Boondocking Michigan's Upper Peninsula and visit NASA's rocket launch pad

There's a whole world to see, and we ...Haven't Seen It Yet.
On our recent visit to Michigan's Upper Peninsula we had a opportunity to do some boondocking. This was our first time we've ever boondocked and we fell in love with it. Here you'll see our 3 favorite boondocking sites. We'll also visit the Keweenaw Rocket Range used by NASA from 1964-1971.
Near Peninsula Point Lighthouse --- 45.676003, -85.966352
Paradise Point --- 46.479325, - 86.766776 - currently closed to the public as of late 2020 - check with local National Forest officials
www.uppermichiganssource.com/...
High Rock Bay --- 47.428137, -87.713033
Correction: It wasn't the Pictured Rocks that we could see from Paradise Point, those were the cliffs of Grand Island. Thank you to Phil Cleven for that correction.
We hope our videos inspire you to get off the couch and explore this beautiful country for yourselves.
Credits: Songs
"Pluck It Up" by Dan Henig
"Honey & Milk" by The 126ers
"Mysteries" by Dan Lebowitz
"Arpy" by Dan Henig
"Winds or Spring" by The 126ers
All music in this video was acquired from the KZbin Audio Library.

[@aandrus2169]

This is so cool!!!! I'm so excited you are doing this on KZbin!! Great narration voice, Jim! You two are doing a great job! This really seems professional to me!

[@JenniferLupine]

So beautiful! Thanks for the tips!! Great camping locations!! The Great lakes are amazing😊😊

[@dickspade7045]

I just discovered you channel. I very much appreciate your style of filming & narration, thanks for taking me along. My wife & I hope to go here in 2021. We look forward to following your future adventures.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thank you for watching!

[@LuckyDawgProductionsModerator]

What a great video! I love everything about this video. Love to see and hear the loons. I love the U.P. I am a Yupper Wannabe. I am from Ohio, but spent lots of time in Michigan staying with my cousin in Dearborn, Traverse City, and many visits to the Upper Penninsula. We stayed in Paradise on Lake Superior a long time ago, and went to Whitefish Point and Tahquamenon Falls. So beautiful. Will be sharing this video with my cousin. Thanks for sharing this awesome video.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Lucky Dawg Productions Moderator - thank you for your kind comments and thank you for watching. I’m glad you were able to spend time in Michigan and in the UP growing up. I’m hoping to post another UP video when I’m able to catch-up on things. Hopefully you’ll get back to that magical place called the UP in the future.

[@cpwatching5647]

Very nice footage enjoyed your show. Oct 2019 we took our pop up pickup camper to the UP . Great trip. We've had ours since 1997. In the area and Wisconsin many small out of the way gems await. Hope you keep showing how awesome pickup camping and the simple places can be. Take care!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for the kind comment. The UP certainly is a wonderful place, hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Funny, our camper is a 1997, but we've only owned it for a year. We've kind of fallen in love with the truck camper and the ease of setup and tear down.

[@steveandrews2215]

Loved your video... We've subscribed and will now share your adventures to our friends, and you two can keep bringing us cool videos from "regular folks" without the glitz.. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for the compliment of “regular folks without the glitz”. We really had fun with this adventure and video. Also thanks for sharing with your friends.

[@michaelkloeckner6353]

Hoping to see more boomdocking sites.. Great job on video editing to.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for the kind comment. Hoping to have something soon.

[@StepvanDan]

Great video,love it,hope to get up there soon,thank you for sharing big hugs from MN

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Step-van Dan - glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching. Hope you make it to the UP soon.

[@Rattles02]

Paradise Point can only be accessed by watercraft now. High Rock Bay is so overrun now. I was told they were putting pit tioets in out there as of a couple days ago. Hopefully that will stop the white flower bloom in the woods.

[@danielmassengale]

I found this out last summer, how long has the road been closed?

[@Rattles02]

@@danielmassengale around 2 years. There was a small part that was privately owned and the owners were tired of it being torn up and the litter. It stinks since it was such a great spot.

[@Sangster772]

Is High Rock overrun with people or has the road gotten worse? I was hoping to take my truck through in a couple months.

[@Rattles02]

@@Sangster772 my friend was out there last weekend. He said it’s wet and about as rough as it usually is. Nothing too crazy.

[@RedWingsninetyone]

I've never heard it called boondocking before. Interesting name! I usually hear it called dispersed camping. I plan to go on my first trip doing just that coming up near that rocket launch site!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

RedWings-44 - yes, dispersed camping, dry camping and Boondocking are all the same thing. I think Boondocking is a newer modern term. We hope you find the rocket launch site in your adventures, have fun.

