Lime Lake Boondocking in Lake Ann, MI – Tips and Location Guide

Lime Lake Boondocking in Lake Ann, MI
Tips and Location Guide

Previous Reviews:

Lime Lake Boondocking in Lake Ann: Great little spot, easy to get to. The road ends at the lake and I’ve camped all along the shore past it. Fairly quiet, only have ran into a handful of other campers and fisherman.

About This Location

Boondocking at Lime Lake in Lake Ann, Michigan, puts us right up against nature, without the usual campground luxuries. We get to camp for free near the lake on flat ground surrounded by woods—it’s peaceful and pretty straightforward. If you’re itching to unplug and just breathe in some fresh air, this spot delivers.

The area’s easy enough to reach with a tent or a small trailer, but it’s really for folks who are ready to rough it—no water, no hookups, nothing fancy. Lime Lake’s a solid base for hiking, fishing, or boating nearby, so you won’t be bored unless you want to be.

Getting there isn’t complicated, and the setting feels like a real escape from crowded campgrounds. We just have to bring everything ourselves and make sure we leave the place as clean as we found it.

Key Takeaways

• Camping near Lime Lake is free, natural, and quiet.
• Lots of outdoor things to do, like fishing and hiking.
• It’s accessible, but we have to be self-sufficient.

Lime Lake Boondocking In Lake Ann, MI

Lime Lake near Lake Ann, MI, gives us a great spot for boondocking and dispersed camping. There aren’t any developed facilities—no hookups, no bathrooms. If you want to be close to nature and away from the crowds, this is your kind of place.

Flat terrain and a mix of woods and clearings make it easy to set up a tent or park a small camper. Since it’s public land managed by the state forest, we don’t pay a dime to camp here. Just pack in what you need and pack it all back out.

Camping works on a first-come, first-served basis, so showing up early isn’t a bad idea. There aren’t marked campgrounds, so we stick to primitive camping rules and respect the environment—leave no trace, basically.

Quick things to know about Lime Lake Boondocking:

• Free dispersed camping
• No reservations—first come, first served
• No facilities, so bring your own water and supplies
• Flat ground, good for tents and small rigs
• Close to Lake Ann, MI

If you’re after a quiet, simple camping trip, this place fits the bill. Just come prepared to handle everything yourself.

Things To Do

Hiking around Lime Lake is honestly one of the best parts. There are a few trails nearby, and they wind through the woods for a pretty chill walk—nothing too extreme, but enough to feel like you’re out there. You’ll see some wildlife if you’re lucky, and the local plants are worth a look.

At night, stargazing is fantastic. There’s barely any light pollution, so the sky really opens up. Whether you bring a telescope or just sprawl out on a blanket, it’s a great way to wind down.

Fishing’s another solid option. Lime Lake has some decent shoreline spots, and you can cast a line and relax for a while. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

After a day outside, you might want to check out local spots like Taproot Cider House or Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse near Lake Ann. Good food, maybe a drink, and a nice break from camp food.

Here’s a quick list of what you can do:

All in all, Lime Lake’s about simple, quiet outdoor fun.

Directions

To get to Lime Lake for boondocking near Lake Ann, start by finding Lake Ann, Michigan, on your map. Use these GPS coordinates: 44.75512, -85.93082—that’ll get you close to the dispersed camping area.

From Lake Ann, drive southwest for about 2 miles toward public land managed by the State Forest. The land’s mostly government-owned, and there’s no marked campground, so keep an eye out for signs or open spots that look good for camping.

Since there aren’t any services, we have to bring everything. Sometimes you need a permit, so it’s smart to check with the local forest or park office before you go.

The roads turn to gravel and dirt as you get close, so be ready for a bumpy ride. Bring a vehicle that can handle unpaved roads—you don’t want to get stuck or mess up your car.

Important:

• Use a GPS or a reliable map app.
• Stick to “Leave No Trace” practices.
• Pack out all your trash and waste.

If we prep well and follow these tips, we’ll find a quiet boondocking spot at Lime Lake near Lake Ann.

Vehicle Access

The roads to Lime Lake are narrow—sometimes two vehicles can barely squeeze past each other. Take it slow and be patient.

Most cars, trucks, and smaller RVs can make it to the camping spots, but big rigs might have a tough time with the tight turns and narrow stretches. Check your vehicle size before you head out. Daylight driving helps—you’ll see the rough patches better and it’s just easier to find your way.

No paved roads here, so conditions change with the weather. After rain, the roads can get muddy or slick. High-clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive really help if things get rough.

Keep these in mind for vehicle access:

• Road type: Dirt and gravel
• Road width: Narrow, passing can be tricky
• Vehicle size: Fine for cars, trucks, smaller RVs
• Drive conditions: Can be rough or muddy
• Recommended: High clearance or 4WD if it’s wet or washed out

Try to get there early in the day. Less traffic, more time to set up before dark. Careful driving makes for a smoother arrival at Lime Lake.

RV And Camping Trailer Information

If you’re bringing an RV or camping trailer to Lime Lake, don’t expect any services. This is dispersed camping—no hookups for water, power, or sewer. Self-contained units set up for dry camping work best.

The area sits in or near state forest land, so informal camping is allowed. Small to medium trailers or RVs can get in, but bigger rigs might struggle with the rough, narrow roads. Four-wheel drive sometimes makes a big difference, especially after rain.

There’s usually a stay limit—often about 15 days. We need to pack out everything, including trash, and follow Leave No Trace. No showers, no dump stations, no stores nearby, so plan ahead.

Quick checklist for RV and trailer camping at Lime Lake:

Check local state park or forest websites before you go. Permits, fire rules—sometimes they change, and it’s better to know before you’re out there.

Paid Or Permit Sites

If you’re planning to camp at Lime Lake near Lake Ann, MI, it’s worth knowing that some areas ask for permits. These permits help keep the land in good shape and the camping experience decent for everyone.

Most dispersed camping spots at Lime Lake don’t cost anything, but you’ll probably need a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Usually, you can grab these permits online or just print out the forms straight from the DNR website.

Campsites that need permits don’t offer much in the way of services. You’ll have to haul in your own water, food, and whatever you need for waste. No running water, no trash pickup—just you, your gear, and whatever you pack.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does manage some land in Michigan, though Lime Lake mostly falls under state agencies. BLM lands often have their own permit rules, but those are separate from what Michigan requires.

You’ll need to stick to the pack in, pack out approach—basically, whatever you bring, you take back out. Don’t leave a mess behind; it’s especially important on permit sites where keeping nature as it is really matters.

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