address
White Pine, Michigan
GPS: 46.70982, -89.76244
Height: 1194'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is dirty. There are 30 or more Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum motorhome length is unlimited. You can stay 16 days in Ottawa NF near the Porcupine Mountains.
16. Visite Pictured Rocks Nat. margem do lago
Address
Grand Marais, Michigan
GPS: 46.6279, -86.09573
Height: 891'
Governance: Public - Inner buffer zone is a mix of federal, state and private ownership (unofficial)
Road is dirty and 3/4 mile of paved road. Visit Pictured Rocks Nat. The shore of the lake is open. There are 1-5 free Michigan RV spaces at this location and the maximum length of your RV is unlimited. Can you stay up to 14 days? in Visit Pictured Rocks Nat. Lakeshore.
17. Mobile parking in the snow
Address
Singleton, Michigan
GPS: 46.52724, -86.22137
Height: 925'
Management: Public - Forest Service (unofficial)
The road is paved. There are 30 or more Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum motorhome length is unlimited. You can remain unknown in Snow Mobile Parking.
18. Kemping Haymeadow Creek
Address
Fast River, Michigan
GPS: 46.022655, -86.859605
Height: 705'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is paved. There are 6 to 15 free Michigan camping spots at this location. You can stay 14 days at Haymeadow Creek Campground. Haymeadow Creek Campground is located approximately 11 miles from Rapid River. Scattered Campsites There are 15 large campsites, all with tables and fire pits. Drinking water is available from a hand pump and there are toilets.
19. Point Peninsula Lighthouse
Address
Fast River, Michigan
GPS: 45.667839, -86.967269
Height: 584'
Management: Public - Forest Service
The road is gravel and 1/2 mile off paved road. There are 1-5 Michigan boondocking sites in this area and the maximum camper length is 25 feet. You can stay 14 days at Peninsula Point Lighthouse. About a quarter mile from the lighthouse. There are 2-3 elevators on powered land. Class B saw. Not much bigger than Class C will fit on the road.
20. Moose Rapids Township CG
Address
river entrance
Mestre, Mich.
GPS: 46.457504, -88.073439
Altitude: 1529'
Management: Public - City Park
The city of Campeão maintains this camping area. Free Michigan Camping Spots. First come, first served -> First camp. Reservations not accepted.
21. Bunker Camp
Address
End of forest road 2180
Iron River, Michigan
GPS: 46.267239, -88.651428
Altitude: 1467'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (USDA) (unofficial)
The road is gravel and 8 miles of paved road. Blockhouse Campground is open from May 1st to November 30th. There are 1-5 Michigan parking spaces in this area and the maximum length for a motorhome is 45 feet or more.
22. Paint Forks Camp
Address
990 Lalley Road
Iron River, Michigan
GPS: 46.232197, -88.717903
Altitude: 1468'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (USDA) (unofficial)
The road is gravel and 5 miles of paved road. Paint Forks Campground is open from May 1st to November 30th. There are 1-5 free Michigan RV spaces at this location, and the maximum length for a motorhome is 45 feet or longer. This is a free national camp in the Ottawa National Forest. There are 4 beautiful wooded sites, a jug pump and an outhouse. Not well maintained so expect tall weeds or collecting fallen branches as payment for your stay!
23. Camping on the Sturgeon River
Address
Covington, Michigan
GPS: 46.570036, -88.656507
Height: 1035'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is gravel and six miles of paved road. There are 6 to 15 Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You can stay 14 days at Sturgeon River Campground.
24. Camp above burnt dam
Address
4500 FR
Watersmeet, Michigan
GPS: 46.313999, -89.053001
Altitude: 1603'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (USDA)
Burned Dam Campground is open year round. This rustic camp offers visitors access to deep woods with opportunities for fishing and boating on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. Free Michigan campgrounds within driving distance of Mex-I-Min-E Falls.
25. Lagoa Robbins
Address
Forest Highway 6964
Bruce Crossing, Michigan
GPS: 46.381097, -89.228297
Altitude: 1309'
Management: Public - Forest Service
Spread across dense forest, this camp is situated on Robbins Pond, a popular trout pond. It has three campsites and is located in the northeast corner of the Watersmeet Ranger District. Michigan free locations. Currently, limited services are available at this camp.
