High Rock Bay Boondocking in Copper Harbor, MI – Off-Grid Camping and Essentials

High Rock Bay Boondocking in Copper Harbor, MI
Off-Grid Camping and Essentials

Previous Reviews:

High Rock Bay Boondocking: The road in is 4×4 and 10 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet.

I’ve camped out here at High Rock Bay boondocking location the last 3 summers. Would recommend a high clearance vehicles to get to the campsite. Campsites overlook the shore of lake superior. There are existing firepits. Land is state forest. You can sleep out on the beach but it is rocky.

About This Location

High Rock Bay boondocking location near Copper Harbor, Michigan, draws folks looking for a rugged, wild spot to camp with killer views. The roads out here are no joke—definitely bring a vehicle with some clearance. It’s bumpy and slow-going, but if you’re up for it, you’ll find peace and scenery that’s tough to beat. This is about as far north as you can camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula without falling into Lake Superior.

There’s nothing fancy at the High Rock Bay boondocking location—no water, no power, not even a pit toilet. That’s the point, really. If you want crowds or hookups, look elsewhere. Out here, the space feels endless and the quiet is real. The trails and access roads saw some improvements recently, but you’ll still want to keep your wits about you on the drive.

Key Takeaways

• Quiet, scenic camping with zero facilities.
• You’ll need a high-clearance or rugged car to get in.
• Remote and natural—ideal if you want to unplug.

High Rock Bay Boondocking In Copper Harbor, MI

High Rock Bay boondocking location sits just outside Copper Harbor, Michigan, and it’s a favorite for boondockers who want to disappear for a while. There are no hookups or facilities, so you have to show up ready—food, water, everything.

Getting there isn’t easy. The road is rough, and you’ll need at least a mid-clearance vehicle. Even with the trail widened a bit, it’s still pretty gnarly in spots traveling to High Rock Bay boondocking location.

The sunsets here? Unreal. You get this wide-open view of Lake Superior, and the nights are so quiet you can hear the water. It’s a solid spot for anyone who likes dispersed camping in the Keweenaw.

There aren’t any marked campsites, so it’s on us to treat the place right. Follow Leave No Trace, and check fire restrictions before you go—rules can change with the weather.

Here’s a quick summary:

Camping at this High Rock Bay boondocking location lets you soak up Michigan’s wild side. Just come prepared for a real off-grid experience.

Things To Do

Camping at this High Rock Bay boondocking location puts a bunch of outdoor stuff right at your feet. Lake Superior is right there for fishing, kayaking, or just braving the chilly water for a swim. The shoreline is rocky and fun to explore—watch your step, though.

Hiking’s a big draw. The North Country Trail passes nearby, winding through thick pine woods. There are shorter hikes too, like out to McCargoe Cove or Moskey Basin, both pretty and peaceful.

If you show up in the fall, the colors are wild—reds, yellows, and oranges everywhere. The forest feels alive, and if you’re lucky, you might spot wolves roaming the area.

Copper Harbor itself isn’t far. You’ll find mountain biking trails and the classic Brockway Mountain Drive, which is worth it for the views alone. Copper Falls State Park is close enough for a side trip if you want more hiking or to catch a waterfall or two.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hop a boat from nearby Rock Harbor to Isle Royale National Park. It’s a whole different level of remote—think moose, wolves, and nothing but wilderness.

Activities at a glance:

• Lake Superior water sports
• Hiking on North Country Trail
• Wildlife watching (wolves)
• Fall colors viewing
• Mountain biking in Copper Harbor
• Visit Copper Falls State Park
• Boat trips to Isle Royale National Park

There’s plenty to keep you busy out here at this High Rock Bay boondocking location, whether you want to relax or explore.

Directions

To get to the High Rock Bay boondocking location, and you’re starting in Mackinaw City, head west across the Upper Peninsula. It’s about 200 miles, usually 4.5 to 5 hours behind the wheel. Take US-41 north, passing through Marquette and Houghton, and keep going until you hit Copper Harbor.

From there, keep east on US-41. Once you leave town, the pavement gives way to forestry roads—these get rough fast, so this is where that high-clearance vehicle pays off.

Drive slow on the forestry roads; they’re narrow, rutted, and sometimes muddy. You’ll end up on Mandan Road, which takes you all the way to High Rock Bay. The trail’s wider now, but it’s still a bumpy ride.

Bring everything you need, since there’s no services once you leave Copper Harbor. You might need a permit to camp—check before you go. Google Maps will get you close, but it doesn’t always nail the travel time once you’re crawling along those rough roads.

Honestly, plan for a long, slow drive after Copper Harbor. Take your time and you’ll get to the High Rock Bay boondocking location in one piece.

Vehicle Access

You’ll want a vehicle with high clearance to reach the High Rock Bay boondocking location. The road is old, rough, and full of surprises—definitely not sedan-friendly.

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Copper Harbor, but don’t rush. Watch for ATVs and dirt bikes since the trail gets busy. Some stretches are narrow, rocky, and can get muddy after rain.

People have made it in with smaller cars, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Four-wheel drive makes life easier and a lot safer.

Here’s a quick checklist for your rig:

• High ground clearance
• Four-wheel drive (strongly suggested)
• Decent tires for rough roads
• Be ready to crawl along at a slow pace

The road’s been improved here and there, but it’s still a challenge.

If you’re ready for a bit of an adventure, you’ll be rewarded with a great campsite at the end.

RV And Camping Trailer Information

RV camping works at the High Rock Bay boondocking location, but there are a few catches. The max length for RVs and trailers is about 25 feet—anything bigger is probably asking for trouble on these roads.

The last stretch is all dirt, so take it easy. A 4×4 helps, especially if it’s been raining, but you might get by without one if you’re careful. Go slow and steer clear of deep puddles.

You’ll find maybe 6 to 15 campsites scattered around—plenty of space for tents, vans, small trailers, and campers. It’s all dispersed, so don’t expect picnic tables or fire rings.

No hookups, no water, nothing. Pack in what you need and take everything out. Leave No Trace isn’t just a suggestion out here.

If you’re bringing a motorhome or trailer to the High Rock Bay boondocking location, double-check your rig’s size and your gear. The road’s rough, and there’s not a ton of room to turn around if you get stuck.

Summary of Key RV Info:

Paid Or Permit Sites

When you’re camping at High Rock Bay boondocking location, you’ll want to know that some areas might require permits. These permits help keep the land in good shape and protect the environment. It’s always a good idea to check with local authorities before you set up camp.

You won’t find any official RV parks right inside High Rock Bay. Most of the camping here is dispersed—so, you’re on public land, and services are pretty much nonexistent. Still, you might need a permit to camp legally in certain spots.

If you’re after more creature comforts like hookups or restrooms, you’ll probably need to look at RV parks or campgrounds in nearby towns, maybe Copper Harbor. Those places charge for sites, but they do offer better facilities.

Here are some quick notes on paid or permit sites near High Rock Bay:

• Some areas require permits for dispersed camping.
• No established RV parks sit within High Rock Bay itself.
• Nearby towns like Copper Harbor have paid campgrounds and RV parks.
• Double-check current rules before you camp to avoid fines.

Honestly, it’s worth the effort to follow the rules—it keeps your trip smooth and helps protect the High Rock Bay boondocking location for everyone else.

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