Hanson Creek Boondocking in Rock River, MI
Practical Guide for Adventurers
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Rock River, MI 46.43079, -86.93956 Elevation: 751′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Hanson Creek Boondocking: The road in is Dirt and 4 miles from a paved road. Hanson Creek Campsite is open year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 16 nights at Hanson Creek Campsite.
Turn off Rock River Rd, onto (unmarked) Johnson Ln. until you come to a clear junction 1 mile in. Turn left and drive as far down as you can to dead end. There is decently level ground for medium to small size RVs/trailers to park or turn around and lots of room for tent camping.
I made it back there in my old Mercedes sedan without too much hassle. Lower clearance vehicles might have a harder time making it down the Johnson Rd. The drive from Rock River Rd is beautiful as you pass thru incredible mature maple forests. What I believe is Hanson Creek flows near this campsite.
About This Location
Boondocking at Hanson Creek in Rock River, MI hands you a quiet, no-frills way to camp—no traditional campsites or facilities in sight. You get to stay for free, tucked into the woods and right by Hanson Creek. It’s a solid pick for folks who want to ditch the crowds and just be out there in the wild.
You’ll find a good mix of things to do—hiking, fishing, wildlife watching. Most vehicles can get in without too much trouble, but if you’re rolling in with a big RV or trailer, double-check the route first. It’s worth taking care of the place, too—nobody wants to see this spot trashed or overrun.
Key Takeways
- Hanson Creek boondocking lets you camp for free, right in the forest.
- You can hike, fish, or look for wildlife without leaving your site.
- Most vehicles are fine, but big rigs should plan ahead.
Hanson Creek Boondocking In Rock River, MI
The Hanson Creek boondocking location is a sweet little spot for boondocking and primitive camping near Rock River, Michigan. You’ll usually find just a handful of campsites—maybe one to five—so you’re not elbow-to-elbow with anyone. Since it’s all dispersed camping, you’re out there with barely any facilities, just you and the woods.
The road in? It’s dirt, about 4 miles off the pavement. So yeah, you’ll want something that can handle a few bumps. The site’s open all year, which is great, but you’re definitely roughing it.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rock River, MI |
| Campsites | 1-5 |
| Road Type | Dirt, 4 miles from paved |
| Elevation | 751 feet |
| Facilities | Pretty much none |
| Year-Round Access | Yes |
Bring your own water, firewood, and whatever else you need—there’s nothing stocked here. If you pack it in, pack it out. Simple as that.
If you’re after an off-grid camping experience, away from the chaos of big campgrounds, this is your kind of place.
Things To Do
So, what’s there to do at the Hanson Creek boondocking location? For starters, hiking’s a big one. You’re close to the North Country Trail, and there are a few other trails nearby. The scenery’s worth the walk, trust me.
Wildlife’s everywhere if you’re quiet—deer, birds, the occasional squirrel trying to steal your snacks. Just sitting and watching can be half the fun.
Here’s something different: crystal mining. Yep, you can dig around in the soil for clear quartz crystals. It’s surprisingly fun, especially if you’ve never tried it.
If you’re up for a longer hike, the area’s got plenty of options, from easy strolls to tougher treks. You’ll wander through woods, along creeks, maybe find a good spot for a picnic.
Quick list of what you can do:
- Hike the North Country Trail or nearby paths
- Watch wildlife (binoculars help)
- Try your luck at crystal mining
- Pick a trail that matches your mood and energy
It’s a solid spot for anyone who likes to get their hands dirty and just explore.
Directions
Getting to the Hanson Creek boondocking location isn’t rocket science, but you’ll want to pay attention. Start in Rock River’s town center, then head north on County Road 513 for about 5 miles.
After that, swing east onto Forest Road 2225. It’s mostly gravel, so go easy—some stretches get rough. About 3 miles in, you’ll spot signs for Hanson Creek.
Parking’s tight by the creek, so don’t block the way for others. If you’ve got four-wheel drive, use it, especially if it’s been raining.
Plug these into your GPS for a bullseye:
Latitude: 46.4928
Longitude: -86.0659
Check the weather and road conditions before you head out. Cell service can be iffy, so a paper map or an offline app isn’t a bad backup.
Once you’re parked, it’s just a short walk to the creek. The place is quiet and remote—pack out your trash and leave it better than you found it.
Vehicle Access
To get to the Hanson Creek boondocking location, turn left off the main road and keep going until you hit the dead end. Most vehicles can make it, but the road’s best for small to medium RVs or trailers.
The ground’s pretty level, which makes parking easier. If you’re driving a big RV, measure first—space is tight.
Trucks and regular cars do fine—just expect dirt and gravel. If you’re planning to venture onto trails, bring a map or GPS. It’s easy to get turned around out here.
Key Vehicle Tips:
| Vehicle Type | Access Notes |
|---|---|
| Small to medium RVs | Should fit and turn around |
| Large RVs/Trailers | Might be a squeeze |
| Trucks and Cars | No problem |
| Off-road vehicles | Trails nearby, check maps |
If it’s been raining, expect mud. Check the forecast before you go.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
You can bring an RV or trailer to the Hanson Creek boondocking location, but keep it under 25 feet. That covers most small to mid-size rigs, so families or small groups are set.
No hookups here—bring your own water, and have a plan for waste. There’s no power, so solar panels or a generator are your friends. This isn’t an RV park; it’s bare bones, but you’re right up against nature.
You can stay up to 16 nights, which is plenty of time to really settle in or wander the trails. Don’t expect picnic tables or fire rings—pack what you need.
A few quick reminders:
- Max RV length: 25 feet
- Max stay: 16 nights
- No hookups
- Bring your own water and power
- Facilities are minimal
If you want a rustic spot, no crowds, and easy access to hiking, the Hanson Creek boondocking location is the place.
Paid Or Permit Sites
When you camp at the Hanson Creek boondocking location in Rock River, MI, you’ll mostly find free, dispersed sites. Still, if you’re after a few creature comforts or want to check out some of the unique spots nearby, you might want to look at paid or permit-required sites in the area.
A handful of paid campgrounds around Rock River give you access to basics like toilets, fire pits, and actual parking spots. If you’re sticking around for a bit or just want less hassle, these can really make things easier.
Got a thing for mining history? The Last Chance Mine is right around the corner. It’s a pretty popular stop—people usually take the tour to dig into local mining stories and check out the minerals. You’ll need to pay for the tour, and if you want to camp near the mine, sometimes you’ll need a permit depending on exactly where you set up.
People sometimes find amethyst in the mineral deposits here. If you’re itching to do a little rockhounding or collect minerals, double-check whether you’ll need a permit first. Some spots around the Hanson Creek boondocking location have rules about collecting to help keep the place in good shape.
| Site Type | Features | Permit/Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dispersed sites | No facilities, free | Usually no permit |
| Paid campgrounds | Toilets, fire rings, parking | Fee required |
| Mining tours | Guided tours, educational | Fee required |
| Mineral collecting | Rockhounding opportunities | Permits may be needed |
Before you head out, it’s worth reading up on the camping and mining rules. That way, you’ll avoid headaches and help keep the Hanson Creek boondocking location nice for everyone.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Parking Tent Camping OHV Biking Hiking Hunting Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
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