26. Bond Falls Flow
Address
Bond Falls Road
Bruce Crossing, Michigan
GPS: 46.408591, -89.129778
Altitude: 1439'
Private management - public utility (official)
The road is gravel and 6 miles of paved road. Bond Falls Flowage is open from June 1st to September 15th. There are 16-29 free campgrounds in Michigan at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You can stay 14 nights at Bond Falls Flowage.
27. Trout Creek City Park
Address
Trout Creek, Michigan
GPS: 46.4766, -89.013771
Management: Public - County Park (unofficial)
You can stay overnight at Michigan's free boondocking spots in Trout Creek Township Park. This is a nice place to stay, we stayed here in October 2016. It's a paved parking lot on Hwy 28. It was a nice quiet place.
28. Sparrow Rapids Camp
Address
FR 1100
Trout Creek, Michigan
GPS: 46.504776, -88.94735
Altitude: 1158'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (USDA)
There are 6 to 15 free Michigan camping spots at this location. Sparrow Rapids Campground offers guests the opportunity to be close to wildlife and a wild/recreational river at the same time. This campsite has 6 campsites that can accommodate tents, caravans and RVs. This is a limited service camp.
29. Camp on the Sturgeon River
Address
Covington, Michigan
GPS: 46.570036, -88.656507
Height: 1035'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is gravel and six miles of paved road. There are 6 to 15 Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You can stay 14 days at Sturgeon River Campground.
30. A wooden match
Address
Matchwood Tower Road
Ewen, Michigan
GPS: 46.496899, -89.427439
Altitude: 1299'
Management: Public - Forest Service
Free Michigan campgrounds located in the Bergland Ranger District of the Ottawa National Forest.
31. Walk - Mandan Road
Address
Copper Harbor, Michigan
GPS: 47.463096, -87.824826
Height: 725'
Private Management - Conservation (unofficial)
The city road is dirty and it is a mile away on a paved road. Mandan Road is open all year round. There are 1 to 5 Michigan locations in this area. There are unofficial campsites along Mandan Road, up the hill from Mud Lake and at Mary Macdonald Preserve, east of Copper Harbor. They are small pulloffs with old fires.
32. Nameless lake
Address
Copper Harbor, Michigan
GPS: 47.403264, -87.805754
Height: 666'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
Entry is 4×4. Hoar Lake is open year round. There are 1-5 free campgrounds in Michigan at this location. You can stay 14 days in Hoar Lake. Nice hiding place if you can find it. Camping here will give you this lake all to yourself. You need a jeep or truck to get here.
Boondocking sites in the Lower Peninsula
Michigan is a fantastic place to camp. You're likely to find a place among millions of acres of state and state forests, 11,000 lakes, over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline and 100 state parks. Finding a place in Michigan may take a little more effort, but if you have the resources and are ready to travel, you will almost certainly find something suitable.
The Huron-Manistee National Forest (Huron on the east side of the state and Manistee on the west side) is a fantastic place to start in the Lower Peninsula. In addition to the countless campgrounds spread across the forests, with nearly 1 million acres and hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, there are many campsites to explore in Michigan.
Look for Cooper Creek Road and Green Road near the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, which are free on the Manistee side closest to Lake Michigan. The Nordhouse Dunes are a beautiful place to camp and explore. A handy map and National Forest Service brochure explain everything in detail. Several approaches to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse provide excellent Michigan hiking opportunities.
Despite its isolated location, the Upper Hamlin grocery store on Nurnberg Road is a convenient stop for fresh water, a disposal station and supplies. To the north is Lake Michigan National Recreation Area and to the south is Ludington State Park.
31 Michigan Boondocking Locations in the Lower Peninsula
go directly to32 Free Boondocking Locations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
1. Ferry parking
Address
115 W Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI
Mackinaw City, Michigan
GPS: 45.78113, -84.73409
Height: 604'
Private Management - Parking (Official)
The road is paved. The ferry parking lot is open all year round. There are 30 or more Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum motorhome length is unlimited. You can stay overnight in the Ferry parking lot. Authorization required.
2. French agricultural lake
Address
Mackinaw City, Michigan
GPS: 45.763809, -84.768967
Height: 627'
Management: Public - Fishing and Wildlife Service (Official)
There are 6 to 15 free Michigan camping spots at this location. You can stay 14 days at French Farm Lake. Take Trails End Road 1.75 miles west of Mackinaw City. Turn left onto an unmarked dirt/gravel road 15 meters before the stop sign onto Wilderness Park Drive. Follow the road to six numbered spots.
