Hovey Lake Boondocking in Wetmore, MI
Tips and Site Overview
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| CR 519 Wetmore, MI 46.291, -86.700996 Elevation: 852′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (906) 387-2512 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Hovey Lake Boondocking in Wetmore: Free camping in the Hiawatha National Forest. This isolated, quiet, family type camping area is located on the east side of Hovey Lake. It is a good place for canoeing, bird watching, or just enjoying nature’s surroundings. North Country National Scenic Trail is nearby. There are 4 campsites, each with a table and fire ring. Toilets and drinking water(unconfirmed) are available. Swimming conditions in this lake are not good due to shallow water and the mucky bottom. Some northern pike, black bass, Trout (Brook and Brown), and panfish can be caught here. The 99 acre Hovey Lake is the headwaters of the Indian Wild and Scenic River and offers good trout fishing. There is a carry-in boat access near the entrance of the campground.
About This Location
If you’re after a quiet, natural spot to boondock near Wetmore, MI, this Hovey Lake boondocking location is honestly a solid pick. This area sits on the east side of Hovey Lake, surrounded by thick forest and calm water—nothing fancy, just the basics. Hovey Lake boondocking gives us a peaceful place to camp with easy access for vehicles, perfect for those who want to escape crowded campgrounds.
The ground stays mostly flat, so parking larger vehicles or trailers feels less stressful. You can paddle a canoe, watch birds, or just hang out by the water. If you want to connect with nature without a bunch of hassle or paperwork, it fits the bill.
Getting to this Hovey Lake boondocking location in Wetmore isn’t complicated, either. Directions from the main roads near Wetmore are pretty clear. Since the area is all about dispersed camping, you’ll want to come prepared and respect the place—leave it as quiet and clean as you found it.
Key Takeways
- We can camp quietly near Wetmore with easy vehicle access.
- The area offers simple, no-permit camping close to nature.
- Boondocking here works well for both tents and trailers.
Hovey Lake Boondocking In Wetmore, MI
This Hovey Lake boondocking location in Wetmore, Michigan, and offers a chance to boondock in a truly natural setting. You get dispersed camping options, with both sunny and shaded sites—nice to have some variety. If you’re not into hookups or busy campgrounds, this place makes sense.
To get there, drive southwest on M-94 from the M-28 and M-94 intersection. After about 6.4 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 2254 and keep going for roughly 4 miles. The area stays mostly flat and trees close in around you, which adds to the peaceful vibe.
There’s a vault toilet, but don’t expect water or power. Bring everything you’ll need. Motorhomes, tents, and most camping styles work here, as long as you’re not rolling in with something huge.
If you like canoeing or bird watching, you’ll find plenty to do. It’s a good spot for families or anyone who just wants to slow down for a bit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Wetmore, MI |
| Access | M-94 to Forest Road 2254 |
| Terrain | Flat, forested |
| Facilities | Vault toilet only |
| Camping Type | Dispersed, no hookups |
| Activities | Canoeing, bird watching |
Boondocking here means you get outdoors without a lot of interruptions. It’s a straightforward, natural place to camp.
Things To Do
At this Hovey Lake boondocking location in Wetmore, you’ll find plenty of quiet corners for relaxing outdoors. The whole area feels peaceful, making it easy to just chill out and soak up the scenery.
Bird watching is a favorite here. The woods bring in all sorts of species, so grabbing a pair of binoculars is never a bad idea.
Canoeing on Hovey Lake? That’s another highlight. Calm water, easy paddling, and a view that doesn’t get old.
You can fish, too. The lake has trout, and there’s carry-in boat access if you want to launch a small boat or kayak.
Hiking nearby lets you wander the natural trails. The ground stays fairly flat, so it’s friendly for pretty much anyone.
Campfires are allowed in the dispersed spots, which just adds to the cozy, family-friendly atmosphere people like about Hovey Lake.
Directions
To get to this Hovey Lake boondocking location in Wetmore, MI, start at the M-28 and M-94 intersection. Head southwest on M-94 for about 6.4 miles.
Turn left onto Forest Road 2254, heading south. Follow that for around 4 miles.
The whole drive keeps you in flat, forested country, and you’ll spot the camping area on the east side of Hovey Lake.
If you’re using GPS, try “Forest Road 2254, Wetmore, MI”—that should get you pretty close.
It’s smart to check road conditions before you go, since weather can really change things out here.
Once you’re on Forest Road 2254, look for signs or trailheads that lead toward the lake’s dispersed campsites.
Bringing a map or having offline navigation helps, since cell service can be iffy.
Vehicle Access
To reach this Hovey Lake boondocking location in Wetmore, MI, start from the intersection of highways M-28 and M-94. Drive southwest on M-94 for about 6.4 miles.
Turn left onto Forest Road 2254. Follow it southeast for 4 miles until you hit the campsites.
Heads up: the access roads are narrow and twisty. Big rigs or long trailers probably won’t have a good time here—there aren’t any easy turnarounds once you’re in.
If you’ve got a smaller vehicle or a compact pop-up camper, you’ll manage just fine at this Hovey Lake boondocking location. It helps if your car can handle a bit of rough, uneven forest road.
Parking is informal and scattered. Expect to pull off the road or park on unpaved spots—no marked spaces here.
There’s carry-in boat access, so you’ll need to carry your boat a short way from where you park to the water.
Honestly, this Hovey Lake boondocking location works best for folks with small to medium vehicles. If you prep for tight roads and not much room to maneuver, the trip feels a lot smoother.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Camping at this Hovey Lake boondocking location with big RVs or trailers? That’s tough. The campsites are small, and the roads getting in are tight. Anything bigger than a tiny pop-up camper probably isn’t worth the headache.
No paved roads or dedicated turnarounds for big rigs here. Trying to maneuver a large trailer can get frustrating fast. Smaller rigs or vans just fit better.
This Hovey Lake boondocking location is set up for dispersed camping, so expect basic facilities and not much extra space. There are four main campsites, each with a table and fire ring. You’ll find vault toilets, but don’t count on drinking water or other services.
If you’re bringing an RV or trailer, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- No hookups—no water, electric, or sewer
- Sites are close to the woods, not much extra clearing
- Flat ground, but the roads are narrow
- Nowhere for big vehicles to turn around
It’s worth double-checking your vehicle size before you go. Smaller campers or pop-ups fit best. If you do bring something bigger, just know you’ll deal with tight roads and limited space at this Hovey Lake boondocking location.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At this Hovey Lake boondocking location in Wetmore, you’ll find that most camping options are dispersed sites, and they usually don’t cost anything. Still, keep in mind—some spots nearby might want you to grab a permit. These permits help keep the area in check and protect the place from getting trashed.
It’s probably smart to call or check in with the local forest office or park service before you show up. That way, you won’t get caught off guard if you need a permit for a specific spot around Hovey Lake.
Key points about permits and fees:
- Most dispersed sites at Hovey Lake are free.
- Some parts of the land might ask for a permit.
- You won’t find any developed services or paid campgrounds right at Hovey Lake.
- There are vault toilets, but there’s no water onsite.
If you want to stay longer or just like the peace of mind of a reserved spot, you might have to buy a permit. Just follow the posted rules—everyone’s happier that way. A little planning goes a long way and keeps your camping trip from getting derailed.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Fire Ring Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Boating Fishing Hiking |
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