Au Sable Area

MI

Escape to White Pine Canoe Camp, a hidden gem along Michigan's legendary Au Sable River where adventure begins at the water's edge. This intimate paddle-in campground welcomes spontaneous explorers with rustic tent sites, basic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pump well water, and a first-come, first-served policy that keeps things delightfully simple for paddlers and anglers seeking an authentic river experience.

MI

Tucked away in Benzie County's northern woods, Grass Lake State Forest Campground offers paddlers and anglers a peaceful escape on the quiet floodwaters of Grass Lake. This intimate, rustic retreat features wooded, secluded sites with easy water access—most available first-come, first-served for those seeking spontaneous adventure on the Betsie River system.

MI

2180 Latham Road

Nestled within two peaceful loops, Round Lake Campground offers 33 secluded sites where the forest meets the water's edge. This hidden gem provides the only public gateway to the pristine 91-acre Round Lake, drawing anglers, swimmers, and paddlers seeking an authentic Michigan wilderness experience. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring, while vault toilets and regular garbage service ensure comfort without compromising the rustic charm. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching the sunset paint ripples across the lake, this wooded retreat promises the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.

MI

Tucked into the heart of Rifle River Recreation Area, Spruce Rustic Campground offers 16 secluded sites beneath a canopy of towering trees, where the gentle sounds of the nearby Rifle River replace the noise of everyday life. This is camping stripped to its essentials—vault toilets, hand-pump water, and the kind of peaceful solitude that draws anglers, paddlers, and anyone seeking a true escape into Michigan's north woods.

MI

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Rifle River, Rifle River Ranch Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 25 rustic sites. Whether you're gliding down the river in a kayak, casting a line into crystal-clear waters, or exploring wooded trails in search of wildlife, this hidden gem provides the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

MI

Escape to Rifle River–Devoe Lake Campground, where towering trees frame a pristine, spring-fed lake perfect for peaceful paddles and refreshing swims. This rustic retreat offers the authentic Northwoods experience—no motors, no hookups, just you and nature in beautifully secluded campsites surrounded by forest.

MI

Oscoda, MI 48750, USA

Step back in time at Monument Campground, where over a century of camping tradition awaits beneath towering red pines. Established in 1909 as one of the Huron National Forest's pioneering campgrounds, this rustic retreat offers a perfect blend of natural serenity and historical discovery. Fully accessible pathways wind through the pine plantation, leading campers to secluded sites while keeping the fascinating Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center and scenic river trails within easy reach.

6260 Rollways Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA

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.

5761 North Skeel Ave, Oscoda, MI, USA, 48750

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at South Branch Trail Camp Group Site, where equestrian dreams come alive against a backdrop of pristine Michigan wilderness. This horse-friendly haven serves as your gateway to the legendary 240-mile Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail, offering riders and their four-legged companions the perfect basecamp for exploring one of the Midwest's most spectacular trail systems.

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Nestled within a pristine forest setting, Island Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover its crown jewel—a sparkling 58-acre glacial lake that serves as the heart of this rustic retreat. Families gather on the sandy swimming beach, safely enclosed by colorful buoys, while the surrounding mixed hardwood forest creates a natural amphitheater of tranquility. Here, the gentle lapping of waves mingles with birdsong, and lucky visitors might catch glimpses of deer threading through the trees at dawn or dusk, making this campground a cherished escape for those seeking both adventure and serenity.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Nestled along the southern edge of the Mio Ranger District, Island Lake Campground beckons visitors to its inviting shores where a 58-acre glacial lake meets pristine Michigan forest. This well-appointed destination combines comfortable amenities—including paved campsites, picnic facilities, and a marked swimming beach—with a scenic hiking trail that winds through landscapes shaped by ancient ice.

107 McKinley Road

Nestled along the pristine shores of Wagner Lake, Chimney Loop Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This secluded group camping haven, completely enveloped by the majestic Huron-Manistee National Forest, welcomes gatherings of up to 30 adventurers seeking connection with both wilderness and each other. Gather around crackling fire rings beneath towering trees, share meals at sturdy picnic tables, and discover the intriguing historic chimney that stands as a silent sentinel to the area's rich past.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Tucked along the peaceful shores of Wagner Lake, this intimate 12-site campground offers the perfect escape into Michigan's National Forest. Spend your days swimming in the sandy-bottomed waters, paddling your canoe across the glassy surface, or casting a line for bass and panfish, all while enjoying the simplicity of classic camping with handpump wells, vault toilets, and convenient garbage collection.