3. Jerusalem artichoke resting area
Address
Cheboygan, Michigan
GPS: 45.50268, -84.61388
Height: 735'
Management: Public - rest area (official)
The MDOT rest area Michigan sites, very quiet at night, stayed there for one night during the transition to UP. Also a great view.
4. Outdoor rehearsal - Pigeon River Country SF
Address
Wolverine, Michigan
GPS: 45.27122, -84.45713
Height: 856'
Management
Public - State Forests (official)
The road is dirt and is just over 500 feet. km of paved road. Outdoor Rehearsal - Pigeon River Country SF is open First come, first served. There are 1-5 free campgrounds in Michigan at this location. You can stay 14 days on the Outdoor Trial - Pigeon River Country SF. Free pass or permit required.
5. McKinley Horse Camp
Address
US Highway Government 4428
Mio, Michigan
GPS: 44.639199, -83.971291
Height: 958'
Management: Public - Forest Service
Michigan locations at McKinley Horse Camp are open year round. Nice, quiet place, easily accessible for larger vehicles. Basically the start of a horse camping trail, so please respect these users. Vault bathrooms are clean and odor free (end of June). Saw a truck passing by midweek when I stayed overnight. Water was not available and the tap was marked "not potable" anyway.
6. Union Corners com Huron NF
Address
1755 S. Mitchell St. Cadillac, MI 49601
Rose City, Michigan
GPS: 44.54685, -84.19053
Height: 1168'
Management: Public - Forest Service
The road is dirty. Union Corners in Huron NF is open year round. There are 1-5 free Michigan RV spaces at this location and the maximum trailer length is 15 feet. You can stay for 14 days at Union Corners in Huron NF. You can fit a small trailer there, as long as you can get off the road passable to most passenger cars.
7. Emotional
Address
Atlanta, Michigan
GPS: 45.031876, -84.182899
Altitude: 909'
Management: Public - State Forests (Official)
The road is gravel and 1/4 mile of paved road. Dushaue is open all year round. There are 30 or more Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum motorhome length is unlimited. You can stay 13 days in Dushaue.
8. Lime Lake (Pearl Lake Natural Area)
Address
Lago Ann, Michigan
GPS: 44.75512, -85.93082
Height: 820'
Management: Public - State Forests (unofficial)
Easily accessible free camping spots in Michigan. The road ends at the lake and I set up camp along the shore behind it. Quite quiet, only met a handful of other campers and fishermen.
9. Cut the river
Address
Roscommon, Michigan
GPS: 44.42917, -84.65404
Altitude: 1165'
Management: Public - State Forests (Official)
The road in the city is dirt and 5.2 km of paved road. Cut River is open year round, but the road is seasonal/unploughed. There are 6 to 15 Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You can stay in Cut River for 14 days.
10. West Condon Lakes
Address
Bitely, Michigan
GPS: 43.75801, -85.89986
Altitude: 922'
Management: Public - USDA Forest Service
The road is dirty. There are 1-5 free Michigan RV spaces at this location and the maximum length of your RV is unlimited. The area is popular for mushroom and berry picking, as well as hunting, fishing and camping.
11. Kemping Wetlands
Address
The City of Branch, Michigan
GPS: 43.924428, -86.012759
Height: 791'
Management: Public - USDA Forest Service
This site is mainly used by fishermen, hunters and families for camping. There is a short 0.25 mile walk from Michigan destinations to the river, through federal and state lands. River access is operated by MI-DNRE. To download Pere Marquette River, National Scenic River
12. Lake Whelan Area
Address
FR 6661
Custer, Michigan
GPS: 43.910482, -86.157488
Height: 748'
Management: Public - USDA Forest Service
The road is gravel. The Lake Whelan area is open year round. There are 16-29 free Michigan RV spaces at this location and the maximum length of your RV is unlimited. You can stay 14 days in the Lake Whelan area.
13. Nordhouse Dunes Wildlife Area (subida)
Address
Free Soil, Michigan
GPS: 44.08724, -86.44505
Height: 617'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is dirty and 5 miles off the paved road. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area (admission) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a week. There are 30 or more Michigan locations in this area. You can stay 14 days in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area (tour).
14. Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Address
W. Forest Trail Road/Green Rd
Manistee, Michigan
GPS: 44.1054, -86.400948
Height: 658'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (USDA) (unofficial)
The city road is dirty and it is a mile away on a paved road. The Lake Michigan Recreation Area is open year round, weather permitting. There are 30 or more free Michigan campgrounds at this location, and the maximum length of a trailer is 30 feet. You can stay 14 days in one place in the Lake Michigan Recreation Area.