[@colonialstraits1069]

A hike through the Porkies (Porcupine Mountains) or primitive camping (plus a ferry ride across Lake Superior) on Isle Royale, are two highly recommended Upper Peninsula adventures. For natural beauty, Michigan is America’s best kept secret. Great video!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Yes, hiking in the Porcupine Mountains is a great adventure. Hiking above the Lake of the Clouds was nice. One day we’ll get to Isle Royale. Thanks for the suggestions and thanks for watching!

[@flywiseman]

I spend a lot of time on YT day dreaming about what im going to do when i retire in a few years and you folks are living my dream. I just bought my pop up truck camper and adding to the destinations. Your vids are adding to my list. Boondocking and overlanding are all im interested in. Camp ground on very rare occasions would suit me best. Thank you for the vids

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for your kind comments. We too are looking forward to retirement and traveling more. We’re glad we can provide something to dream towards. Dream big. We’ll wave as we pass you in your pop up truck camper. 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@chrischocolaad9319]

Getting ready for boondocking myself. Thanks for posting what UP looks like!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Enjoy yourself in the beautiful UP. If you get a chance to go, we really enjoyed the Quincy Mine tour.

[@chrischocolaad9319]

@@HaventSeenItYet Thanks!

[@aandrus2169]

Ohhhhh...a loooon.💗 wow, gorgeous. Ih! That bluebell thing - what is that ! I forgot. Love those. Rockets? Wow! I didn't know! I have a friend who works at NASA. I subscribed!!

[@LuckyDawgProductions]

Nice channel intro to the video. Love the U.P. Enjoyed the scenery and narration. You make really nice videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Lucky Dawg Productions - thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed.

[@kampersadventures958]

Man, that is an awesome rig...Love the F-150 (I have a 2007 FX4 F-150). U.P. Rules!!! Great Boondocking spots...plus, love the history you give us. Great job brother.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Kamper 2020 - thanks, this was our first time out with the F150 and the camper out boondocking. Yes, the UP does rule!! Enjoy your adventure.

[@aandrus2169]

Oh cool! There you are, Melanie. Hiiiiiiiii!!!! Oh man, I want to join you so bad! This looks fabulous! I get more excited the more I watch. Wheee!!!

[@unisuit]

You know its a good trip when you have to provide LAT/LON to find it. Next time could you have them in the description. Now I have two more sites to check out!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

inisuit - Yes it was a great trip! I've added the LAT/LON to the description, thanks for the suggestion. We hope you have a chance to check out these sites. Have you visited one of them before?

[@Bozcard]

Great video. Very cool about the NASA site. The first launch was on the same day as my 19th birthday. Makes me smile. Thanks for sharing.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

We should have wished you a happy birthday! 😀 Who knew a NASA site would be in the middle of no where in northern Michigan. Thanks for watching!

[@Bozcard]

@@HaventSeenItYet 'That is so amazing.

[@jimsretiring2024]

Nice video. Thank you for including the coordinates. :)

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for watching! Please be advised: Paradise Point is currently closed to the public as of late 2020 - check with local National Forest officials www.uppermichiganssource.com/2020/09/22/popular-road-to-paradise-point-near-munising-blocked-off/

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Wanted to stop by and say hello! We already love to paddle trek and camp but most recently starting turning our Subaru into an over lander which mean we will be looking for spots. We are currently backcountry lovers which means this is a natural step for us! Cheers Colleen and Jonny Be sure to check us out too!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Kuehl Kuest- enjoy the journey. We’re only a year into this boondocking thing ourselves and having a ball. New subscriber here.

[@northernu.s.a3995]

I have never heard of the rocket range before!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

We hadn’t either until we were doing research on getting to High Rock Bay. It’s interesting what you find out in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelulrich7008]

Wondering about lower Michigan boon docking sites. Be nice to find sites that are not as far. Liked the video sure is beautiful and appreciate the advice.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

The Manistee-Huron National Forest is our go-to in the lower peninsula. We have a few videos, but don’t list the Lat/Lon (because they’re closer to home 😉), but we give some clues if you grab your map. See here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqS2nYh5jbahh80si=j7JEW5pdekKoke3R or kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYalq6WZfMqNqaMsi=zGevV3klDYJ_yZWb Also look on iOverlander, Boondocking app and Campendium for options from others. Thanks for watching!

[@Northwoodscamper45]

Could’ve swore that was my old Shadowcruiser…….And we even camped there!! Very nice!!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Lol, thank your parting ways with it, we absolutely love this camper! Thanks for watching.

[@LifeWithMikeandMJ]

Very cool. New Subscriber

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks. I like your videos of the Grand Canyon.

[@angelamagruder5911]

Thank you for answering a question I was about to ask,what is boondocking??!!! Enjoy be safe,great exercise,be blessed with Gods protection..

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for watching!

[@nmuguy]

Those weren’t the Pictured Rocks that you could see from site 2, those were the cliffs of Grand Island. Nice video!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Maybe you’re right about the Grand Island part. 🤔 We thought what we were seeing was beyond Grand Island, but looking at the map again, you might be right. Glad you liked the video beyond that cliff faux pas.

