Whelan Lake Boondocking in Custer, MI
Off-Grid Camping and Adventure
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| FR 6661 Custer, MI 43.910482, -86.157488 Elevation: 748′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – USDA Forest Service 231-745-4631 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Whelan Lake Boondocking: This area is popular for canoeing, fishing and camping. The camping area is near the south branch of the Pere Marquette River, on Whelan Lake. The land surrounding the lake is primarily federal ownership. The road in is Gravel. Whelan Lake boondocking Area is open year round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Whelan Lake boondocking Area.
About This Location
Whelan Lake Boondocking in Custer, MI, gives you a quiet, unfussy place to camp right up against nature. It sits beside a 13-acre lake—pretty peaceful, honestly. You’ll find level sites with enough space for RVs and trailers, so it’s a practical pick for boondocking near water.
Getting there means driving dirt and gravel roads—just something to keep in mind, since the ride’s a bit slow. There’s no official campground or fancy services, but if you want a laid-back vibe with some fishing and easy access to the woods, this place does the trick. Forest and lake blend together, making it a fun spot to wander or paddle around.
Let’s talk about how to get there, what vehicles actually work, and what you can do once you arrive. If you’re curious about the ups and downs of camping here, this guide should help.
Key Takeaways
- Level parking spots fit RVs and trailers.
- Access is via dirt and gravel roads—drive with care.
- Fishing and forest activities are right nearby.
Whelan Lake Boondocking In Custer, MI
Whelan Lake boondocking gives you a quiet spot for boondocking near Custer, Michigan. Woods circle the 13-acre lake, so you’re surrounded by trees and water—no hookups in sight.
Most campsites are pretty level, which makes it easier to park bigger rigs. A few even let you pull through, so setup’s less of a hassle. Since there aren’t any electrical or water hookups, you’ll need to bring your own gear and rely on your self-contained setup.
Fishing’s an option here, so if you want to cast a line, you’re set. Between the lake and the forest, you’ve got a chill base for hiking or just soaking up the outdoors.
Facilities are bare-bones. You’ll want to pack out your trash and stick to Leave No Trace. Restrooms? Not really a thing here, so plan for that.
Key points to consider:
- No electrical, water, or sewer hookups
- Level sites, some with pull-throughs
- Fishing and hiking close by
- Limited or no restroom facilities
- Bring all supplies you’ll need
Whelan Lake boondocking is for campers who like things simple and self-reliant. If you’re looking to dodge crowded campgrounds and just unwind in Michigan’s woods, this spot might be your speed.
Things To Do
At Whelan Lake boondocking, activities are pretty straightforward and outdoorsy. The lake’s got good fishing spots. Bring your gear and try your luck from shore or a little boat.
The forest around the lake has trails and wildlife, so hiking’s a solid way to spend your time. The woods stay quiet, which makes for a relaxing walk or casual day hike.
Boondocking here means you get to explore without crowds. You can camp close to the water, so those early mornings or sunsets by the lake are all yours.
If you’re into paddling, kayaking and canoeing on Whelan Lake are both mellow options. The lake isn’t big, but it’s peaceful—perfect for drifting and taking it all in.
Bring a camera or your phone. The scenery’s great for photos, whether you like lake reflections or forest shots.
If you want to add a little variety, check out some points of interest in Custer, MI. It’s a nice way to mix in a bit of local flavor with your outdoor time.
Directions
To get to Whelan Lake Boondocking in Custer, MI, start from Baldwin.
Head west on 56th Street for about 13.5 miles. That part’s easy.
Turn right and go north on Walhalla Road for 1.25 miles. You’ll get closer to the woods.
Turn right again onto Forest Road 6661. This last bit goes west, taking you straight to the Whelan Lake boondocking site.
GPS sometimes gets it wrong out here, so stick to these directions if you can.
You’ll find the spot marked on the U.S. Forest Service map, which helps a lot if you’re second-guessing yourself.
Summary of Directions:
| Step | Direction | Distance | Road Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Baldwin | West | 13.5 miles | 56th Street |
| Turn right | North | 1.25 miles | Walhalla Rd. |
| Turn right | West | – | FR 6661 |
Most of the way’s paved, except for that last forest road. It’s a pretty direct route.
Whelan Lake boondocking sits just above the lake itself, so once you’re close, it’s hard to miss.
Vehicle Access
To reach Whelan Lake Boondocking, turn right and head west on Forest Road 6661. The campground sits about 2.25 miles down on your left.
The road’s dirt and gets rough in places. It’s smart to scout ahead and check the condition before you drive all the way in, especially if it’s rained lately. Some vehicles might get stuck or have trouble with mud or ruts.
We usually use vehicles with decent clearance to handle the dirt roads. Big RVs and long trailers can have a tough time with the narrow turns and softer ground.
Key points about vehicle access:
- Dirt road (FR 6661) leads straight to the site
- About 2.25 miles from the main turn
- Road conditions change with the weather
- Not all vehicles will make it in
We always bring some basic tools and check the weather before heading in. It’s just good sense out here.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
At Whelan Lake boondocking, the camping spots work for both RVs and camping trailers. Each site generally allows one main camping unit—like a truck camper, trailer, or RV—so things don’t get crowded.
Site sizes vary, but most fit small or medium trailers or RVs. Larger rigs might struggle with the narrow, sometimes rough roads, so plan ahead.
You won’t find hookups for water, electricity, or sewage. Bring what you need and plan for self-contained camping.
Access roads are local forest roads—narrow and bumpy. GPS can send you the wrong way, so stick with local directions if you can.
Here’s a quick summary of what to expect:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Units per Site | 1 RV or trailer plus tents |
| Utilities | None (no water, electric, or sewage hookups) |
| Road Conditions | Narrow, bumpy forest roads |
| Recommended RV Size | Small to medium |
It’s a good idea to call ahead (231-745-4631) or check local resources before you go, just in case there are changes or new rules.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Whelan Lake boondocking, you’ll need to pay a fee or grab a permit for most campsites. The place offers a mix of spots, and a few have pull-through paths wide enough for bigger rigs. I like that these sites usually sit pretty flat and stay in good shape, which honestly saves a lot of hassle.
Fees jump around depending on which site you want and what time of year you show up. I’d say it’s smart to check ahead because this area fills up fast, especially when the weather’s nice. If you lock in a reservation or permit, you don’t have to stress about rolling in and finding everything’s taken.
One of the best parts? You get direct access to Whelan Lake, so you can fish or just sit back and watch the water from your camping area. There are usually restrooms and fire pits nearby—nothing fancy, but it makes things easier.
If you’re looking for something else, Ludington State Park isn’t far, though it’s got its own set of permits and fees. Folks who’d rather camp for free can find spots around Custer, but honestly, you won’t get the same perks or setup.
Before you head out, double-check the latest rules and costs. It’s not fun getting caught off guard, and a little prep goes a long way for a chill trip to Whelan Lake boondocking or wherever you end up.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Boat Ramp Fire Ring Near Water Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Biking Canoeing Fishing Hiking Hunting 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