Finger Lake Boondocking in Iron River, MI
Ultimate Off-Grid Camping
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Iron River, MI 46.11667, -89.00719 Elevation: 1768′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Finger Lake Boondocking: The road in is 4×4 and 1-3 miles from a paved road. Finger Lake is open All year. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 at Finger Lake. Beautiful dispersed lake side camp site. There will be several places to camp on lake. You can make it through the 4×4 forest roads. But only during dry seasons and only if you are a skilled driver used to driving off road.
About This Location
If you’re searching for a quiet, no-fee place to camp near Iron River, MI, Finger Lake boondocking might just hit the spot. Finger Lake Boondocking offers free, primitive camping—no crowds, no frills, just you and the trees. It’s the kind of place for folks who want to unplug and keep things simple, with water and woods right at your doorstep.
Getting here’s pretty straightforward for most trucks, vans, and smaller RVs. You won’t find hookups or amenities, but the natural setting makes up for it—there’s fishing, hiking, and plenty of space to breathe. Just remember, you’ll need to come prepared since there aren’t any services on site.
Key Takeaways
- Free, basic camping right by Iron River
- Smaller rigs and trucks handle the access roads best
- Fishing, hiking, and quiet nature all around
Finger Lake Boondocking in Iron River, MI
Finger Lake boondocking in Iron River lets you enjoy the outdoors without dealing with crowds. There are a handful of lakeside spots where you can set up camp—no hookups, just you and whatever you brought along.
The landscape’s a nice mix: forested patches for shade and open water views if you want more sun. Since these sites are free, you’ll need to bring everything you need, especially water and supplies.
A few essentials:
- Pack your own water and a way to handle waste
- Take every bit of trash with you—leave no trace
- Double-check local camping limits and fire rules
You’ll find other free or low-cost camping options around Iron River too, some tucked by rivers or smaller lakes. If you want something a bit more established, Bewabic State Park isn’t far off. But honestly, if you’re here for the boondocking, those quieter pull-offs along dirt roads and forest trails are where it’s at.
Things To Do
Camping at the Finger Lake boondocking location near Iron River, MI, gives you plenty of ways to stay busy—or just relax. The nearby trails are perfect for hiking, with peaceful forest and lake views. If you’re into fishing, bring your gear; the lake’s got a decent variety.
You could toss a bike in the back and check out some local paths. Kayaking or canoeing on Finger Lake is usually calm and pretty relaxing. Summer’s good for berry picking, too, if you like a little foraging.
If you need a break from the woods, there’s a golf course not far away at Iron River Country Club. Sometimes you’ll catch a local event—maybe an antique auto show or one of those classic rummage sales.
Winter’s no slouch either. There’s skiing, snowmobiling, and even hunting (if you’ve got the right licenses). The area doesn’t really slow down much, no matter the season.
Here’s a quick list of what you can do:
- Hiking and biking
- Fishing and boating
- Berry picking
- Golfing
- Local events
- Winter sports (skiing, snowmobiling)
- Hunting
Honestly, it’s tough to get bored around here.
Directions
To get to the Finger Lake boondocking location near Iron River, MI, head northwest out of Iron River on US-2 W. That’s your main route into the forest.
After about 10 miles, look for a turn onto a forest road. These aren’t paved, so take it easy—higher clearance vehicles handle the bumps better.
Bring a solid map or use GPS with forest roads marked out. Some trails can get narrow, and you’ll probably meet other vehicles coming the other way.
If you’re coming from Crystal Falls, take M-69 east until you hit US-2 near Iron River, then follow the same directions.
Watch for signs pointing toward the Iron River Ranger District or Golden Lake Campground—those are good clues you’re on the right track.
Cell service drops off quick out here, so let someone know your plans before you go.
Here’s a quick checklist for the trip:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Point | Iron River, MI |
| Main Route | US-2 W |
| Secondary Roads | Forest roads near Finger Lake |
| Vehicle | High clearance recommended |
| Navigation Tools | GPS or paper map |
| Safety | Tell someone, watch for traffic |
Vehicle Access
You can reach the Finger Lake boondocking location in Iron River, MI, by driving along well-kept forest roads. Most cars, trucks, and smaller RVs handle these routes just fine. Roads are usually gravel or dirt—nothing fancy, but they stay decent if it’s dry.
If you’re rolling up with a big rig (think 45ft fifth wheel), things get trickier. Some dispersed camping spots work for large setups, but those narrow or uneven roads mean you’ll want to double-check your route and maybe talk to some locals first.
Bringing off-road toys like SXS or ATVs? There are tons of entry points around here, and those vehicles are great for exploring the more hidden corners near camp. Just stick to legal, highway-approved trails—nobody wants a ticket.
Here’s a quick guide to vehicle access:
| Vehicle Type | Road Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cars & Trucks | Gravel or graded dirt | Good access in dry weather |
| Small to Mid RVs | Some roads may be rough | Best to check specific routes |
| Large RVs & 5th Wheels | Limited access | Use maps and consult locals first |
| Off-road Vehicles (SXS, ATVs) | Multiple trails | Stay on legal trails only |
A reliable GPS or an online forest service map makes life easier—less chance of getting stuck or lost.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
If you’re staying at the Finger Lake boondocking location near Iron River, MI, expect zero hookups. No water, no electricity, no sewer. You’ll need to rely on your RV or trailer’s tanks and batteries, so make sure you’re set up for that.
Bring plenty of fresh water, keep your batteries charged, and have your waste tanks empty before you arrive. Portable power—solar panels or a generator—helps a lot if it’s allowed.
There are some campgrounds nearby with more amenities, but if you’re boondocking, you’ll be dry camping. Plan for it.
Here’s a quick checklist for your RV or trailer:
- Fresh water storage
- Black and gray waste tanks
- Reliable power (batteries, solar, generator)
- Proper hitch and leveling gear
- Tires and brakes ready for rough roads
Some campsites around Finger Lake might be tight for bigger rigs, so check size limits before you head out.
It’s always smart to read recent reviews or ask local groups about current site conditions. Saves you from nasty surprises and keeps your trip running smooth.
Paid Or Permit Sites
When we boondock at the Finger Lake boondocking location near Iron River, MI, we sometimes look at nearby paid or permit-required campgrounds if we want a little more comfort or just an easier setup.
One spot we’ve tried is Stevens Lake Campground in Long Lake, Wisconsin—about 13 miles away. It’s simple, has a few basic amenities, and charges a fee if you want to stay the night. That can be nice if we’re in the mood for something a bit more established.
Even closer to Iron River, Bewabic State Park Campground offers well-kept sites, but you’ll need a reservation or to pay a fee. We like it there if we’re after clear boundaries or want access to restrooms.
Some campgrounds in the Ottawa National Forest also ask for permits or fees. They’ll sometimes provide things like potable water or a designated fire pit, which can make life easier.
Here’s a quick list of paid or permit sites near Finger Lake:
| Campground | Location | Fees/Permits | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stevens Lake | Long Lake, WI | Fee | Basic, lake access |
| Bewabic State Park | Iron River, MI | Fee | Restrooms, reservations |
| Ottawa National Forest | Various spots | Permit/Fee | Water, fire pits |
We tend to keep these on our radar when we’re planning, especially if the free spots fill up or we need something specific.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring Near Water Pets Welcome Picnic Tables |
RV Camping Tent Camping Fishing Hiking Swimming |
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