Shelldrake Lake Dam Boondocking in Paradise, MI
Guide for Off-Grid Camping Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Paradise, MI 46.71258, -85.06436 Elevation: 650′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – State Forest This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Shelldrake Lake Dam Boondocking: The road in is Dirt and 3 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. A handful of spots near Shelldrake Lake Dam. Go past Andrus Lake State Forest Campground (paid site) and veer left on West Dam Road. I could not find any official site about the campground there but the sites had stone fire rings. Found this from another site while trying to look for a nicer place to camp besides the CCC Camp. And according to that site the campground has been officially closed since 2014, so it is not maintained but still a place to camp rustically.
About This Location
Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking in Paradise, Michigan, offers a one-of-a-kind boondocking experience for folks who like real off-grid camping. Even though the official campground’s been closed for a while, there are still a handful of accessible sites where you can camp—no fees, no permits, just you and the woods. It’s a peaceful, natural spot perfect for wildlife watching, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
You’ll get there by a dirt road that’s doable for most vehicles—no need to own a monster truck or anything. The area has next to no services, so you’ll want to come prepared and self-sufficient. For people who’d rather skip the crowds and the fees of traditional campgrounds, Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking is a refreshing option.
Key Takeways
- Camping sites near Shelldrake Dam are free and open for boondocking.
- The area’s great for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
- Standard vehicles can handle the dirt road in.
Shelldrake Lake Dam Boondocking in Paradise, MI
Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking sits quietly near Paradise, Michigan, and you can camp there for free. The official campground closed back in 2014, but you’ll still find about five to seven dispersed sites for boondocking. It’s simple, stripped-down camping—nothing fancy.
You reach the area by a dirt road that’s straightforward enough for regular vehicles. The surroundings are calm, and you’ll spot plenty of wildlife or maybe toss in a line, paddle around, or just hang out by the impoundment behind the dam.
Don’t expect amenities—there’s no water, no restrooms, no electricity. Bring everything you’ll need, including water and bags for trash.
Key points for Shelldrake Lake Dam Boondocking:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Campground status | Officially closed since 2014 |
| Number of sites | 5 to 7 dispersed boondocking sites |
| Road access | Dirt road, no 4WD needed |
| Facilities | None (no water, toilets, or power) |
| Activities | Wildlife watching, fishing, paddling |
This spot really fits people who want peace and don’t care about amenities. If you’re into rustic camping and being surrounded by forest, it’s a solid choice.
Things To Do
At Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking, you’ve got a handful of outdoor activities to fill your days. Wildlife watching is a big one—birds, critters, you name it. A pair of binoculars can really up your game here.
Fishing? Absolutely. The impoundment behind the dam has some decent fishing, whether you’re casting from shore or floating out in a kayak or canoe.
You’ll find hiking along the dirt roads and a few trails. The nearby beach areas are nice for a stroll and offer some mellow views. The ground’s mostly flat, so it’s not a tough walk.
Boondocking here means camping with almost no services, so it’s about as rustic as it gets by the water.
Here’s a quick list of activities:
- Wildlife watching
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Hiking along the beach and trails
- Boondocking and camping
If you’re looking for a quiet, back-to-basics camping spot near Paradise, MI, Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking checks a lot of boxes.
Directions
Getting to Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking is pretty straightforward. Start in Paradise, Michigan. From the town center, head north on Sheldrake River Road.
After about five miles, turn onto Wire Road and keep going for another three miles. This puts you right near the old campground area and the forest by the dam.
Keep your eyes peeled for signs of the old campsites along the way. The campground’s been closed since 2014, but there are still several spots you can use for camping—just don’t expect any services.
Here’s the basic route:
- Start at Paradise, MI
- Take Sheldrake River Road north 5 miles
- Turn onto Wire Road for 3 miles
- Watch for old campsite access points
The roads are mostly gravel or dirt, so a car with decent clearance is a good idea. Since there’s nothing in the way of facilities, you’ll want to bring all your own supplies.
If you need something less primitive, Andrus Lake Campground is nearby and has a few services. But if you’re after the real boondocking experience, this route takes you straight to the quiet lakeside spots.
Vehicle Access
You’ll reach Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking by a dirt road that’s usually in decent shape—no 4WD required, just a regular car or SUV in most weather.
If it’s been raining, though, the road can get muddy and a little dicey. It’s smart to check the weather and maybe ask around about current conditions before you head out.
The campground near the dam originally had 18 sites for tents and small trailers. Larger RVs might struggle with the narrow, unpaved road and tight turns.
Watch out for soft spots or ruts, especially after rain. Slowing down helps avoid getting stuck or dinging your vehicle.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Vehicle Type | Access Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard car or SUV | Usually fine on dry roads |
| Small trailers | Suitable for most campsites |
| Large RVs | May find access challenging |
| 4WD vehicles | Not necessary but helpful in wet conditions |
Plan for basic dirt road driving and take it easy if it’s been wet. That’ll make sure you get in and out without any headaches.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
There’s no official campground open for RVs or trailers at Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking. The original site closed years ago and hasn’t reopened. Still, a few boondocking spots remain accessible nearby.
The road in gets rough, especially the last mile or two—expect potholes and bumps. Smaller rigs like tents, truck campers, or camper vans handle it best. Big RVs or long trailers will probably have a tough time.
No hookups, no water, no dump station—so you’ve got to be totally self-contained and ready to pack out every bit of waste. Bring all the water and supplies you’ll need.
Here’s what to expect for RVs and trailers:
- Road quality: Dirt with potholes
- Best for: Small campers, tents, truck campers
- Not recommended: Large trailers, big rigs
- Facilities: None (no hookups or dump)
- Camping type: Boondocking/off-grid
Give your vehicle a once-over before making the trip, and plan for primitive conditions. It’s remote, wild, and pretty much unmanaged—just the way some of us like it.
Paid Or Permit Sites
You won’t find any official paid or permit campsites at Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking. The old state forest campground shut down back in 2014, thanks to budget cuts. So, there just aren’t any managed, fee-based camping spots around here anymore.
With the campground gone, camping near Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking is basically all dispersed or boondocking. It’s free, but don’t expect restrooms, water, or even a trash bin. If you’re heading out here, you’ll need to handle everything yourself—no one’s picking up after you.
If you’re after a paid site or want campground amenities, you’ll have to look somewhere else around Paradise, MI. There are a handful of state parks and private campgrounds nearby, and they do offer reservable spots if you don’t mind paying for the convenience.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Camping Type | Availability at Shelldrake Dam | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid Permit Sites | None | None | N/A |
| Dispersed Camping | Yes | No facilities, no fees | Free |
| Nearby State Parks | Yes (off-site) | Restrooms, water, sometimes electric | Fees Apply |
State rules for dispersed camping still apply. Usually, that means you need to set up camp at least a mile from any maintained trail or road—supposedly to help protect the forest and wildlife.
Shelldrake Lake Dam boondocking is really only a good fit if you want free, primitive camping with zero permits or fees. Just bring what you need and plan on packing out every bit of your trash.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Boat Ramp Fire Ring |
RV Camping Tent Camping OHV Boating Fishing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
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Bureau of Land Management
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Michigan Park Service
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Department of Natural Resources