[@jimjones8268]

@@HaventSeenItYet Did you drive into that spot I know now it is blocked but maybe you can hike in now,

[@HaventSeenItYet]

@@jimjones8268 - yes we did drive into that spot at Paradise Point. Not sure if you can hike to it without going over the private property area. You could certainly get there by boat. Let us know if you find out that you can hike it. Really was a beautiful spot.

[@jimjones8268]

@@HaventSeenItYet I will try to find out from the locals

[@ishootmi]

@@jimjones8268 No, you can not legally hike in without trespassing. The road was closed down last year because the spot was getting trashed. To much sharing of the location on social media IMO. I personally packed out bags of trash any time I was there in the last few years. On my last visit, lots of drunk people, beer cans all over, tables full of booze, garbage, competing loud music from different groups, tents and fires where the shouldn't be, TP all over. What a shame.

[@collinmc90]

I hope to visit the UP this late summer/fall. Gonna drive 33 hours and 2,000+ miles to get there but its gonna be worth it! I'm going with the mindset of finding a new town to live in so it should be a great adventure!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Hope you find a great town to move to.

[@christinearmington]

Good luck 🍀 der!

[@colonialstraits1069]

So, how did it go? I live in Detroit but have spent a lot of time “Up North”, including the UP. Would love to hear your experience.

[@wwisaacson4807]

I grew up on the Keweenaw and have a daughter and her family living there now. It's a great place to visit. I you live there you have to like snow. They get lots of it. In my opinion the best time to visit is late July through early October. The bugs aren't bad, there are berries to pick, and the waters relatively warm in July and August. In September and October the fall colors can't be beat.

[@markmaue9246]

My wife and I drove the U, P in September in our converted school bus and loved it. Your video makes want to go back soon. What cameras do you use ?

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Mark Maue - Glad you enjoyed the UP on your trip. We loved it there and also look forward to getting back there someday. We use a GoPro 6 with a gimbal and our iPhone’s.

[@markmaue9246]

Haven't Seen It I would never have thought your I phone and go pro would have made such quality videos, we would like to document our videos and see it’s reasonably priced to do that. What area are you guys from, we’re in Illinois 30 min from St. Louis.

[@markmaue9246]

If you’re on Instagram check out lanabananadecor that’s my wife and she has our bus build on there

[@draco4540]

there's talk of having another rocket launch in marquette county. just north of the city of marquette. there is some some resistance to having the launch on the shores of lake superior. it's just an interesting fact that i thought people would like to know.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

[@dmwi1549]

Great Video, but selfishly, I hope these sites remain secluded and unknown. This is one of my favorite places to explore.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

The UP is definitely a beautiful area to explore. Thanks for watching.

[@jasonasselin]

Paradise Point is CLOSED now - No public access!

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Jason Asselin - I’ve heard that. Hopefully things can get worked out and access opened up again soon. It was a really great site.

[@NorthologyAdventures]

No public ROAD access. You can still get there by water ✌🏻

[@fredericknault4882]

You forgot about the mouth of the Huron boondocking site. By far my favorite.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Frederick Nault - we haven’t been there before, but I’ve marked it on my map and will plan to go the next time we’re in the U.P. Thanks for the suggestion! Also thanks for watching the video and commenting with your suggestion.

[@fredericknault4882]

Haven't Seen It Yet - chances are you won’t be the only one there, but beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Superior, jump into the mouth of the Huron river for warmer water. Just beautiful.

[@IndyDog-ns8ws]

I was there a month ago. Amazing site looking at the Huron Islands.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Frederick Nault - two thumbs up 👍👍for this suggestion for camping at the mouth of the Huron River. We just arrived 5 minutes ago and love the view.

[@fredericknault4882]

@@HaventSeenItYet hopefully the horseflies aren’t bad

[@aantonich]

I was brought to that spot about 7 years ago through geocaching I tried to make it back this weekend but now that I'm just driving a Civic I couldn't quite make it all the way out I almost made it though

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Adam Antonich - That’s cool that you’ve enjoyed the spot years ago. Sorry you couldn’t get back there this past weekend. I’ll bet that was quite the adventure with a Civic, nice try.

[@aantonich]

I ended up camping in the forest and got some great drone shots. I did end up camping on the beach north of newberry. Check my chanel if interested. I only have 4 vids so it should be an easy find

[@ronaldgartner3700]

nice

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for watching!

[@insertnamehere313]

The UP is a special place and perfect for boondocking ehhhh.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Love the ehhhh comment. I’m sure there are many, many more boondocking spots. Thanks for watching!

[@insertnamehere313]

@@HaventSeenItYet Iam from Michigan born and raised and still here but if you are in the lower peninsula in the fall go check out Manistee National Forest,it's so beautiful and salmon are running in the rivers and the colors and is a perfect place to boondock at,I salmon fish there for 30yrs and wouldn't want to camp anywhere else.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Born & raised in Michigan also. We’re in the West Michigan area with about an hour or hour and a half to get to the Manistee NF. We’ve been to Sawkaw Lake area a few time. If you have any interest here’s one of our trips there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYalq6WZfMqNqaM

[@daddyrabbit835]

I lived in the U.P. my whole life and didn't know there was a NASA launch pad. There is an alternate shuttle landing sight not too far from me in Kincheloe.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

We hadn’t heard of the launch site before we started looking at info for High Rock Bay. My wife’s cousin went to school up there years ago and had heard about the NASA launch site and is jealous that they hadn’t found it before.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

I think you're talking about the old Rico field which was a part of the strategic defense system for the Soo Locks. They had missiles and three heavy duty runways. Fascinating Cold War history. Now it's used to test cars in winter conditions.

[@phillipgarrow2297]

I live in northern Michigan there's a lot to see

[@HaventSeenItYet]

We agree, tried to see as much in the 10 days we were there and we only scratched the surface. It’s really beautiful in Northern Michigan, especially the U.P. Thanks for watching!

[@colleenepage]

I'm going to be traveling from Wisconsin through the UP to the lower peninsula. I plan to boon dock somewhere along the way in the UP. My question is this: is it okay to gather wood for a campfire in the state or national forests?

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Hi ColleenPage, the quick answer is yes. For a more thorough answer read here: www.boondockersbible.com/knowledgebase/rules-on-collecting-firewood-for-camping/ Enjoy your trip and thanks for watching!

[@colleenepage]

@@HaventSeenItYet thank you very much!

[@johno9399]

If you look on google earth, I think they took the photo when you were there.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

John O - lol, that’s funny! I see what you’re talking about, but that’s not us. Wrong color truck.

[@voraciousreader3341]

I wanted to see what this was about, and will pass....I grew up “boondocking” the UP without knowing it, on the way to my mom’s relatives in the Lower Peninsula, and then as an adult took my husband and sons all over, even up to Copper Harbor. So, no thanks!

[@mrtdmt0309]

What is your opinion on how a truck pulling a 20' trailer would handle those roads?

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Not sure I’d take my trailer down these roads. Peninsula Point might be the only one I’d think about, but even then you’re supposed park large vehicles down the road about a mile from the lighthouse. It might be too tall for the branches. Paradise point is closed, see article in description.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Here’s the article about Paradise Point closure. www.uppermichiganssource.com/2020/09/22/popular-road-to-paradise-point-near-munising-blocked-off/

[@MissilemanIII]

I want to come ride up in the U.P..

[@HaventSeenItYet]

We would welcome you to Michigan, come on up. 😀

[@tylerarnett2665]

For anyone going soon, paradise point has been SHUT DOWN.

[@lakemi4665]

Yep

[@gerryroush8391]

I have heard of being in da boondocks but what is boondocking?

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Some avid RV owners refer to boondocking as dry camping or free camping. Others may refer to it as independent or wild camping. Boondocking in the RV world means that you are not connected to water, sewer, or electricity.

[@chickey333]

There's a number of ghost towns in the U.P. a person could boondock up there I suppose. I'm sure the black bears up there have already done so.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

I’m sure the black bears have. 😀

[@chickey333]

@@HaventSeenItYet And don't forgit their favorite saying up dare nort of da bridge... "Say Yah to da U.P., eh! OK that's enough of my nonsense.

[@wmurray23]

Lol why you driving high rock bay road so slow

[@HaventSeenItYet]

😂

[@msmaryelah]

High Rock is easy...Go to Keystone Bay.....Once you get there...You'll love it...2 beaver dams to go thru....rocks...but a gorgeous bay...

[@HaventSeenItYet]

I just watched a video on Keystone Bay. Yes you are correct, we probably would love it and yes that makes getting to High Rock Bay look easy. Not sure we could get the truck with the camper on down through some of those really tight spots. Thanks for the info!

[@Rotpuck]

It’s called overlanding when you take your car off-roading and camping with it

[@MrMarkar1959]

nice and scenic video. music did not help

[@everythingispossible7741]

Now if you had did it all on foot without modern conveniences, I'd subscribe. To each their own.

[@mbtvalli]

The loud volume of music between narration was irritating. Otherwise a fine video.

[@paulbetka2966]

IT'S REALLY STUPID THEY DON'T FIX THEM M U D & WATER PITS GOING UP TO ROCKET RANGE. OR HIGH POINT 😠😠😠

[@daleolson3506]

The music junked another video 👎💩😬

[@gonefishin4244]

Those aren't large puddles, lol. Those are just bird baths.

[@HaventSeenItYet]

Thanks for watching.