McKinley Horse Camp Boondocking in Mio, MI
Guide to Off-Grid Camping
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| US Highway Govt 4428 Mio, MI 44.639199, -83.971291 Elevation: 958′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
McKinley Horse Camp Boondocking: This free campsite is located within the Huron-Manistee National Forest’s Harrisville Ranger District. McKinley Horse Camp is open all year. We planned to only stay one night … stayed 3. Loved it here! Pit toilets, no trash service, big enough for any size rig. You are sharing with horse people. We only ran into one and they were very nice and welcoming. We highly recommend this place!
About This Location
If you’re after a quiet, free spot to camp near Mio, Michigan, the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site might just fit the bill. This campsite sits tucked in a red pine forest, offering a peaceful place to boondock—no hookups, no fees, just the basics. It’s open all year and works well for folks who like hiking, biking, or hunting out in the woods.
Most of the area is forested, with easy access to trails. The site doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a developed campground, so you’ll want to be comfortable with a simple setup and basic vehicle access. Whether you roll in with an RV, trailer, or just a tent, expect a no-frills stay.
Key Takeaways
- Camp here for free, year-round, in a red pine forest.
- Trails nearby are great for hiking, biking, and hunting.
- Vehicles can get in, but you’ll find a primitive setup with zero amenities.
McKinley Horse Camp Boondocking in Mio, MI
At the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site, you can snag a quiet spot for real boondocking. The campground sits among red pines, giving you shade and a sense of privacy. You camp without hookups, so you’ll need to bring your own water and power.
The camp stays open all year, so you can visit whenever the mood strikes. There are vault toilets and a water source, but don’t count on electricity or sewer. If you like things basic and a bit backcountry, you’ll probably enjoy it.
Horse trails wind through the area, but hikers, bikers, and hunters use them too. The natural setting feels peaceful, and, honestly, you might have the place mostly to yourself at night.
Here’s what the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site offers for boondockers:
- No electrical or sewer hookups
- Drinking water and vault toilets on site
- Access to horse trails and backcountry
- Open all year
- Quiet, wooded red pine setting
If you ask me, bring everything you need, especially water and a way to power your stuff. This spot is best for folks who are happy to be off-grid and close to nature.
Things to Do
You can fill your days at the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site with outdoor stuff here. Forested trails make it easy to go horseback riding—bring your own horse and explore the marked paths.
Fishing’s an option, too. The Au Sable River is nearby, and it’s a solid spot to drop a line. Just remember your fishing gear and a license.
Camping at the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site means you get both quiet and active options. Hike, bike, or just hang out by the fire. The woods are great for watching wildlife if that’s your thing.
Since it’s open year-round, you can even come in winter for snowshoeing or cold-weather camping. It gets pretty chilly, so pack for the temps.
Some ideas for what to do:
- Horseback riding on forest trails
- Fishing in the Au Sable River
- Hiking and biking
- Wildlife watching
- Campfires and hanging out
- Winter camping and snow play
There’s enough variety that you won’t run out of ways to enjoy the place.
Directions
To get to the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site from Grayling, start by heading east on M-72 for about 30 miles.
Then, turn left to go north on M-72/M-33 for half a mile.
Next, hang a right onto McKinley Drive (County Road F32) and keep heading east.
Shortly after, make another right turn into the campsite area. Look for US Highway Government 4428—it’s the access point.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Step | Instruction | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | East on M-72 from Grayling | 30 miles |
| 2 | Left onto M-72/M-33 north | 0.5 miles |
| 3 | Right on McKinley Dr./CR-F32 | Varies |
| 4 | Right into campsite | Immediate |
Plug in these GPS coordinates: 44.6392°N, -83.9713°W.
I’d use these directions and coordinates for a smoother trip. The roads are marked well enough and should get you right there.
Vehicle Access
You can get in with large vehicles at the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site. The parking area handles trucks with horse trailers, so bringing in a big rig isn’t a hassle.
They allow vehicles up to 80 feet long, so if you’re hauling a big trailer or RV, you’ll have room.
To get there, take M-72 east for about 30 miles, turn left and head north on M-72/M-33 for half a mile, then right onto McKinley Drive (CR-F32) and look for the entrance.
The roads are fine for the vehicles allowed, though I’d take it easy in wet weather—mud can sneak up on you.
Once at camp, you’ll find open spaces that make backing in less stressful, even if your trailer’s on the longer side.
Vault toilets are nearby, but you won’t find hookups or paved pads. Just be ready for rustic camping.
If you like camping with a big rig near horse trails, the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site keeps things practical—no tight turns or rough roads to worry about.
RV and Camping Trailer Information
The parking area here is mostly for trucks with horse trailers, so there’s plenty of space if you bring an RV or camping trailer—especially with horses.
It’s all boondocking, so don’t expect electrical hookups, water, or sewer. Bring extra water and something to power your stuff if you’re staying a while.
The ground stays pretty flat, making it easy to park bigger vehicles. Still, I’d watch for soft spots after rain.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Spots fit trucks with horse trailers
- No utility hookups
- Bring all your own water and power
- Flat ground for easier setup
It’s smart to arrive during daylight so you can pick a good spot and set up safely. You’ll need to be self-sufficient, but that’s kind of the point.
If you have pets or lots of gear, the campground is pet-friendly and roomy enough for most setups.
Paid or Permit Sites
At the McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site in Mio, Michigan, you won’t find paid or permit sites. The campground’s free, which makes it a pretty appealing choice if you’re trying to keep costs down.
You can just roll up and grab one of the 20 dirt pad campsites. There’s no need to reserve ahead or mess with permits.
They let you stay for up to 14 days, so there’s plenty of time to wander the forest and hit the trails. Vehicles up to 80 feet can fit, so most RVs and trailers should be fine.
Since the camp sits inside Huron-Manistee National Forests, you can also disperse camp nearby without a permit or fee. Still, it’s important to follow the forest rules to keep the place nice for everyone.
The McKinley Horse Camp boondocking site keeps things simple—no cost, no paperwork, just camping. Honestly, that’s a relief when all you want is to get outside and not fuss with extra steps.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Fishing Horse Trails Wildlife Viewing Stargazing |
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