M28 Boondocking in Shingleton, MI
Essential Tips for Off-Grid Camping
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Shingleton, MI 46.365838, -86.531822 Elevation: 883′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – National Park Service (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
M28 Boondocking in Shingleton: Westbound on 28, Hiawatha National Forest land, a few miles past Shingleton, MI. There are pulloffs here but no fire rings. We were able to stay for a night unbothered, but the roads back here are UTV trails so expect some noise and traffic from that. Use your best judgement. Stayed here with a passenger vehicle and a tent.
About This Location
Looking for a quiet spot to camp near Shingleton, Michigan? M28 boondocking in Shingleton might be just the thing. There are free campsites scattered along M28 where you can park without hookups and soak up some nature right by Hiawatha National Forest. If you want a simple, low-cost way to camp with easy vehicle access, it’s honestly hard to beat.
M28 boondocking in Shingleton means you’re staying in natural areas with none of the usual campground perks. Some spots sit close to the road and are easy to spot, while others require a short drive down a side track. You’ll find nearby lakes and forest trails, so it’s a solid base for hiking, fishing, or just wandering around looking for wildlife.
You can park tents, RVs, or trailers in M28 boondocking in Shingleton, but keep in mind—there’s usually no water, electric, or waste facilities. If you come prepared, you’ll have a much better time in this quieter part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Key Takeaways
- Free camping spots line M28 near Shingleton.
- Sites offer easy access for vehicles, including RVs and trailers.
- You’ll get natural surroundings and outdoor activities close by.
M28 Boondocking In Shingleton, MI
M28 boondocking in Shingleton gives you a quiet, free way to camp in the Upper Peninsula. Most spots sit on Hiawatha National Forest land, a few miles west of Shingleton. You can camp with a tent, car, or RV—no reservations needed.
The M28 boondocking in Shingleton sites are basic, no hookups or facilities. Bring your own water, food, and waste supplies. If you want to disconnect and enjoy some rugged nature, this area is a good fit.
You’ve got hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching nearby. The forest is dense and scenic, so there’s plenty of privacy. Since the spots are spread out, keeping a map or GPS handy is smart for finding legal sites.
Here’s a quick checklist for M28 boondocking in Shingleton:
- No fees or permits needed
- Camping allowed on national forest land
- Bring all essentials (water, food, waste bags)
- Sites are primitive with no services
- Stay at least one mile from official campgrounds
Van campers and RVs use these spots often, but narrow or rough roads can be tricky—drive with care. M28 boondocking in Shingleton is really for folks who want simple, off-grid camping close to the outdoors.
Things To Do
Camping along M28 boondocking in Shingleton, MI, opens up a bunch of outdoor activities. Hiking’s a big one, with trails winding through forests and along lake shores. Bring your gear and pick a path—it’s peaceful out here.
Fishing? Absolutely. The rivers and lakes nearby offer spots to cast a line and unwind. It’s a favorite way for a lot of campers to connect with the area.
You can swing by local campgrounds like Chocolay River or Baileys Woods Campground. They sometimes have boat rentals, picnic tables, and fire pits—nice for a mix of solitude and the occasional chat with other campers.
If paddling’s more your thing, kayaking or canoeing on local rivers is a great way to spend a day. The water’s calm, perfect for beginners, and you might spot wildlife along the way.
Wildlife watching is always an option near M28 boondocking in Shingleton. You’ll see birds, deer, and maybe even more if you’re lucky. Binoculars help you spot animals without getting too close.
Here’s a quick list of activities near M28 boondocking in Shingleton:
- Hiking and nature walks
- Fishing
- Boating and paddling
- Wildlife watching
- Campground social events
All these options keep things interesting when you’re boondocking out here.
Directions
To get to the M28 boondocking spot in Shingleton, MI, just head for the main road, M-28. It runs east-west across the Upper Peninsula—pretty easy to spot on any map.
The campsite sits just off M-28. Look for the pullout near coordinates 46.3658° N, 86.5318° W. That’s your free camping zone—no fees, no permits.
Drive along M-28 until you notice a cleared pullout area on the roadside. There aren’t any signs, so keep your eyes peeled.
If you’re coming from the north, Driggs River Road is a good reference point. It crosses near the campsite and works as an alternate access. The trail from M-28 is shorter and the easiest way in.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start | M-28 highway in Shingleton, MI |
| Coordinates | 46.3658° N, 86.5318° W |
| Landmarks | Pullout area on the side of M-28 |
| Alternate access | Driggs River Road near campsite |
Drive carefully, especially if it’s raining or dark. The roadside pullout is close to the main road but still manages to feel pretty quiet for camping.
Vehicle Access
To reach the M28 boondocking in Shingleton, MI, just turn off M-28. The GPS coordinates are 46.365838, -86.531822. The gravel road to the pull-out is surprisingly well-kept and handles most vehicles.
Big rigs like RVs and trailers can make it, but take it slow. The gravel can be uneven. Check your clearance before you commit.
Parking is informal—no marked spots. Just pull off along the roadside, but don’t block traffic. Space isn’t endless, so bigger groups might have to split up.
After heavy rain, I’d avoid driving in. The gravel gets soft and slippery, and getting stuck isn’t fun.
If you run into trouble or need towing, M28 Towing and Recovery is right in Shingleton at E12504 State Hwy M28. Their number: (906) 202-3949.
Getting to the M28 boondocking in Shingleton is straightforward for most vehicles, but a little prep goes a long way. Always park safely and do your part to keep the area natural.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Camping or boondocking near M28 in Shingleton, MI works for RVs and trailers, but size matters. Some areas fit trailers and smaller RVs, while others are better for tents or compact campers.
Facilities really depend on the site. Thornton’s Rafting Resort, for example, has RV sites with hookups. But most free campsites along M28 don’t have water or electric, so you’ll need to be ready for dry camping.
Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
- Water storage and filtration
- Power sources (solar panels, generators)
- Waste disposal for black and gray water
Leveling blocks and sturdy stabilizers are smart, since the ground can be uneven at these boondocking spots.
If your RV is over 30 feet, some sites get tight—plan ahead for parking. Smaller trailers and pop-ups are easier to fit in the less developed spots.
If you want more amenities, you can always book a spot at Hiawatha National Forest campgrounds. They’ve got more established sites for RVs and trailers, sometimes with bathrooms or showers.
Honestly, self-sufficiency is key when you’re boondocking on M28. A little planning makes the outdoors a lot more comfortable and a whole lot safer.
Paid Or Permit Sites
Near the M28 boondocking in Shingleton, MI, some camping areas ask for permits or charge fees. For instance, if you want a backcountry spot, you’ll probably need to reserve it ahead of time with a permit. It’s easy to overlook these details, but missing them can mess up your trip.
At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, they charge $15 for a permit, plus $5 per person each night if you’re camping in the park’s backcountry. That money goes straight into keeping the sites in good shape and protecting the land—which, honestly, seems fair.
Usually, you can grab permits online or pick one up in person before you get there. If you’re planning to visit in peak season, it’s smart to lock in your permit early. Nobody wants to deal with fines or get kicked out over paperwork.
For state forest land nearby, sometimes you don’t need a permit at all, but some spots come with their own set of rules. It’s worth double-checking for each place before you pitch your tent.
Some spots cost money or require paperwork, while others are free and easy. If we want to keep boondocking near M28 fun (and hassle-free), it pays to know the rules going in.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking and nature walks Wildlife watching |
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