Wagner Lake Rd, Mio, MI 48647, USA

Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's pristine wilderness, Wagner Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This hidden gem cradles a crystalline 26-acre spring-fed lake within a tapestry of mature hardwood forest, creating a sanctuary that whispers rather than shouts its charms. The campground's thoughtfully terraced sites cascade gently toward the water's edge, each offering its own private window to the lake's tranquil beauty. Here, anglers cast their lines into waters that mirror the sky, swimmers find refreshment in the lake's pure depths, and those seeking solitude discover it in the rustling leaves and gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

South Branch Pine River, Glennie, MI

Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's north woods, Pine River Campground offers an authentic escape where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This intimate, rustic retreat comes alive during fishing season when anglers cast their lines into pristine waters, but its charm extends far beyond the riverbank. History whispers through the trees here, where a beautifully preserved Civilian Conservation Corps picnic shelter from the mid-1940s stands as a testament to America's conservation legacy. Whether you're stalking elusive trout at dawn, foraging for wild mushrooms in the dappled forest light, or filling your basket with sun-warmed berries, this peaceful sanctuary rewards those who seek simple pleasures and genuine wilderness experiences.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Nestled along the shores of a pristine 175-acre lake, Mack Lake ORV Campground stands as the crown jewel of the Mio Ranger District, where adventure seekers and nature lovers converge. This unique destination seamlessly blends backcountry camping with an integrated day-use area, offering everything from sandy swimming beaches to direct trailhead access for the renowned Mack Lake Trail System—making it a year-round haven for ORV enthusiasts, anglers casting for their next catch, and families seeking lakeside relaxation.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Deep in Michigan's rugged backcountry, Mack Lake ORV Campground beckons adventure seekers with its untamed spirit and endless trail networks. This rustic haven spreads across the shores of a serene 175-acre lake, where shallow waters mirror the sky through a carpet of natural muck bottom sediments. Here, the roar of engines harmonizes with nature's whispers, creating a unique sanctuary where ORV enthusiasts can push their machines to the limit by day and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of lake waters by night.

Horseshoe Lake, Hoist/Reid Area, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Alcona County, MI

Escape to the hidden gem of Horseshoe Lake Campground, where rustic charm meets untouched wilderness. This peaceful retreat cradles a pristine 16-acre lake that beckons anglers and nature lovers alike. Wander the mile-long scenic trail that winds through the forest, or venture out to explore nearby ORV trails and recreational areas. Here, solitude isn't just a promise—it's a guarantee, as this lightly-visited sanctuary remains one of the forest's best-kept secrets.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Discover a riverside retreat where the National Scenic Au Sable River flows past your campsite, its banks protected by unique gabion structures and fed by crystal-clear natural springs. Whether you're an angler, paddler, or hiker exploring the nearby Shore-to-Shore Trail, this campground offers a perfect base for immersing yourself in Michigan's river country and observing the abundant wildlife that calls this area home.

FR 4134, Au Sable National Scenic River, Alcona County, MI

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Au Sable National Scenic River near Grayling, Michigan, Gabions Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This rustic retreat grants visitors exclusive access to crystal-clear natural springs and serves as a gateway to the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail network. While the campground maintains a back-to-basics approach with limited amenities, its untouched beauty and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities create an unforgettable escape. Adventure seekers can explore miles of scenic hiking trails, though equestrian camping is not permitted, preserving the peaceful atmosphere that makes this riverside sanctuary so special.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Perched high above the winding Au Sable River, Bear Island Campground offers an intimate escape into Michigan's wilderness. This hidden gem features just three secluded campsites, making it a perfect retreat for paddlers seeking respite from their river journey or adventurers craving the solitude that only a truly rustic camping experience can provide. With minimal amenities and maximum tranquility, Bear Island invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

Null

Tucked away in Michigan's wilderness, Buttercup Campground offers an intimate retreat where the rhythmic sounds of paddle strokes and flowing water replace the noise of everyday life. This hidden gem serves as a beloved waypoint for river paddlers seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences along one of Michigan's most pristine waterways.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Tucked away in a secluded pocket of Michigan's wilderness, River Dune Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking authentic primitive camping. This hidden gem sits perfectly positioned between two beloved landmarks—the Au Sable River Scenic Overlook and the Au Sable Loop Campground. Your adventure begins with a peaceful half-mile walk from the parking area, leading you through the forest to this tranquil retreat. Far removed from the hustle of roadways and neighboring campsites, River Dune provides the rare opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

