For our family, adventure began before we could even walk. Summers meant packing up in metro Detroit and heading north — deep into Michigan’s forests, where the smell of pine and campfire smoke marked the start of something special. With several teachers in the family, those long summer breaks became months of exploring, learning, and falling in love with the outdoors. Those trips weren’t just vacations — they were our foundation.
The Spark That Lit the Campfire
The idea for Boondocking Magazine was born on a drive north during a fall trip this year with a nephew. As has become tradition, the miles were filled with road-trip brainstorming — ideas, what-ifs, and a running debate about the kind of magazine we’d want to read. A “survival” theme had come up before, but this time something clicked differently. Somewhere between the trees and the highway hum, the spark hit: a magazine built around the people and passion that define this lifestyle.
Our Purpose
At its core, Boondocking Magazine exists to inspire adventure, educate, and celebrate real-life off-grid experiences. We share stories from the road — the quiet mornings, the unpredictable trails, and the lessons learned under open skies. Just as importantly, we encourage others to take part in the journey — to contribute, create, and become part of a growing movement that values authenticity over algorithms.
Boondocking, to us, is simple and pure: being self-contained and self-reliant — bringing your own water, electricity, and sense of wonder. It’s the quiet kind of beautiful, where you feel closest to nature and closest to God’s artistry. Out there, surrounded by His creation, you realize you never were alone.
Built by Passion, Not Profit
This magazine is built out of love — love for the outdoors, for camping, for exploration, and for sharing those experiences. The joy of creating drives us more than anything else. The business side will follow naturally, but our heart is in the journey.
The People Behind the Pages
Boondocking Magazine was founded by a small team of outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and creators with deep roots in Michigan and a shared passion for exploration. With backgrounds spanning law enforcement, entrepreneurship, education, and media production, the team brings together decades of experience in storytelling, craftsmanship, and outdoor living. This project unites our love of community, creativity, and the call of the wild.
Always Looking for Contributors
We’re constantly seeking fellow adventurers, storytellers, and photographers who share our passion for off-grid living. Whether you’re documenting a cross-country trip, a quiet lakeside camp, or your first boondocking experience, we’d love to feature your story in an upcoming issue. Learn more on our Contribute page — your next adventure could inspire thousands.
Our Vision Ahead
We’re starting strong with both digital and print editions, planning for six print issues per year. Our reach will be national — and international — as we build partnerships with creators, brands, and readers who share the same fire for the outdoors. From feature stories to gear reviews and boondocking event coverage, we’re setting out to create something real, rugged, and lasting.
See You Out There
We’re proud to call Michigan our home base — a state rich with forests, lakes, and backroads that seem to lead everywhere and nowhere all at once.
And as our journey continues, we invite you to come along for the ride. Whether you’re parked under the northern lights or watching the sunrise over desert sage, we’ll meet you there — out on the back roads to nowhere.
Boondocking Magazine
