Cut River Boondocking in Roscommon, MI
Off-Grid Camping Fun
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Roscommon, MI 44.42917, -84.65404 Elevation: 1165′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – State Forest (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Cut River Boondocking: The road in is Dirt and 3.2 miles miles from a paved road. Cut River is open year round but seasonal road/not plowed. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 days at Cut River.
Campground on the Cut River, near Higgins Lake. Near the mouth of where the river starts at Marl Lake, right across the river from State Park. Larger oval with several spots for cars/rv’s/trailers, plus a large area for tents. No amenities so pack in/pack out. On State Land. Just a couple miles from South Higgins Lake State Park, which often gets filled up during the summer. There is also a public Kelly Beach just down the road as well. Dirt road in kind of bumpy, after rain might be a little tricky
About This Location
Looking for a quiet place to camp without the usual crowds or fees? Cut River in Roscommon, MI, might just be the spot. Boondocking here means camping off-grid on public land with no services—just you, your gear, and nature. If you’re itching to disconnect and soak up the outdoors without the buzz of packed campgrounds, it’s hard to beat.
You can get to Cut River boondocking with most vehicles, but it’s all on you to bring what you need and haul out your trash. There aren’t any hookups or bathrooms, so you’ll want to prep ahead. Tent, RV, or camper trailer—there’s space to spread out and unwind.
There’s plenty to do beyond just camping. Hiking, wandering along the river, or simply kicking back and listening to the wind in the trees—this place invites you to unplug and appreciate Michigan’s forests and waterways.
Key Takeways
- Camp free and off-grid near Cut River in Roscommon, MI.
- Most vehicles can get in, but there are no facilities or services.
- Outdoor activities nearby make camping here even better.
Cut River Boondocking In Roscommon, MI
Cut River boondocking in Roscommon, Michigan, is a solid pick for anyone wanting to boondock. It’s all dispersed camping, so you’re off the main drag and away from crowds. You’ll need to bring your own supplies, but that’s part of the charm.
You can stay up to 14 days at Cut River. Bring a tent, fish a little, hike, paddle, or even take a dip if the mood strikes. Wildlife roams the area, so keep your eyes open—you might spot something cool.
There’s no water, no restrooms, and absolutely no trash pickup. Pack out everything. Sometimes, you’ll need a permit, so double-check before you roll in. Campsites are scattered along two-track roads, so you can usually find a quiet site that feels like your own slice of the woods.
Here’s a quick packing list for a good trip:
| Item | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| Water | No water service on site |
| Food | Must bring all meals |
| Camping gear | Tent, sleeping bags, chairs |
| Trash bags | Carry out all waste |
| First aid kit | For safety |
| Maps or GPS | Roads are rough and not well marked |
Cut River boondocking is a simple way to ditch the city and just be outside. If you’re after a low-cost camping experience that’s actually peaceful, this is it.
Things To Do
There’s no shortage of things to do at Cut River boondocking location. Hiking’s a favorite—the trails wind along the river and through the woods, and you’ll stumble on some really pretty spots.
If you’ve got a canoe or kayak, the river’s perfect for a mellow paddle. Sometimes it’s nice to just sit by the water and let time slow down a bit.
Once the sun goes down, stargazing is almost mandatory. With no city lights, the sky’s packed with stars—way more than you’d expect.
If you want even more solitude, check out backcountry sites nearby. They’re tucked away and give you a shot at true privacy.
The dirt roads out here can be muddy and a little wild, so if you’re into off-roading, you’ll have some fun getting to different spots.
Here’s what you might find yourself doing:
- Hiking nearby trails
- Canoeing or kayaking
- Stargazing after dark
- Checking out backcountry campsites
- Off-road driving on dirt roads
There’s always something new to try, and honestly, that’s half the fun.
Directions
To get to Cut River Boondocking in Roscommon, MI, start from the closest paved road. The main access is a dirt road about 3.2 miles long.
Since it’s all dirt, take it slow—especially after rain. In winter, nobody plows this road, so if there’s snow, you might want to think twice. Always check the weather before you go.
If you’re using GPS, aim for South Higgins Lake State Park (address: 106 State Park Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653). From there, use local maps and dirt roads to reach Cut River.
Bring a vehicle that can handle rough roads. Toss in some tools and supplies in case you need to fix a flat or deal with something unexpected.
Before heading out, it’s smart to check online for any recent road updates from other campers. That way, you won’t get caught off guard.
Vehicle Access
You’ll need to drive a dirt road about 3.2 miles from the nearest pavement to reach the Cut River boondocking location. The ride can get bumpy, so be ready for rough terrain.
The road stays open year-round, but nobody plows it in winter. If there’s snow or ice, it can be sketchy or just plain impossible.
SUVs or trucks work best. Regular cars can make it if it’s dry, but rain or mud changes things fast.
Some quick tips for vehicle access:
- Go slow and watch for ruts or puddles.
- Skip big or low-clearance vehicles.
- Always check the weather before you leave, especially in late fall or early spring.
- Bring a full tank—gas stations aren’t close.
You’ll park in a dispersed camping area, so there aren’t marked sites or paved lots. It gives you freedom, but you’ve got to respect the land.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
If you’re bringing an RV or trailer to Cut River boondocking, get ready for primitive conditions. There are no hookups—no water, electric, or sewer—so your rig needs to be self-contained. Bring enough water and figure out your waste.
The roads can be rough and narrow, so smaller RVs and trailers handle it better. Big rigs? They might struggle to find a safe spot.
There aren’t any official RV pads. You’ll need to pick a flat spot and clear away any sharp stuff before you set up.
Essentials for RV camping here:
- Extra fresh water
- Portable power or generator
- Waste tanks and disposal bags
- Solid leveling blocks
Pack extra fuel, since you won’t find services nearby. Cell coverage is spotty at best, so plan for that.
Camping fees are all over the place. For instance, Cut River Cabin goes for about $40 a night, but most dispersed boondocking here is free or close to it. Always check local info for current rules and prices.
Bring what you need, and you’ll get to kick back and enjoy the quiet, even if it’s a little rough around the edges. Sometimes that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At the Cut River boondocking location, you’ll find most camping spots are free, no fee needed. Still, a few areas nearby might want you to grab a permit, especially if you’re on government land. Better double-check before heading out—nobody wants a surprise fine.
If you’re planning to camp right at the Cut River dispersed site, there’s a chance you’ll need a permit. That’s really just to keep things clean and safe for everyone. Don’t expect many services—usually no water, no trash pickup, not much at all.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Permit: Might be required in some spots
- Cost: Usually low or free
- Services: Pretty limited, sometimes none
- Rules: Pack in, pack out—leave it nice for the next folks
You can grab info about permits from local ranger stations or online. The process is usually quick, and it helps protect the land for future trips.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Boating Fishing Hiking Hunting Swimming Water Sports Wildlife Viewing Stargazing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
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Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
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State Specific Information Links
Michigan Park Service
Michigan Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources