Snow Mobile Parking
Boondocking Area in Shingleton, MI
A Practical Guide for Winter Riders
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Shingleton, MI 46.52724, -86.22137 Elevation: 925′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Snow Mobile Parking Boondocking Area: The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. A HUGE lot marked with brown signs (meaning state or federal) as Snow Mobile Parking. We ended up here (lucky find) after not being able to fit in a campsite at Hurricane Campground NPS even though the on-line description said the site was adequate – NO Way we would fit ! Did I say this lot is Huge. Gravel lot but just off paved park service road. If you’re going to visit the pictured rocks area this may be an option – we never found the nearby “Truck Road” site listed on this. Best would be to stay in town if possible, the beginning of park road 58 is very rough in Munising. We stayed one night with no bother. No restrictions posted and the lot is HUGE !
About This Location
If you’re searching for a spot to park your snowmobiles and do a bit of boondocking near Shingleton, Michigan, you’re in luck—there are some solid options around. One of the best spots has free campsites, paved roads, and enough space for just about any RV or trailer—the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area. No need to wrestle with tight corners or decode a list of complicated rules.
Parking near local shops gives you quick access to both the trails and the town. While a few areas don’t have official parking, you’ll usually find a place nearby to leave your rig and hit the snowmobile trails. It’s nice to know where you can park and camp so you can focus on the ride and soak in those snowy views without extra hassle.
Key Takeaways
- Free campsites with easy access are available near Shingleton.
- Nearby parking options make trail access simple.
- RVs and trailers of all sizes fit here.
Snow Mobile Parking Boondocking Area In Shingleton, MI
When you’re snowmobiling in Shingleton, MI, finding a good boondocking spot for parking matters. You can pull into free campsites with paved roads and over 30 available spots. The Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area doesn’t put any limits on RV length, so bring the big rig if you want.
A lot of parking areas are right near the snowmobile trails. For instance, near Shingleton and Bear Trap, there’s a park-n-ride off Highway H-58. You’ll be right next to Trail #8, so you can unload and go—no long trek to the trailhead.
Ice fishing and snowmobiling draw plenty of folks here, so it helps that some spots offer trailer parking and are close to fuel and food. Resorts in the Central Upper Peninsula, like a few near Big Bay, usually have these basics covered. That way, you’re not stressing about running out of supplies mid-adventure.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find for the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Road Type | Mostly paved roads to campsites |
| Campsites | 30+ sites, unlimited RV length |
| Nearby Trails | Trail #8 and others |
| Parking | Trailer parking available |
| Amenities Nearby | Fuel, food, and snowmobile services |
Try to show up early in the season if you want a spot—these areas can fill up fast when snowmobiling’s at its peak. Always double-check local rules for dispersed camping so you don’t accidentally set up in a restricted area.
Things To Do
When you’re in Shingleton, the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area, you’ve got a handful of activities close by. Most folks hit the well-marked snowmobile trails. The experience is pretty straightforward: you park, gear up, and you’re on the trails in no time.
If you’re around in warmer months, try morel mushroom hunting. The forests here are a favorite for that, and it’s a peaceful way to wander around and maybe score a tasty find.
Fishing and paddling are big on nearby lakes like Gemini Lake. The water’s calm, and it’s a good way to relax or get moving after a day on the snow. Camping by these lakes lets you mix water time with snowmobile trips.
For rustic camping fans, the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area around Shingleton are simple but practical. Paved roads and easy access work for both RVs and tents, and you’re usually close to a trailhead.
Here’s a quick list of what you can do nearby:
- Snowmobiling on marked trail systems
- Morel mushroom hunting in nearby forests
- Fishing and paddling on Gemini Lake
- Camping at free or state forest campgrounds
If you’re after some outdoor fun with a bit of comfort, this area makes a good home base for exploring in a few different ways.
Directions
To get to the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area in Shingleton, MI, start on M-28. From downtown Shingleton, just head north on M-28 for less than a quarter mile.
