Boondocking In Cedarville MI – Off-Grid Camping Adventures

Boondocking In Cedarville MI
Guide to Off-Grid Camping Adventures

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Boondocking In Cedarville, MI: Several pullouts on the S.side of M-134 between Cedarville and DeTour Village, from N45,98146 W084.13224 to N45.96968 W084.07427.

Some have Lake Huron access. MI State Camp Card required download and print here.

Sites start about 10 miles from Cedarville and end 9 miles from DeTour. Some have No Camping signs but others have no restrictive signs. Legal access confirmed by DNR officer.

The road in is Paved. Cedarville, MI is open All year. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 Days at Cedarville, MI.

About This Location

Boondocking In Cedarville is a fantastic way to ditch the crowds and get back to basics. If you’re after free or low-cost places to park your RV or camper and just soak up the quiet beauty of the Les Cheneaux Islands, Cedarville’s got a few gems. You’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, far from the noise, with only the breeze and maybe a curious squirrel for company.

Cedarville’s got that irresistible mix: water, woods, and a bunch of ways to fill your days, like fishing, hiking, or paddling around. Sure, you might have to poke around a bit to find those perfect free sites, but it’s worth the hunt. Bringing the right gear and a sense of adventure makes the whole thing smoother—and honestly, kind of fun.

Key Takeways

• Cedarville has quiet, natural spots where you can camp for free or on the cheap.
• Fishing, hiking, and other outdoor fun are right by boondocking sites.
• Planning ahead makes it easier to find and enjoy dispersed camping safely.

Boondocking In Cedarville, Michigan

Boondocking In Cedarville, MI lets campers like us escape the crowds and just enjoy being outside. The area has dispersed camping spots where you can set up away from the usual campgrounds. You won’t find hookups or showers here, so you’ll want to bring all your essentials.

Search Bay Dispersed Camping stands out for a reason. It sits on government land and gets solid reviews. Just don’t forget—leave no trace. Pick up after yourself, or better yet, leave it cleaner than you found it.

Most boondocking in Cedarville, MI won’t cost you much, if anything. Sometimes you’ll need a permit, so checking local rules ahead of time is wise.

Along highway M-134 between Cedarville and DeTour Village, you’ll find a handful of small sites. These are quiet, scenic, and great for just kicking back. You’ll want to come loaded up with food, water, and all your camping stuff, since there’s not much out there.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect:

Things to Do

When you’re boondocking in Cedarville, MI, you’ve got options. Hiking and wandering the trails—like Bush Bay Trail or the Narnia Trail—are a solid way to get your steps in and see what’s around.

If you’re feeling curious about the area’s past, the Les Cheneaux Historical Association is worth a stop. It’s low-key, but you’ll probably learn something interesting.

Applecore General Store is one of those places you just stumble into after a day outside. Grab a snack, maybe a souvenir, and take a breather.

Need a little self-care? Arborvitae Salon & Spa is nearby. No shame in a little pampering before heading back to camp.

Bird watching at Point Brulee is actually pretty relaxing. There are nature trails where you can spot a few feathered locals and just enjoy the quiet.

And hey, don’t skip the ice cream across from Hessel marina. After a day in the woods, it just hits the spot.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hike, a lazy afternoon, or just poking around, Cedarville’s got something to keep you happy during your boondocking trip.

Directions

To get to the main boondocking spots near Cedarville, MI, just start from the town center. Head south on M-134—this road hugs the shoreline and leads you to a bunch of free pullouts for camping.

If you’re exploring between Cedarville and DeTour Village, follow M-134 east. Look for sites scattered along the south side. GPS coordinates like N45.98146 W084.13224 to N45.96968 W084.07427 can help you zero in on them.

Coming from farther out? US 2 or US 41 will get you close, then just follow local roads to the boondocking areas or Cedarville RV Park if you want more amenities.

Bring a paper map or an app, because some of the best spots are tucked off little pullouts or gravel roads. Drive slow and keep an eye out for signs or landmarks.

Quick checklist:

• Start at Cedarville town center
• Take M-134 south or east for dispersed sites
• Use GPS if you can
• Go easy on the gravel roads and pullouts

With a little patience, you’ll find those quiet corners that make Cedarville special.

Vehicle Access

Getting your vehicle out to boondocking in Cedarville, MI, isn’t too complicated. Most of the dispersed sites sit on government land, so you’ll drive on dirt or gravel roads to reach them. If it’s rained recently, expect some bumps—having a higher clearance vehicle definitely helps.

Bringing a big RV? You’ll find plenty of places that don’t care about length limits, but it’s still smart to check road conditions before heading in. No one wants to get stuck halfway down a muddy track.

Cell service is hit or miss. Verizon usually does okay out here, but it’s always a gamble. If you need to stay connected, check in advance. Forget about satellite or cable TV at these sites—bring a book or download your shows ahead of time.

You won’t find much in the way of services. Pack in everything—water, food, whatever you need—and plan to haul out all your trash. Some spots might want a permit, so double-check local rules before you set out.

Reading reviews from other campers can save you from a headache. Folks often share updates about road conditions and which rigs made it in without trouble.

RV and Camping Trailer Information

If you’re camping around Cedarville, MI, you’ve got options for RVs and trailers. Cedarville RV Park is a go-to—it’s got 55 gravel pads and can handle trailers up to 45 feet, so most folks can fit.

Some sites at Cedarville RV Park offer utilities, but full hookups are pretty limited. We usually haul in extra water and make a plan for waste, since not every spot has water or electric. There’s a dump station on-site, which is handy for emptying tanks before you hit the road.

Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring—makes it easy to cook outside or just hang out. The bathhouse is close by, which is nice after a long day outside.

If you’ve got kids along, the playground is a lifesaver. While they’re burning off energy, you can set up camp or just relax. But if you’re after true boondocking, those dispersed sites nearby are the real deal—no hookups, no frills, just you and the outdoors. Pack everything you’ll need and don’t leave a mess behind.

Knowing the basics about each site helps us plan a better trip. Whether you’re after hookups or a wilder experience, just come prepared and you’ll have a great time camping around Cedarville.

Paid or Permit Sites

If you’re boondocking in Cedarville, MI, you might run into areas that ask for a permit or a small fee. These spots usually offer basic amenities or a bit more structure than wide-open public land.

Take government land camping, for instance. Some dispersed campsites want you to grab a permit to stay. Honestly, these permits go a long way toward keeping things clean and safe. Most of the time, the fees won’t break the bank.

Craving some extra comforts like showers or hookups? There are campgrounds in the area that’ll charge for those perks. Here are a few options:

If you pick one of these paid spots, you get a few more creature comforts. But honestly, you’ll want to plan ahead—some campgrounds fill up fast, especially when the weather’s nice.

Even if you’re paying or have a permit, don’t forget to check out the camping rules. Leave the place better than you found it—everyone appreciates a clean site.

Helpful Boondocking Information Links:

Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace

State Specific Information Links

Michigan Park Service
Michigan Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources