Skoolie UpNorth
Northern Lower Michigan - August 25th - 30th 2021The Makwaden Camp Series will be a series of events held each year all over the world. This year, we kick off the first event in the heart of Leelanau County, which is one of the best counties in the state of Michigan. The amount of things to do, from outdoor to city life excursions is limitless. We are fortunate enough to have the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 35 miles of pristine beach and forest shoreline of Lake Michigan (a true unsalted experience of Caribbean like waters) and was labeled ‘The most beautiful place in America’, within minutes of driving. This area is my hometown and I’m super excited to share some of the local and cultural history with everyone.
We will be boondocking in between cherry tree orchards, rolling hills, and forest surrounding.
Registration is FREE. You won’t want to miss out on an amazing experience in the most beautiful place.
Event Agenda
This event is a low key camping event to showcase the area. We are outdoor enthusiasts and will have minimal infastructre. Scheduled events might shift on certain days due to weather.
Wednesday, Aug 25th
-12pm: Open for Camping
-9pm: Campfire
Thursday, Aug 26th
-12pm-3pm: Kayaking, Canoe, SUP: Crystal River (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
-9pm: Campfire
Friday, Aug 27th
-9am: Dune Climb & Hike (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
-11am-4pm Beach & Rock Hounding (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
-9pm: Campfire
Saturday, Aug 28th
-9am: Hike (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
-11am: Kayaking, Canoe, SUP: Platte River (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
-6:45pm: Potluck Dinner
-9pm: Campfire
Sunday, Aug 29th
-9am: Hike (Whaleback and Clay Cliffs)
-11am: Beach & Rock Hounding (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
-9pm: Last Campfire
Monday, Aug 30th
-9am: Cleanup and depart by 11am
Kayak, Canoe, SUP: Crystal River (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
The Crystal River is a 6.3 mile river making its way through the Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationial Lakeshore. The water is on average about 1ft deep and it’s width about 15-20 feet with a couple swimming holes. This slow moving river is great for families and those that enjoy the beautiful untouched forests.
We will plan to take off at 12pm and make a 2-3 hour trip down the river. The entry and exit are only about 1.2 miles apart which makes for an easy return to the start.
If you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or SUP, please call (231) 334-4420 or visit Crystal River Outfitters to reserve yours.
Campfire
Light a campfire and everyone has a story to tell. We will have nightly camp fires for us to have fellowship and share stories amoung our community.
Dune Climb & Hike (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
a 250 ft climb up the wind and sun beaten sand dunes with views of Little and Big Glenn Lakes, Lake Michigan, South and North Manitou Islands, and Alligator Hill.
A hike out and back to Lake Michigan is about 3.4 miles with little to no shade and the possiblity of hot sand.
Beach (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
Miles of pristine sandy shoreline and caribbean like water to swim with breath taking views all around.
Hike - Treat Farm Trail (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
Walking through forests and up the dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline does not disappoint. This is one of our most favorite trails to hike within the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore. The views along the Empire Bluffs will provide some of the most stunning views.
We will hike about 3-4 miles.
Kayak, Canoe, SUP (Platte River)
The Platte River is an another easy going trip that goes through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It takes roughly 4 hours with plenty of stops to swim and has an average depth of 2-3 feet.
If you don’t have your own kayak, canoe, or SUP, please call (231) 325-5622
Rock Hounding (Sleeping Bear Dunes)
35 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline to find those beautiful rocks that have been deposited millions of years ago.
Frequent Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to be at this event?
No! This event is absolutely free.
There are activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and SUP’ing down rivers that may be a cost to you for rental, if you don’t have the equipment.
Are dogs allowed at the event?
Yes, friendly dogs are allowed at the event. Please make sure to clean up after your dog and keep them under control at all times. We do understand that some people have dogs that may not be friendly, we ask that you keep them away from others, if you are unable to keep your dog under control, you will be asked to leave.
Will there be tours of skoolies?
Yes, tours will be provided on Makwaden v1 and Makwaden v2. Others will most likely offer a tour and share their story. Please be respectful of each other’s space.
Do I have to be in a Skoolie to attend this event?
No! Nomads live in all forms of vehicles and we do not discriminate. We ask that whatever vehicle that you come to camp in, that you pack in and pack out.
Should I bring firewood?
Please only bring firewood that is local to the area! We will be providing up to two cords of firewood for general use 🔥🔥🔥
Will there be access to a bathroom, water, sewer, trash, or electricity?
No, there is no infrastructure at this event. This is true boondocking. Please pack in and pack out all of your waste. We are fortunate enough to have access to this beautiful land and we will leave it better than we found it.