15. Hiking - Scattered Camp Manistee NF
Address
Pages, Michigan
GPS: 44.12692, -86.38411
Height: 659'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is 4×4 and 1 mile of paved road. Manistee NF Dispersed Camping is open year round. There are 1 to 5 Michigan locations in this area. You can spend 14 days at Manistee NF Dispersed Camping.
16. Marziński CG horse
Address
1001-1999 Marzinski Road
Manistee, Michigan
GPS: 44.225747, -86.161859
Height: 732'
Management: Public - Forest Service
Marzinski Horse CG is open May through September. Free Michigan campgrounds located in the Manistee Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. About three-tenths of a mile south of 55. Twenty-one clean, spacious, wooded areas. Very good.
17. Upper River Road Land
Address
brothers, michigan
GPS: 44.27497, -85.94392
Height: 778'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
The road is 4×4 and 2-3 miles of paved road. There are 6-15 Michigan locations in this area. Lots of big sites along a bumpy and muddy road. 4×4 recommended. It was Remembrance Weekend here and only one other seat was occupied. Flat terrain with makeshift camp rings.
18. Upper Manistee River Locations
Address
brothers, michigan
GPS: 44.2657, -85.92418
Height: 735'
Governance: Public - Forest Service (Official)
There are some great free Michigan camping spots along the upper Manistee River Road. Numbered signs are along the road pointing the way. Most places have a direct view of the river and these are real hidden gems!
19. Government airstrip
Address
Dickson, Michigan
GPS: 44.263275, -85.888673
Height: 793'
Management: Public - USDA Forest Service
This campsite is called Government Island. The 3 Michigan sites are part of 41 scattered Forest Service designated sites along the Upper Manistee River. The main access road along the power line is a winter snowmobile trail.
20. Michigan State Forests
Address
Sanford, Michigan
GPS: 43.726762, -84.407809
Height: 659'
Management: Public - State Forests (Official)
Free Michigan campgrounds on state land, all you need is a state pass and a distributed camping permit, which is also free. You can stay 14 days and then move on. Be sure to bring bug spray, and it also has its days and nights when it's a little busy.
21. Michigan-Gladwin State Forests
Address
Bentley, Michigan
GPS: 43.97906, -84.20991
Height: 758'
Management: Public - State Forests (Official)
Free 14-day camping permit available from DNR. Thousands of acres of state land, ORVs, trucks, hiking trails in Michigan. The Michigan locations don't have any connections so you're definitely in trouble. It can get a little crowded on the weekends, but it's pretty quiet during the week.
22. Kayak Camp
Address
The town of Roscommon, Michigan
GPS: 44.211, -84.82487
Height: 1112'
Management: Public - State Forests
Free Michigan camp sites at Canoe Camp are open year-round. You can stay 14 days at Canoe Camp.
23. West Branch Rest Area 433
Address
West Branch, Michigan
GPS: 44.2311, -84.21036
Height: 925'
Management: Public resting place (unofficial)
The road is paved. The maximum length of a trailer in West Branch Rest Area 433 is unlimited. Michigan Rest Area locations on I-75 North, just before the West Branch exit. Truck parking is at the back. It has large spaces for tractors with trailers, as well as motorhomes.
24. Camping at Lake Withey
Address
Prescott, Michigan
GPS: 44.291992, -84.003718
Height: 876'
Management: public - city property (official)
Free campgrounds in Michigan, but no services. There are many campsites looking for fire rings. There are no amenities.
25. Sand road
Address
sand road
Rothbury, Michigan
GPS: 43.476573, -86.231537
Height: 623'
Management: Public - Forest Service (unofficial)
The road is dirty and zero kilometers of paved road. There are 6-15 Michigan locations in this area. There are many campsites along the Sand Road looking for fire rings. There are no amenities.
26. I-69 Lapeer Rest Area
Address
Attyka, Michigan
GPS: 43.005338, -83.219719
Altitude: 965'
Management: Public - rest area (official)
The road is paved. The rest area east of I-69, 8 miles east of Lapeer MI, is great. It's above the highway and surrounded by woods, so noise from I-69 is minimal. We stayed one night in the car side of the 22ft trailer and it was very quiet. Free Michigan Camping Spots.
