Au Sable Loop Campground And Day Use Area

4.68

31 reviews

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

May 1 - November 30.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

May 1 - November 30.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Au Sable Loop Campground And Day Use Area

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $10 per night for single sites.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

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USFS

Provider

(989) 826-3252

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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulsites

"The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its peacefulness, beautiful setting, and opportunities for rustic camping, while negative aspects include the lack of showers and occasional problematic neighbors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Au Sable Loop Campground And Day Use Area

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Driving directionsFrom Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn left and go north on M-72/M-33 for 0.5 miles. Turn right and go east on McKinley Rd. for 3 miles. Turn right and follow the signs to the site.

Access road is unpaved. Seasonal closures affect maintenance during winter (no snow plowing).

Nearby places

Grayling (30 miles, approximately 35 minutes by car), Mio (approximately 3 miles, 6 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Mio for groceries and essentials

Oscoda for canoe rentals (e.g., Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC).

Best Time to Camp at Au Sable Loop Campground And Day Use Area

From May through November, Au Sable Loop transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Spring arrives with a whisper of warmth, though frost may still kiss the morning grass. Summer unfolds in perfect comfort, with moderate temperatures and gentle breezes filtering through the canopy—ideal for long days of exploration. As autumn approaches, the hardwoods burst into a symphony of gold and crimson, though wise campers pack extra layers for those crisp nights when temperatures dip toward freezing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open in summer with paddling and fishing, but ticks and occasional flooding/rain noted by users.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through November; scenic river and hardwoods suggest strong fall colors and good conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open starting May 1; spring has variable weather and frost early, with natural renewal visible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Dec–Apr; no winter services or access described.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Unspecified in provided sources.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 1 - November 30.
Current Alerts: No current alerts specified in authoritative sources.

About Au Sable Loop Campground And Day Use Area

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.

The Au Sable Loop Campground caters primarily to rustic campers. Tent camping is prominent, and reviewers frequently mentioned the campground's primitive nature.

Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests within the storied Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor, a designation that speaks to both its breathtaking beauty and its vital role in Michigan's natural heritage. This protected waterway has shaped the region's ecology and recreation for generations, serving as a living testament to the delicate balance between preservation and public enjoyment.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through November, Au Sable Loop transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Spring arrives with a whisper of warmth, though frost may still kiss the morning grass. Summer unfolds in perfect comfort, with moderate temperatures and gentle breezes filtering through the canopy—ideal for long days of exploration. As autumn approaches, the hardwoods burst into a symphony of gold and crimson, though wise campers pack extra layers for those crisp nights when temperatures dip toward freezing.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where three distinct ecosystems converge in perfect harmony. The campground's mixed hardwood forest provides a verdant backdrop, its canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Open meadows burst with wildflowers and offer glimpses of soaring raptors, while the nearby river corridor creates a ribbon of life where water meets land. This diverse tapestry of habitats ensures every walk reveals something new—from the drumming of woodpeckers to the splash of river otters at play.

Geological RegionSituated within the renowned Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor, the campground occupies a fascinating transition zone where ancient hardwood forests gradually give way to dynamic river ecosystems. This unique positioning offers campers a front-row seat to observe how water has sculpted the landscape over millennia, creating the diverse habitats that make this region a natural treasure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Unspecified in provided sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unspecified in provided sources.

Groups

No group camping details were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutUnspecified in provided sources.

Reservation PlatformsUnspecified in provided sources.

Walk-in AvailabilityUnspecified in provided sources.

Cancellation PolicyUnspecified in provided sources.

AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeUser reviews highlight varying site sizes, with Christy M noting her site was huge and relaxing.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; a review by Victoria Rogers pointed out the secluded nature of the campground, whereas Wendy Argyle's review mentioned troubling interactions with neighboring campers.

Total Campsites74 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 4 during heavy rain; site 5 is highly rated for its size and quietness.

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Au Sable Loop Campground offers a range of rustic outdoor activities. Non-motorized boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing are among the main attractions, in addition to hunting opportunities.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in the nearby river/stream. No specific details on fish types or fishing quality were provided.

SwimmingJoy Frederick confirmed the availability of swimming areas at the campground, although safety or facilities were not elaborated upon.

BoatingNon-motorized boating activities are supported, per the authoritative source under recreation opportunities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a key activity at this campground, as highlighted in the authoritative introduction to the site.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are a notable concern during setup. Heavy rains can flood site 4. Drug-related activities have been reported.

Active AlertsNo current alerts specified in authoritative sources.

Fire PolicyUnspecified in provided sources.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply, though unspecified.

Emergency ServicesMio Ranger Station and District (107 McKinley Rd Mio, MI 48647, Phone: (989) 826-3252).

Trash & RecyclingReviewers like William DePaepe noted trash containers on-site, providing clues about basic waste disposal facilities.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Au Sable River, suitable for fishing and non-motorized boating.

Camp HostUnspecified in provided sources.

Weather at Au Sable Loop Campground And Day Use Area

Reviews

4.7

31 reviews

Top-Rated

Au Sable Loop Campground And Day Use Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its peacefulness, beautiful setting, and opportunities for rustic camping, while negative aspects include the lack of showers and occasional problematic neighbors.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the campground for its serenity, scenic beauty, and large camping sites. Multiple reviewers, including Christy M and Victoria Rogers, described the area as peaceful and relaxing.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints most commonly revolved around the lack of amenities, such as showers and toilet paper, and negative interactions with neighbors. Wendy Argyle described a disturbing experience involving...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

William DePaepe advised avoiding campsite #4 during heavy rain due to flooding issues and noted the water pump is located behind the trash containers. Bryan Collins recommended bringing your own...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates from May 1 to November 30, with no maintenance during the off-season. User reviews suggest ticks are an issue in summer, while rain can cause flooding in certain campsites.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My first time here and it was perfect!! It was quiet, our site was huge and just very relaxing!!" - Christy M "Nice rustic camping. Well maintained grounds." - Bryan Collins "Avoid campsite 4 if...

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #4 experiences flooding during heavy rain, as noted by William DePaepe. Wendy Argyle recommended avoiding neighbors who may engage in problematic activities.

Based on 31 reviews