NF Rd 2251 Boondocking in Shingleton, MI
Off-Grid Camping
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Shingleton, MI 46.354616, -86.503669 Elevation: 856′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – National Park Service This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
NF Rd 2251 Boondocking: We thought this was a great spot if you like privacy. It’s pretty much a spot where the the ferns have been cut. There are quite a few other spots along the roads back here where you could park and stay if you cut some of the ferns. We stayed two nights, walked the trails. Road over 5 miles and never saw another person. Make your own fire pit, very primitive camping. We had a 20ft GeoPro, the road is a little narrow and rough but no problems getting in. We enjoyed the stay.
About This Location
Boondocking on NF Rd 2251 near Shingleton, Michigan, gives you a quiet and free camping experience if you’re itching to get closer to nature without spending a dime. NF Rd 2251 boondocking lets us set up camp in a national forest area that’s open to cars and RVs, so you can roll in and settle down surrounded by trees and quiet. It’s a solid pick for anyone who wants to camp off-grid and skip the usual campground fees.
There’s space for tents, RVs, and trailers, so it works for just about any setup. You can wander some nearby trails or just soak in the forest. Since it’s free and pretty open, you’ll want to show up prepared and make sure you don’t leave a mess.
Key Takeways
- Campsites are free and set in a national forest near Shingleton, MI.
- You can get there with a car or RV—vehicle access is simple.
- There’s plenty to do outside if you want more than just camping.
NF Rd 2251 Boondocking In Shingleton, MI
You’ll find a decent spot for boondocking on National Forest Road 2251 near Shingleton, Michigan. Camping here won’t cost you anything, which is a relief for budget travelers and anyone who wants some peace. The NF Rd 2251 boondocking location sits near Chamberlain Road and has basic vehicle access.
There’s a parking lot and a couple of extra lots tucked on the north side of Boon Road. These give you enough room to park and set up without much hassle. Just don’t expect any fancy amenities—no water or electricity hookups.
If you’re heading to NF Rd 2251, pack all the essentials you’ll need. Bring water, food, and whatever camping gear keeps you comfortable. This spot is remote and there’s nothing in the way of services, so it’s on you to come prepared.
Here’s a quick rundown before you head out:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Chamberlain Road, Shingleton |
| Cost | Free |
| Facilities | Parking lots, no hookups |
| Accessibility | Vehicle access via forest road |
| Supplies Needed | Water, food, camping gear |
You get a quiet forest backdrop for your stay. Keep it clean and follow leave-no-trace principles so others can enjoy it too.
Things To Do
There’s actually a fair bit to do around the NF Rd 2251 boondocking location in Shingleton, MI. Miner’s Beach is a local favorite if you want to chill by Lake Superior and take in the view.
If hiking’s more your thing, Kingston Lake State Forest Campground has some nice trails and plenty of peaceful woods. You can also get out on the water or try fishing at North Gemini Lake.
Feeling adventurous? Pictured Rocks Adventures runs guided tours and boat trips so you can check out the famous cliffs and shoreline. That’s honestly a must if you haven’t seen the area before.
For something different, Husky Haven Kennels offers dog sledding in winter. It’s a cool way to try something local and a bit out of the ordinary.
| Activity | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Relaxation | Miner’s Beach | Awesome lake views |
| Hiking and Camping | Kingston Lake Campground | Forest trails and camping |
| Paddle Sports & Fishing | North Gemini Lake | Quiet, good fishing |
| Boat Tours | Pictured Rocks Adventures | Scenic guided tours |
| Dog Sledding | Husky Haven Kennels (winter) | Seasonal, unique experience |
Directions
To get to the NF Rd 2251 boondocking location, start in Shingleton. Head north on M-94 for about 3 miles.
Turn onto Chamberlain Road and keep going until you hit National Forest Road 2251. That’ll take you right to the camping area.
Most of the route is gravel, so bring a vehicle that can handle some bumps and loose rock. Take it slow and keep an eye out for campsite signs.
If you use GPS, just punch in “National Forest Rd 2251, Shingleton, MI” and it should get you there. I’d double-check the map before you go, since it’s easy to get spun around in the woods.
Definitely bring all the supplies you’ll need—there are no stores nearby. It’s remote, so plan ahead for food, water, and fuel.
Vehicle Access
We reach the NF Rd 2251 boondocking location by driving on decent forest roads. Most cars can handle the dirt and gravel, but if it’s been raining, things might get a little rough.
You don’t need four-wheel drive unless it’s really muddy or the road’s in bad shape, but it never hurts to check the weather before you go.
Parking’s pretty informal—just some open areas near the the NF Rd 2251 boondocking locations. No paved lots, so watch out for soft ground if it’s wet.
Some stretches get a bit narrow or rough. Take it easy, watch for low branches, and keep an eye out for debris.
Here’s a quick vehicle checklist:
- Check your tire pressure and tread
- Fill the gas tank
- Pack some basic recovery gear (tow strap, shovel)
- Bring a paper map or GPS
A little prep goes a long way when you’re heading out to places like this.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
If you’re bringing an RV or camping trailer to the NF Rd 2251 boondocking location, you’ll find it’s a decent spot. It’s all free boondocking—no water, no hookups, no electricity.
Make sure your rig’s self-contained with fresh water and waste storage. You’ll want your own power, whether that’s solar panels or a generator.
The roads are mostly gravel and can handle small to medium RVs and trailers, but if you’ve got a huge rig, you might have a tough time turning around or squeezing into some spots.
Leveling blocks and stabilizers come in handy since the ground’s not exactly flat or paved. You won’t find marked lots here—just clearings in the woods.
A few things to keep in mind for RV camping at NF Rd 2251:
- No hookups (water, power, sewer)
- Gravel roads and natural ground
- Best for small to medium rigs
- Bring your own water, power, and waste solutions
- Leveling gear is useful
Camping is dispersed, so you’ll have privacy but no facilities. Be ready to pack out all your trash and waste—there’s no dump station out here.
Paid Or Permit Sites
Near the NF Rd 2251 boondocking location in Shingleton, MI, most boondocking areas sit on public land, so you usually won’t need to pay anything. But if you’re eyeing the designated campgrounds or state- or national-forest–managed sites, you might run into permits or fees.
Take the campgrounds in Hiawatha National Forest, for instance—they tend to charge overnight fees. These spots typically toss in a few basics like fire rings and picnic tables. You can pay at one of those self-service stations or just handle it online ahead of time.
Some areas, like the Cusino State Wildlife Research Area, might require permits for certain activities or if you’re planning to stick around for a while. It’s smart to call the local DNR office in Shingleton (906-452-6236) to see what the latest rules are.
Summary of possible fees:
| Location | Fee/Permit Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NF Rd 2251 boondocking sites | Usually free | No services, first-come, first-served |
| Hiawatha National Forest campgrounds | Fee-based | Amenities available |
| Cusino State Wildlife Area | Possible permit for some uses | Check local DNR requirements |
Always double-check the rules before setting up, especially if you’re rolling in during a busy weekend or some special event. Nobody wants a fine to ruin the trip, right?
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Wildlife Viewing Stargazing |
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