Fishing Access Parking 10250 Summit Ave NE, Rockford, MI 49341, Michigan, USA
Your Gateway to Angling on the Rogue River
Type: Public Recreational Access Car Park
Open: Typically open from dawn to dusk. Specific hours may be posted at the entrance and are enforced by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or local authorities. Overnight parking is generally prohibited unless explicitly permitted for activities like night fishing, and camping is not allowed.
Rating: N/A (Functional access point).
Pricing & Permits
Use of this site often requires a Michigan Recreation Passport. This can be purchased annually with your licence plate registration for a small fee or as a window sticker at state parks. The Passport grants access to state parks, recreation areas, and boating access sites like this one. There may be an on-site self-registration station where a daily pass can be purchased if you do not have the annual passport. Failure to display a valid Recreation Passport may result in a fine. This fee structure supports the maintenance and conservation of Michigan’s natural resources.
Capacity & Physical Features
This is a rustic, functional car park designed to serve anglers and kayakers. The capacity is limited, often accommodating between 10 to 20 vehicles with trailers. The surface is typically gravel or compacted earth, not paved asphalt. The parking bays may be loosely defined or unmarked, requiring drivers to park considerately to maximize space. The key feature is its immediate proximity to the Rogue River, often with a dedicated boat launch or a well-trodden path leading directly to the riverbank. There may be basic amenities such as a vault toilet and a bulletin board with fishing regulations and site information. Lighting is minimal to non-existent, preserving the natural environment.
Accessibility
Accessibility can be limited at such sites. While the car park itself is level, the path to the river may be uneven, unpaved, and have a natural slope, which could be challenging for individuals with mobility impairments. There may not be designated disabled parking bays, and amenities like toilets may not be fully ADA-compliant.
EV Infrastructure
There are no Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at this location. This is a natural, recreational site, and such infrastructure is not available.
Peak Times & Occupancy
The car park is busiest during prime fishing seasons (spring and autumn) and on weekends from early morning through the afternoon. During popular fish runs, such as for salmon or steelhead, the car park can fill up very early in the morning. Weekdays are significantly quieter. Its occupancy is also weather-dependent, with fewer visitors on cold or rainy days.
Walkability Score and Locations:
The walkability score is not applicable in a traditional sense. Its value is in its “walk-to-the-water” score. From your vehicle, you are just a few steps away from the Rogue River. The surrounding area is rural and not conducive to walking to shops or restaurants. This is a destination for nature access, not urban exploration.
Nearby Amenities:
The primary amenity is the Rogue River itself, renowned for its trout, steelhead, and salmon fishing. The surrounding area is primarily woodland and rural properties. The nearest town for amenities like petrol stations, bait shops, and restaurants is Rockford, located several miles to the south. Visitors should plan to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and fishing gear.
Alternative Parking Comparison:
There are several other fishing access sites along the Rogue River, each managed by the DNR or local parks. These sites offer similar amenities and are spaced out along the river. If this car park is full, anglers may need to drive a few miles upstream or downstream to the next designated access point. Parking on the roadside is generally illegal and unsafe.
Important Notices:
A Michigan Recreation Passport is typically required. All Michigan fishing and boating regulations must be strictly followed. Pack out everything you pack in; “Leave No Trace” principles are essential. Be aware of changing river conditions, including water levels and currents.
Maintenance:
The site is maintained by the DNR or a similar entity. Maintenance is functional, focusing on basics like emptying bins (if present), maintaining the toilet facility, and ensuring the launch area is usable. It is not manicured like a city park.
Expert Tips:
Arrive at sunrise, especially during peak season, to secure a parking space. Check the latest fishing reports online before you go. Wear appropriate footwear for potentially muddy and slippery conditions near the riverbank. Be respectful of other anglers by giving them ample space along the river.
Future Developments:
Improvements to DNR sites are sometimes made based on state funding, but major developments are unlikely. Any changes would likely focus on improving the boat launch, controlling erosion, or updating signage.
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