You’ll find parking just east of the Tanglewood Restaurant and Antique Shop—it’s easy to spot and close to the trails.
The road into some campsites is paved, which makes towing a trailer or driving a bigger vehicle a lot less stressful. There are more than 30 campsites in the area, and you won’t run into any RV length limits.
If you’re boondocking, stick near the designated parking and respect private land boundaries. The Hiawatha National Forest has wide-open snowmobiling areas, but there’s some private property mixed in, so stay on the approved trails.
Before you head out, check the latest trail maps and conditions. Michigan’s snowmobile resources have printable maps to help you plan your route.
Vehicle Access
You can reach the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area in Shingleton on paved roads, so pretty much any vehicle will do. The main route is smooth—towing a trailer or driving a big RV shouldn’t give you trouble.
Parking by the Tanglewood Restaurant and Antique Shop on M-28 puts you close to the main trailheads—less than a quarter mile away, so you’re not wasting time getting to the action.
At the campsite, there are over 30 parking sites. You can park vehicles of any length, including the largest RVs. That’s handy if you like to boondock with a big setup.
Heads up: some areas require a Michigan Recreation Passport for access or parking. Stick to posted rules and stay in the designated zones to avoid fines or getting towed.
If the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area fills up, the Holiday gas station in Wetmore offers spots for a small fee. Not a bad backup if you’re in a pinch.
Summary of Vehicle Access:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Road type | Paved |
| Parking near trails | Yes, near Tanglewood Restaurant |
| Campsites with parking | 30+ sites, no RV length limit |
| Recreation Passport required | Sometimes |
| Paid parking alternative | Holiday gas station in Wetmore (small fee) |
Keep an eye on local signs and follow the parking rules—makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
At the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area in Shingleton, MI, you can bring RVs of any size—seriously, no length restrictions. That takes the stress out of planning if you’ve got a big camper or trailer.
There are over 30 campsites, so you’ll have room to park and settle in. Just remember, these spots don’t have hookups for water, electric, or sewer. You’ll need to come prepared for boondocking—bring what you need, and plan to dry camp.
If you’ve got a smaller trailer or a tent, check out other nearby sites like North Gemini Lake State Forest Campground for designated spaces. But at the main snowmobile parking, the focus is on free, open access for larger vehicles.
Camping here is primitive, so you’re on your own for supplies and waste. Please, follow Leave No Trace principles and help keep the area clean.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum RV length | Unlimited |
| Number of campsites | 30 or more |
| Hookups | None (boondocking only) |
| Suitable for | RVs, camping trailers, tents |
If you plan ahead for no hookups, the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area is hard to beat for convenient, flexible camping in Shingleton.
Paid Or Permit Sites
When parking snowmobiles near Shingleton, MI, it’s smart to figure out if you’ll need a permit or have to pay a fee. Most folks riding the trails need a snowmobile trail permit for both state trails and the parking lots. That money goes right back into keeping the trails and the Snow Mobile Parking boondocking area in decent shape.
Michigan wants you to register your sled and buy a trail permit before you hit the snow. These permits usually cover the whole snowmobile season, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with the Secretary of State or Michigan’s DNR website since fees and rules can shift.
Some parking spots or campsites tack on fees for overnight stays or extra amenities. Honestly, it pays to call ahead or poke around online to see if the spot near Shingleton charges anything. Sure, you can find free places, but the paid ones tend to be better maintained and sometimes just easier to deal with.
Here’s a quick list worth keeping handy:
- Snowmobile trail permit: You’ll need this for most trail parking.
- Sled registration: Make sure it’s current.
- Camping fees: Some spots charge, some don’t.
- Check online or with local offices: Rules and costs can change.
If we stay on top of the permits and fees, we can skip the hassle of fines and keep things above board when parking or boondocking around Shingleton.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Snowmobiling Wildlife Viewing |
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