Harrisville State Park

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Discover a hidden gem where five intimate campsites nestle within a cathedral of hardwoods, just steps from the legendary Au Sable River. Reached by a winding unpaved road from the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, this quiet retreat offers front-row access to some of Michigan's most pristine river scenery, whether you're casting a line, launching a canoe, or simply soaking in the wilderness from your picnic table.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Nestled deep within the enchanting Huron-Manistee National Forests, Au Sable Loop Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic rustic camping experience. Here, towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral overhead while the legendary Au Sable River winds its way through the landscape just moments away. Whether you're paddling silently through morning mist, casting a line into pristine waters, or simply sitting still as deer emerge from the forest shadows, this campground serves as your gateway to Michigan's untamed wilderness.

5761 NORTH SKEEL AVENUE, OSCODA, MI 48750

Discover 102 secluded camping spots scattered like hidden gems along 55 miles of the meandering AuSable River. This expansive network of dispersed single-family sites invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling through mirror-like waters, or spotting rare birds through morning mist, AuSable River Camping offers an authentic wilderness experience where the only soundtrack is the gentle flow of water and rustling leaves.

Cathedral Pines Campground, FR 4350, Oscoda County, Michigan, USA

Step into a living cathedral of towering eastern white pines at Cathedral Pines Campground, where centuries-old giants create a natural sanctuary along the Au Sable River. This peaceful walk-in site serves as a beloved haven for river paddlers seeking respite in nature's embrace. As one visitor beautifully captured it: 'Lovely large pine trees. Large campsite. Very quiet and out of the way. Few facilities' (Curtis Casto, 2021). Here, the simplicity is the luxury—spacious sites beneath ancient canopies, the gentle murmur of the river nearby, and a profound sense of solitude that only Michigan's wilderness can provide.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Hidden within a serene red pine plantation along the legendary Au Sable River, Meadow Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for adventurous souls. This secluded, rustic retreat rewards those willing to leave their vehicles behind at the gate and venture on foot into nature's embrace. Beloved by paddlers navigating the pristine waters of the Au Sable, this hike-in sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and riverside serenity far from the crowds.

MI

Escape to the tranquility of Mio Pond State Forest Campground, where a short quarter-mile walk transports you to one of Michigan's hidden gems along the Au Sable River. This intimate 16-site rustic retreat, which opened its trails in May 2020, offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility—far enough from your car to feel like a true wilderness adventure, close enough to make it easy.

Jewell Lake Campground, Barton City, MI, USA

Tucked away on the eastern shores of the pristine 193-acre Jewell Lake, this hidden gem offers an escape into nature's embrace. Here, deeply carved campsites nestle beneath towering Aspen groves, their leaves whispering secrets in the breeze. Each spacious site provides a private sanctuary where solitude seekers can reconnect with the wilderness. Steps from your tent, a sandy beach beckons for lazy afternoons, while the nearby boat launch opens up adventures across the mirror-like waters. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, diving into refreshing waters on a summer day, or paddling into the sunset, Jewell Lake Campground delivers the peaceful outdoor experience your soul craves.

MI

Escape to Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground, where 13 intimate campsites nestle along the shoreline of a peaceful warm-water lake. This rustic, first-come, first-served gem offers the simplicity of vault toilets and hand-pump water, creating the perfect quiet retreat for paddlers and anglers seeking an authentic northern forest experience.

MI

Tucked along the peaceful shores of McCollum Lake, this intimate 20-site campground offers an authentic back-to-basics escape in northern Michigan's forests. Managed by Clinton Township on a first-come, first-served basis, you'll find everything you need for a classic camping experience—vault toilets, fresh water, picnic areas, and lake access—without the fuss of reservations or crowded amenities.

MI

Escape to the peaceful shores of Little Wolf Lake, where 24 rustic campsites nestle among the trees just 3 miles southeast of Lewiston in Montmorency County. This first-come, first-served gem keeps things beautifully simple with vault toilets, hand-pump well water, and a 15-day maximum stay—perfect for those seeking authentic, unplugged lakeside camping with excellent paddling and fishing right from your site.

