Bear Island Campground

4.44

11 reviews

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 1 - Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Island Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 11 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeaceful

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Bear Island Campground

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

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."

Nearby places

Grayling (30 miles)

Nearby supplies

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

Best Time to Camp at Bear Island Campground

Bear Island transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the ridge in snow and brings crisp, freezing temperatures that create a pristine wonderland for the hardy cold-weather camper. Summer unveils the campground's gentler side, with comfortable temperatures perfect for evening campfires and stargazing. Savvy visitors know to check recent weather patterns before arrival—dry conditions make accessing this ridgetop haven much more enjoyable, while wet weather can add an extra layer of adventure to your journey.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open through summer; paddling, fishing and solitude are prime summer draws.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open into November; ridgetop setting likely offers good fall color and quiet solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open May 1; late spring paddling possible but early spring conditions not covered.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed Nov 30 - May 1; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May 1 - November 30.

About Bear Island Campground

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.

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

Weather and SeasonsBear Island transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the ridge in snow and brings crisp, freezing temperatures that create a pristine wonderland for the hardy cold-weather camper. Summer unveils the campground's gentler side, with comfortable temperatures perfect for evening campfires and stargazing. Savvy visitors know to check recent weather patterns before arrival—dry conditions make accessing this ridgetop haven much more enjoyable, while wet weather can add an extra layer of adventure to your journey.

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 SceneryBear Island's ridgetop setting creates a peaceful sanctuary above the Au Sable River's gentle murmur. The campground's elevated position means you'll enjoy the serenity of being removed from the river corridor's activity while still having access to its beauty—though be prepared for a vigorous hike down the steep hillside to reach the water's edge. This unique topography offers the best of both worlds: the tranquil solitude of a mountaintop retreat combined with access to one of Michigan's most beloved waterways. The surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of wildlife sounds, from dawn birdsong to the evening chorus of owls.

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.

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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 campsites located near the ridge.

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.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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

FishingFishing opportunities are available along the Au Sable River, but specific details about fish types or fishing quality are not provided.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is a key activity. User reviews note easy river access but mention challenges like stairs and steep hills for boat landing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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."

Weather at Bear Island Campground

Reviews

4.4

11 reviews

Recommended

Bear Island Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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