How much does camping cost at Bear Island Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Island Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Bear Island Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Island Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Operate as first-come, first-served; sites may fill quickly during peak paddling season.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Island Campground before I book?

Yes! Bear Island Campground has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Island Campground?

Bear Island Campground is open Open May 1 - November 30.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear Island Campground?

Bear Island Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bear Island Campground have?

Bear Island Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Island Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bear Island Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bear Island Campground?

Bear Island Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Island Campground?

Popular activities at Bear Island Campground include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Island Campground

3.64

11 reviews

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability

Get Directions

Bear Island Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(989) 826-3252

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Bear Island Campground

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Nearby places

Grayling (30 miles)

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies and canoe rentals are available in Glennie, Hale, Mio, and Oscoda.

Driving directionsFrom Grayling – Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn left and travel north on M-72/M-33 for .5 miles. Turn right and travel east on McKinley Dr. Turn right and travel south on E. River Dr. for <.1 miles. Turn left and travel east on Reed Rd./FR 4836 for 1 mile. Turn left and travel east on FR 4838 for .5 miles. Turn right and travel south on FR 4838 for .4 miles. Turn left and travel east on FR 4836 for .6 miles.

Access is via a two-track road, which can be challenging depending on weather conditions. "Vehicle access only by two-track. We got a late model Mustang out there so don’t sweat it too much. Just make sure it’s been dry for a bit."

Weather at Bear Island Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bear Island Campground

Summer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F with cool nights in the 50s, offering the most reliable conditions for fishing and paddling the Au Sable. The campground is accessible May through November. Winter drops temperatures to freezing and blankets the ridge in snow. Dry weather makes vehicle access easier. Plan for insects during warmer months, and check recent conditions before arrival since wet weather complicates the ridge approach.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

May–Nov open; summer temps 70–85°F make paddling and fishing most reliable then.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May 1 - November 30.

About Bear Island Campground

Bear Island Campground sits on a ridge above the Au Sable River in the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Mio, Michigan. The campground has just three primitive campsites and a vault toilet. The ridge location provides seclusion and quiet, but reaching the river means navigating steep terrain.

Bear Island Campground is primarily suited for primitive camping, with limited amenities ideal for a rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F with cool nights in the 50s, offering the most reliable conditions for fishing and paddling the Au Sable. The campground is accessible May through November. Winter drops temperatures to freezing and blankets the ridge in snow. Dry weather makes vehicle access easier. Plan for insects during warmer months, and check recent conditions before arrival since wet weather complicates the ridge approach.

ElevationThe campground's commanding position atop a scenic ridge rewards visitors with sweeping elevated views that stretch across the forested landscape. This natural vantage point offers a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness, where morning mists rise from the valley below and evening light paints the treetops in golden hues.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a glacially-formed ridge at 892 feet elevation, positioned above the Au Sable River as it winds through protected forest. Northern hardwoods mix with conifers across the surrounding landscape. The elevated position keeps you separate from river activity, but the tradeoff is a steep descent to reach the water. The forest canopy creates a natural buffer for wildlife sounds throughout the day.

Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Au Sable River Corridor of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Bear Island Campground occupies a distinctive geological position. The ridge formation that hosts the campground tells the ancient story of glacial movements that carved this landscape thousands of years ago. Below, the legendary Au Sable River—renowned for its crystal-clear waters and excellent trout fishing—winds through one of Michigan's most pristine and protected natural areas. This remarkable setting places campers at the heart of a vast ecosystem where northern hardwood forests meet coniferous stands, creating a diverse habitat that supports abundant wildlife and offers endless opportunities for nature observation.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of the surrounding ridge and forested area.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges at Bear Island Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours

Check-out

Open 24 hours

Stay Limit

Camping is prohibited except at designated sites.

Groups

There are no designated group sites noted in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree primitive sites spread across the ridge. The steep hill between campsites and river is a consistent factor. Bring a shovel or bucket for waste disposal.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required; camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityOperate as first-come, first-served; sites may fill quickly during peak paddling season.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeLimited to three campsites, likely small and rustic.

PrivacyHigh on a ridge and off the river, offering a peaceful environment. User reviews highlight a secluded atmosphere.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesEnsure vehicles are equipped for two-track roads, and pack sufficient water as potable water is unavailable.

Best CampsitesWith only three sites total, specific preferences depend mainly on vehicle access conditions during your visit. Reviews note the sites themselves are clean and well-maintained.

Amenities available

Bear Island Campground is a small and quiet campsite located on a ridge overlooking the Au Sable River. It has limited amenities, making it best suited for river paddlers and those seeking a rustic camping experience.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Island Campground offers limited recreational activities, primarily catering to river paddlers and anglers.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsChallenges include steep access from the river, lack of potable water, and rough terrain during wet conditions.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. User reviews indicate campers need to bring shovels or buckets for waste disposal.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply.

Emergency ServicesMio Ranger Station for general assistance. Closest hospitals and police stations are located in Mio.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned, but user reviews emphasize cleaning up after oneself as crucial.

Water FeaturesClose to Au Sable River. "River access is up a rather high hill. Canoes will have to be tied off or lugged up hill."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bear Island Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews describe Bear Island Campground as rustic, peaceful, and suited for those comfortable with basic facilities. Reviews also highlight the site's secluded nature and challenges like steep hills and lack of permanent restrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the peaceful and secluded atmosphere, the ridge's elevation providing privacy, and the site's suitability for river access and boating.

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Challenges include steep stairs for river access, lack of permanent latrines, sparse amenities, and occasional litter.

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites are not individually reviewed, but users mention challenges related to the site's overall layout, such as steep access to the river.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing a shovel or bucket for waste disposal, ensuring vehicle access is planned during dry weather, and being prepared for steep hills between the campsites and the river.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not explicitly address seasonal trends. However, the campground's May 1 - November 30 availability suggests it caters to late spring, summer, and fall visitors.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great rustic site! High on a ridge and off river enough to be peaceful. River access is up a rather high hill." - Matt West 2. "The stairs are definitely a challenge but the campsites were very...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews address accessibility features or experiences for disabled campers.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Canoeists and kayakers looking for a quiet, free base camp on the Au Sable will find this fits well. The ridge keeps you away from river traffic noise, and supplies plus rentals are available in nearby Mio. Dry-weather summer and fall visits are the sweet spot.

Skip if

No potable water, no permanent latrines, and a steep scramble every time you want river access. Car campers expecting drive-up convenience or anyone who needs hookups, showers, or cell signal will be frustrated fast.

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