27. Northfield County Rest Area
Address
Ann Arbor, Michigan
GPS: 42.35497, -83.74902
Height: 942'
Management: Public resting place (unofficial)
MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) rest area on the southern section of US-23, north of Ann Arbor, MI. There is plenty of parking for cars and longer vehicles such as RVs with trailers at Michigan boondocking locations.
28. Webberville resting place
Address
Highway 96 at Stockbridge Rd.
Webberville, Michigan
GPS: 42.660632, -84.199004
Height: 892'
management status
The road is paved. There are 6 to 15 free Michigan camping spots at this location.
29. Battle Creek Rest Area
Address
Battle Creek, Michigan
GPS: 42.263463, -85.218423
Height: 974'
Management: Public - rest area (official)
The road is paved. Michigan locations in the Battle Creek Recreation Area are open year round. The maximum length of the motorhome in the Battle Creek Rest Area is unlimited. You can stay overnight at the Battle Creek Rest Area.
30. Park Shady Brook
Address
200-500 South Van Buren Street
Bloomingdale, Michigan
GPS: 42.378037, -85.957841
Height: 712'
Management: Public - Village Campground (official)
The road is paved. Shady Brook Park is open April through October. There are 1-5 free Michigan RV spaces at this location and the maximum trailer length is 15 feet. You can become unknown at Shady Brook Park.
31. New Buffalo Welcome Center
Address
New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
New Buffalo, Michigan
GPS: 41.765209, -86.740562
Height: 696'
Management: Public - rest area (official)
The road is paved. The New Buffalo Welcome Center is open to all. There are 30 or more Michigan boondocking locations in this area and the maximum motorhome length is unlimited. You can stay 1 person at the New Buffalo Welcome Center.
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FAQs
Is Boondocking legal in Michigan? ›
Is Boondocking Legal in Michigan? Boondocking is legal in many parts of Michigan, particularly in the sparsely populated upper peninsula. Michigan has plenty of wide-open spaces, but unlike some states out west, most of it is not government-owned, and there are more restrictions.
How do you find Boondocking locations? ›- Walmart Parking Lots. Those looking for Boondocking can stay up to 24 hours at a time in any Walmart parking lot. ...
- Truck Stops/Rest Areas. ...
- Visitors Centers. ...
- Trail Heads. ...
- Hotels/Motels. ...
- National Forests.
Yes, camping is allowed on Michigan state land. Michigan state lands are managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Existing state laws and regulations in the Great Lakes State allows people to disperse camp (boondocking) on these lands, along with camping in developed campgrounds.
Is there any BLM land in Michigan? ›Michigan does not have BLM land but plenty of forest service land. Most of these public lands are located in the northern half of the lower peninsula and through the upper peninsula. If you are really looking to get away from it all look in the upper peninsula (the UP) as it is very remote.
What land can you camp on for free in Michigan? ›The Lake Michigan National Recreation Area is just to the north and Ludington State Park to the south. Further into the Manistee National Forest are a half dozen free campsites.
Can you shower while Boondocking? ›When boondocking, you take a shower just like you would when camped at an RV Park with full hookups. Taking a shower while boondocking doesn't have to be any different. However, most full time boondockers prefer to shower more efficiently.
What is the difference between boondocking and camping? ›Boondocking is camping without any hookups outside developed campgrounds. Federal agencies refer to boondocking as dispersed camping. Other terms used to describe boondocking include dry camping and off-grid camping.
Why is it called Boondocking? ›The boondocks is an American expression from the Tagalog (Filipino) word bundók ("mountain"). It originally referred to a remote rural area, but now, is often applied to an out-of-the-way area considered backward and unsophisticated by city-folk.
What is the difference between Boondocking and dispersed camping? ›“Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground, on lands that are managed for this purpose.” For the van life and RV communities, boondocking means camping in an area without hookups.
Can I live in a camper on my own land in Michigan? ›The State Law concerning mobile homes, says that "travel trailers" and "camping trailers" are not to be used as permanent residences, but can be lived in on your property for short periods as emergency shelters.
Can I park my RV in my driveway in Michigan? ›
Parking of Vehicles
Any pop up trailers, motor homes, camper trailers or recreational vehicles must be parked behind the front house setback. No portion of the vehicle may extend beyond the front of the house. They must also be parked on a concrete or asphalt driveway.
Michigan's 101 state parks and recreation areas cover 306,000 acres (124,000 ha) with 14,100 campsites in 142 campgrounds and over 900 miles (1,400 km) of trails.
