HI ALL YOU MICHIGANDERS! I’ve been researching boondocking around the Great Lakes. I haven’t been there since 1995 and thought it might be past time I returned. I’ve never camped there.
But mostly, the research is part of my desire to provide coverage on this site of regions outside the western US. I could regurgitate what I find online, but it would be so much more meaningful, and probably more detailed and accurate, if locals shared their knowledge.
I’m looking for insights beyond locations and regulations. I want to know what it’s actually like camping there. What are the logistical problems? What should we be careful about? What should we be certain to bring? Where is it crowded? How wet is it? How buggy? What advice would you give first-time visitors so we don’t get ourselves in trouble? What shouldn’t we do that pisses off the locals? What about stealth camping?
I’m starting with Michigan but I also want to do similar articles about Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario and Quebec. So I’d love to hear from everyone in the region. I’m looking for information, not necessarily great writing, so don’t be intimidated. Send your thoughts to editor.crvl@gmail.com.
Phyllis and Mike of RVliving.com are the experts in Michigan boondocking and RVing in all parts of the State.
(I’m sure you know that too)
Thanks.
Such a great and important idea!! Please please do this! I would love to read about stealth and boondocking experiences in all these areas. I’m especially interested in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
I look forward to exploring everything from Maine to Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The two biggest things I would recommend are:
1) Michigan has 7 species of mosquitoes that are active above 48°f. Bring plenty of your favorite bug spray and even though they look silly consider a head net.
2) Even if you’re going in the hottest, driest part of the summer pack some cold weather clothes as you WILL need them.
Great information. Thank you : )
I found out that the mosquitoe is the N.J. state bird. I hear you!!
Here’s an old joke:
I was sitting outside one summer evening in (insert locale of your choice) when I heard a heavy droning sound just above my head. I looked up and saw two mosquitoes the size of pterodactyls. One of them asked the other, “Should we eat him here or take him with us?” The other replied, “Eat him here, or else the bigger ones will take him from us.”
Free camping is not really a thing in Minnesota. Even the CoE, state forests, and many of the casinos charge for camping even with no hookups. There are a few casinos where you can stay overnight for free if you don’t mind parking lot camping. Some places like Cabela’s will also let you stay overnight in their parking lots. But, out in the wild does not tend to be free here. Cabela’s, at least in Rogers, does have free dump and water. Many sewage treatment plants also offer free dumping capability. And Cracker Barrel still supports overnight parking hoping you will come in to eat.
Like in Michigan, bring lots of bug repellant and some cold weather clothing.
I’d like to see Illinois added to that list.
You can divide the state into 3 parts. Bottom half lower peninsula, upper half lower peninsula, and the U.P. I would draw a line across at Bay city and Mt Pleasant. Below that are the major cities and crowds. Its pretty easy to overnite in the big box stores. Lots of state forest campgrounds to choose from. Usually on lakes and rivers. I would make tues – thur moving days. Weekend warriors move in fri-mon. Stay out of state parks unless your want to see a particular site. They are one big neighborhood. The UP has lots of very remote options. Plenty of lakes that you can boondock. State forest rustic campgrounds will have pump wells and outhouses. May – Sept is bug season. Have 3 season clothing. I’ve camped all over the state. You want more detail email me.