MI

Escape to a peaceful cedar-forested retreat where the woods meet Lake Huron's sandy shores. This rustic campground offers generously spaced sites nestled among the trees, with a scenic boardwalk leading you to the water's edge. A friendly campground host is on-site throughout the season to ensure your stay is memorable.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

South Branch Pine River, Glennie, MI

Jewell Lake Campground, Barton City, MI, USA

Horseshoe Lake, Hoist/Reid Area, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Alcona County, MI

FR 4134, Au Sable National Scenic River, Alcona County, MI

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

MI

5761 NORTH SKEEL AVENUE, OSCODA, MI 48750

Wagner Lake Rd, Mio, MI 48647, USA

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

6260 Rollways Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA

MI

2180 Latham Road

MI

Oscoda, MI 48750, USA

MI

MI

Null

Cathedral Pines Campground, FR 4350, Oscoda County, Michigan, USA

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

MI

Escape to Rifle River–Devoe Lake Campground, where towering trees frame a pristine, spring-fed lake perfect for peaceful paddles and refreshing swims. This rustic retreat offers the authentic Northwoods experience—no motors, no hookups, just you and nature in beautifully secluded campsites surrounded by forest.

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Tucked away in nature's embrace, Bermuda Campsite offers an intimate escape just 75 yards from the crystalline waters of Lake Superior and the pristine sands of Murray Bay Beach. This hidden gem on Grand Island provides the perfect balance of rustic charm and thoughtful amenities, where you'll find everything needed for a comfortable wilderness stay—from a convenient latrine and secure food storage options to a welcoming fire ring surrounded by benches, complete with provided firewood for those magical evening gatherings under the stars.

MI

Escape to one of Michigan's hidden gems: a intimate four-site campground nestled along the pristine shores of Canoe Lake. This rustic retreat in the state forest offers the perfect basecamp for paddlers and anglers seeking solitude, with easy access to Trail 8 and the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just beyond.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Hidden within a serene red pine plantation along the legendary Au Sable River, Meadow Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for adventurous souls. This secluded, rustic retreat rewards those willing to leave their vehicles behind at the gate and venture on foot into nature's embrace. Beloved by paddlers navigating the pristine waters of the Au Sable, this hike-in sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and riverside serenity far from the crowds.

650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, Claybanks Campground offers an authentic wilderness retreat where anglers cast their lines for elusive brown trout and nature enthusiasts discover tranquility beneath towering pines and oaks. Adventure awaits down the campground's famously steep stairs—a heart-pumping descent that leads to a gravel riverbed perfect for fly-fishing and catch-and-release pursuits. This riverside sanctuary beckons those who seek the gentle rhythm of flowing water and the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

5685 Lake Michigan Road

Nestled between the crystalline waters of Lake Michigan and the meandering Platte River, this beloved campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures. With miles of scenic hiking trails weaving through diverse landscapes and thoughtfully maintained facilities that enhance rather than intrude upon the natural setting, Platte River Campground has earned its reputation as one of the region's most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Fort Custer Recreation Area

Gather your group for an authentic outdoor experience at Fort Custer's two rustic group camps, each welcoming up to 60 people. Both sites come equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, creating the perfect basecamp for your adventure—just note that Whitford Lake offers convenient hand-pump water access, while Kalamazoo River groups will want to stock up at the park office or main campground.

MI

Escape to Long Lake State Forest Campground, a hidden gem tucked into the hills above one of Missaukee County's most pristine glacial lakes. This rustic retreat offers the kind of quiet, back-to-basics camping experience that reminds you why you love the outdoors—think towering pines, shimmering water views, and the simple pleasure of a campfire under the stars.

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, Bay View Campground invites you to experience the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Here, beneath a canopy of towering pines, rustic campsites offer front-row seats to one of the Great Lakes' most dramatic coastlines. Adventure awaits just moments away, from the thundering cascade of Tahquamenon Falls to the historic beacon of Whitefish Point Lighthouse and the fascinating Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, where tales of maritime history come alive.

MI

Saddle up for an authentic equestrian getaway at this 25-site rustic campground, where spacious, sun-drenched sites welcome you and your horses with room to spare for larger trailers. With fire rings, picket poles at every site, and direct access to 17 miles of dedicated riding trails, you'll find everything you need for a memorable backcountry experience—including a pavilion, vault toilets, and hand-pump water to keep things simple and rustic.