Thinking of getting “far away from the madding crowds”? Don’t count on it at least at this National Lakeshore. Boondockers are warned off from Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan.
Boondockers warned off via Facebook
It must be a problem, because National Park Service officials have turned to social media with the warn-off. In a recent Facebook post, rangers sympathized, but admonished: “We understand the desire to run away from it all as a new school year is knocking on your door. At the National Lakeshore, camping is only allowed at designated campgrounds and campsites.”
The post clearly added, “Off-trail camping, boondocking, and overnight parking for sleeping is illegal within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.”
If you still have the yearning to be free, you’ll need to cast aside the comfort of Mo-Mo the Motorhome and strap on a backpack.
“Backcountry camping is available year-round at the White Pine Backcountry Campground,” the post adds. From a park photo, it appears that the bears must not sleep all the time, if “bear boxes” are required!
For more information on this National Lakeshore, click here.
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Not shocked. I’ve climbed those dunes since I was a kid and LONG before ownership transferred from the State of Michigan to the Federal Government. Dunes are pretty fragile environments. Even way back then, the types of access were stringently restricted to protect this area. Boondocking in the dunes would be the equivalent of parking your RV in an open field next to one of the geysers at Yellowstone.
Well said. Thanks jim.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Will do. We only travel in the RV, so we won’t contemplate boondocking. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