Can you sleep in your car in Michigan state parks? ›"Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at a Michigan rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would be also include overnight sleeping. Note: Some rest areas in Michigan have signs posted prohibiting overnight parking and camping."
How long can you live on BLM land? ›The Bureau protects undeveloped public lands. Some BLM areas offer dispersed BLM camping in California at little to no cost. You're typically allowed to stay up to 14 nights on BLM land, and some locations require a permit.
Is it legal to live in a tent in Michigan? ›In the United States, it is illegal for individuals to live in cars, tents, or other items not deemed suitable for human dwelling. These housing standards exist even if you are on your land. You will need either a structure with a building permit or possess a camping permit.
Can you live off the land in Michigan? ›Is Living Off-Grid Legal in Michigan? It is usually legal to live off-grid in Michigan. The only statewide law which would make it illegal is a requirement to connect to the local sewer line if one is located near the property.
Can you camp anywhere in a national forest in Michigan? ›The Least You Need to Know About Camping
Dispersed and Primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". There is no dispersed camping within 200' ft of a river, lake, stream, or other body of water.
Use Two 5-Gallon Buckets
It's very common to do laundry while boondocking this way. You fill one bucket with about 2 gallons of water along with your favorite laundry detergent. Then you fill the second bucket with about 2 gallons of clean water. You will also need a toilet bowl plunger.
How Long Can You Stay In the Shower? Most truck stop showers have time limits that are 30 to 45 minutes. This is plenty of time for you to use the restroom, shower, and do any shaving or grooming that may be necessary. You're paying for the shower time, so make sure you take the time you need to get the job done.
Is it safe to leave your trailer when Boondocking? ›Yes, it is very safe to leave your camper while boondocking. Very rarely do campers, RVs, and trailers get broken into or stolen when boondocking.
What is RV moochdocking? ›
Also known as driveway surfing, moochdocking is a lot like couch surfing in your RV. Basically, you park on someone's driveway or land, and you camp there.
What size RV is best for Boondocking? ›If you're planning on primarily using your RV for boondocking, a smaller RV (a Class C or B motorhome, van, truck camper, teardrop, or small trailer) that's under 30 feet will allow you to access more remote places. This isn't to say that you can't boondock in a big rig, but it can be more difficult.
How to make money while boondocking? ›Many boondockers do online customer service, write documentation, and handle client accounts. Ask your employer if you can shift to remote work. Offer Repair Services – Set up in a popular boondocking location like Quartzsite or Slab City, and hand out business cards offering RV or vehicle repair work.
What is the Boondocking capital of the world? ›Quartzsite, AZ- the RV boondocking capital of the world. Every year during the winter months retirees from around the US and Canada pack up their RVs and campers and head south. The small truck stop along I-10, normally a town of around 3,000 will swell to nearly 700,000 people.
What are the basics of Boondocking? ›Living Off the Grid
It is also sometimes called dry camping. In more specific terms, boondocking usually refers to camping in a remote area, rather than in a no-hookup campground (such as a national park or forest) or in a Wal-Mart parking lot, Flying J truck stop, or rest area while traveling.
Basic and Dispersed Permits:
You may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes. A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area.
Because you're not connected to any services it's also called “dry camping.” Other terms you might see that all refer to boondocking are “free camping” and “wild camping.”
How popular is Boondocking? ›Boondocking Trends
26% of RVers surveyed boondock between 10 and 20 nights per year. 30% of RVers surveyed own a travel trailer. 17% of respondents said they boondock solo. 29% of respondents started RVing between 1 and 5 years ago.
Wild camping is synonymous with the term boondocking.
How long can you live in an RV on your own land in Michigan? ›Currently, the ordinance says a camper/travel trailer/motor home can be used for one 30-day period if it is located 1,000 feet or closer to a dwelling. If it is located more than 1,000 feet away, the restrictions aren't clear — it is not specific as to how many are allowed or how long they can be there.
Is it legal to live in your car in Michigan? ›
There is no federal or state law that prohibits sleeping in your car.
Can you live in a camper in Michigan in winter? ›Yes, winter camping is real in Michigan and 15 of Michigan's state parks are open to brave cold-weather campers. If you feel like you are up to the challenge, here's a look at the parks where you can rent a campsite, cabin or yurt and enjoy the Michigan outdoors during the off season.
