Rollways Campground
4.3741 reviews6260 Rollways Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA
Rollways Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for standard non-electric campsites is $15 during peak season. Additional fees may apply for reservation changes and cancellations.
About this campground
Tucked away in the embrace of Michigan's north woods, Rollways Campground offers a peaceful riverside retreat just 7 miles from the charming town of Hale. Since welcoming its first campers in 1909, this historic gem has evolved into a modern outdoor haven featuring spacious pull-through sites connected by smooth paved roads. Here, the convenience of vault toilets and well-maintained facilities meets the timeless allure of winding hiking trails that beckon you to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Rollways Campground is suitable for tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping. Group campsites and cabin lodging availability are not confirmed.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Rollways Campground, proudly standing as one of the original campgrounds established in the Huron National Forest back in 1909. For over a century, this storied site has served as a gateway to the wilderness, witnessing the evolution of outdoor recreation while maintaining its authentic connection to Michigan's rich forestry heritage.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Rollways comes alive as warm summer days invite you to explore the riverbanks and forest trails, while gentle rains occasionally sweep through to refresh the landscape. As autumn approaches, the campground transforms into a canvas of brilliant colors. Winter brings a hushed beauty to the area, with snow blanketing the grounds and creating a serene wonderland for those hardy souls seeking cold-weather adventure.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation within the rolling terrain of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the campground offers gentle topography perfect for campers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched dramatically atop a scenic bluff, Rollways Campground commands breathtaking views of Loud Dam Pond, where the mighty AuSable River spreads into a tranquil expanse of shimmering water. Dense forests of towering pines and hardwoods create a natural amphitheater around your campsite, while the haunting call of wolves echoes through the night and ruby-throated hummingbirds dart between wildflowers by day. The interplay of water, forest, and sky creates an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty.
Geological RegionThe campground occupies a stunning position within the AuSable River Valley, where ancient geological forces carved high bluffs from the earth and the river wound its way through the heart of Huron National Forest. This dramatic landscape, shaped by millennia of water and weather, showcases the raw beauty of Michigan's geological heritage with its distinctive combination of river valley vistas and dense forest ecosystems crowning the surrounding highlands.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible trail connects the campground and picnic area to Westgate Scenic Overlook. Paved roads and spurs improve accessibility.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious by multiple users (e.g., "Nice large sites" – Mike Toews; "Large spacious sites" – John H).
Sites PrivacyHigh privacy between campsites due to tree cover and foliage. "Quiet campground with plenty of privacy/tree cover between sites," noted Marcia Y.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and scenic views, site 7 is highly recommended. Sites closer to M-65 may experience traffic noise.
Best CampsitesSite 7 and site 15 are mentioned favorably for spaciousness, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Occupancy limits apply to your site.
Groups
Details about group site accommodations are unavailable.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 19 pull-through sites with paved spurs and ample space for RVs or tents.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15 to September 30 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityHalf of the sites are first-come, first-serve while the other half are reservable.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before check-in date. A $10 fee applies along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee for late cancellations. Reservations fees are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rollways Campground supports a range of outdoor activities with emphasis on hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The accessible trail leading to Westgate Scenic Overlook is a highlight, and the proximity to AuSable River supports water-based activities like fishing and kayaking.
Hiking
Accessible trail connects the campground to Westgate Scenic Overlook and offers scenic views of the AuSable River Valley. "Trail head was nice and it leads to numerous overlooks of the AuSable River," stated user Mecha Moto.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the AuSable River, described as a great location for trout fishing by user Michael Bauman.Biking
User Diane “CougerCowgirl” Bracher mentioned biking access to nearby attractions, such as Lumberman's Monument.Boating
Proximity to the AuSable River supports kayaking and canoeing. "Could have rode my bike to Lumberman's Monument or Iargo Springs but I did a lot of sitting in sunbeams," Diane noted.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is prominent, with mentions of hummingbirds, foxes, and wolves. "Trout fishing nearby within walking distance, pristine woods, and wolves howling in the distance at night," described Michael Bauman.Winter Activities
Snow activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are supported through the AuSable River access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must remain within fire rings and should be extinguished before leaving.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsThere are occasional gypsy moth outbreaks and their by-products, which can affect the camping experience. Wildlife such as wolves may roam nearby.
Weather forecast
49
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Tawas, MI, approximately 25 minutes away. This includes a hospital and other emergency facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recycling"Pack it in, pack it out. Leave the site clean for the next campers. Do not leave trash in fire rings," per official rules.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Loud Dam Pond and the AuSable River. Stairs lead to a rickety boat dock for river access.
Common complaintsSome reviewers reported theft issues, gypsy moth caterpillar infestations, nosy campground hosts, and noise from M-65 traffic.
HostHosts are generally well-regarded for cleanliness and maintenance, though some reviewers had negative experiences with nosy behavior.
Campground Map
6260 Rollways Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA
Driving directionsFrom Hale, Michigan, travel 7 miles north on M-65. Turn left on Rollways Road and enter campground on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is located just off M-65, making it convenient for most vehicles.Nearby places
Hale, MI: 7 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Oscoda, MI: 25 miles (approximately 35 minutes)
Tawas, MI: 30 miles (approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Hale, MI, located 7 miles away. Additional options can be found in Oscoda and Tawas, MI.
Camper Reviews
4.4
41 reviews
Rollways Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect a mix of positive highlights and concerns. Many users praise the cleanliness of the facilities, large campsite sizes, and scenic views of the AuSable River. However, some reported negative experiences, such as theft and host behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews
What Campers Love
Vault toilets are consistently praised as exceptionally clean. "The outhouse was probably the cleanest I’ve ever been in! (they cleaned it every day!)," noted Andrea Bartlett. Campsites are...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include gypsy moth infestations, theft, and host management issues. For instance, Frank M reported theft during a stay, and Matthew C mentioned gypsy moth caterpillar problems.
Based on 41 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes and gypsy moth caterpillars. Leo V suggests bringing a hummingbird feeder to enhance wildlife viewing.
Based on 41 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Gypsy moth infestations seem more prevalent during summer months, especially June and July. Winter activities are not explicitly described, making spring and fall more favorable for camping.
Based on 41 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Hidden Jem for sure. Nice big sites," – Robert Barsotti.
"Stayed at site 7 Friday evening June 23 and we had an amazing night," – Mecha Moto.
"Very nice extremely well-kept campground," – Russell...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 7: "Stayed at site 7 Friday evening June 23 and we had an amazing night," – Mecha Moto. Site 15: "Large spacious sites. Quiet restful campground," – John H. Site 3: "Spacious sites surrounded by...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The accessible trail connecting the campground and picnic area to Westgate Scenic Overlook was positively reviewed. Paved roads and spurs also enhance accessibility.
Based on 41 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
"Pet friendly," noted Jim Owens. Official rules require pets to remain on leashes.
Based on 41 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025