Can you ride in a travel trailer in Michigan? ›States like Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Carolina allow passengers to ride in the back of a travel trailer. However, some states require safety glass to be installed in the trailer to legally transport passengers.
Can you park an RV in your driveway in Columbus Ohio? ›The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) establishes standard laws on parking restrictions. Generally, vehicles cannot be parked in front of private driveways, within intersections, on sidewalks and crosswalks, on expressways and freeways, in front of fire hydrants, or near traffic lights and stop signs.
Can I park my RV in my driveway Calgary? ›Residential properties
If an RV is parked on the front driveway of the property, it must be on a hard surfaced driveway or parking stall and cannot be parked for more than 36 consecutive hours. RVs can be parked on the side or rear of a property without a time limit.
Info. The Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center at Grayling, MI is the largest National Guard training facility in the United States. It comprises 148,000 acres of four-seasons training lands, 337 square-km of restricted airspace, and up to 6000 Hz spectrum available.
What is the largest state campground in Michigan? ›Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – fondly known as "the Porkies" – features 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges, the park's incomparable vistas make Michigan's largest state park a popular destination for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, ...
What is the second largest state park in Michigan? ›The Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a 46,179-acre (186.88 km2) state park in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the second largest of Michigan's state parks.
Can you drink alcohol in a Michigan State park? ›Sec. 915. (1) Alcoholic liquor shall not be consumed on the public highways. (2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4), alcoholic liquor may be possessed or consumed in public parks, public places of amusement, or a publicly owned area not licensed to sell for consumption on the premises.
Can you sleep overnight at a rest stop in Michigan? ›Can You Sleep Overnight at a Michigan Rest Area? Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at a Michigan rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would also include overnight sleeping.
Where can I legally sleep in my car in Michigan? ›
While there is no outright national ban on sleeping in your car, again it comes down to the situation as to whether or not you can get in trouble with local law enforcement. Generally, campsites, Walmart parking lots, and highway rest stops are okay to catch some shut-eye in.
What do the colors mean on a BLM map? ›All government land colors
Orange - tribal government (reservation). Yellow - Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Purple - National Park Service. Light purple - Department of Defense. Light beige - local government or Department of Transportation.
Since it's free, it's a good app to start with before you drop money on a different dispersed camping app. Download FreeRoam for iOS or Android.
What app shows BLM land? ›The onX Hunt App helps you navigate BLM Land with confidence, so you always know where you stand. BLM land is shown in yellow in the App, and clearly marked property lines help delineate boundaries.
Can you run generator on BLM land? ›Yes, absolutely. As noted, use commonsense and be mindful of your neighbors. Use an appropriate generator and not an open-frame one.
Which state has the most BLM land? ›The state with the highest percentage of federal land is Nevada, of which 80.1%, or 56,262,610 acres of its total landmass is federally managed.
Can land be purchased from BLM? ›The BLM does not offer much land for sale because of its congressional mandate, passed in 1976, to generally retain these lands in public ownership. However, the BLM does occasionally sell parcels of land where our land-use planning finds disposal is appropriate.
Can I live in an RV on my own land in Michigan? ›Boondocking is legal in many parts of Michigan, particularly in the sparsely populated upper peninsula. Michigan has plenty of wide-open spaces, but unlike some states out west, most of it is not government-owned, and there are more restrictions.
Can you park overnight in Michigan? ›"Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at a Michigan rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would be also include overnight sleeping. Note: Some rest areas in Michigan have signs posted prohibiting overnight parking and camping."
Can you buy land and then live on it with an RV? ›Let's get right into it: Is it legal to live in an RV on land you own? The short answer is: Yes, as long as you live in the right place. The primary factor to consider is your jurisdiction's zoning codes. Most cities have rules that require all places of residence (RVs included) to follow the same ordinances.
Can you park in front of someone's house in Michigan? ›
(1) A vehicle must not be parked, except if necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device, in any of the following places: (a) On a sidewalk. (b) In front of a public or private driveway.
Can I buy a Michigan State Park Pass online? ›Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport by checking “YES” when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State. You can also purchase the Recreation Passport by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices.
Can you set up a tent anywhere in Michigan? ›You cannot set up your campsite within a 1-mile radius of a rustic state forest campground. You cannot set up your campsite in a game area, recreation area, or a State Park. You have to follow all of the State Land Rules.
What are quiet hours at Michigan State Park? ›An individual shall not enter or remain in a day-use area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., except as posted otherwise.