Bear Island Campground
02 reviews107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open May 1 - Novembe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open May 1 - Novembe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(989) 826-3252
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 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."
Fees & Passes at Bear Island Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Camping is prohibited except at designated sites.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Huron-Manistee National Forests website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeLimited to three campsites, likely small and rustic.
Sites PrivacyHigh on a ridge and off the river, offering a peaceful environment. User reviews highlight a secluded atmosphere.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEnsure vehicles are equipped for two-track roads, and pack sufficient water as potable water is unavailable.
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree campsites located near the ridge.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 - November 30.
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.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Island Campground offers limited recreational activities, primarily catering to river paddlers and anglers.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available along the Au Sable River, but specific details about fish types or fishing quality are not provided.Boating
Non-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
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground's availability ends before the peak winter season (May 1 - November 30).Water Sports
Water sports are limited to non-motorized boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply.
Hazards
General hazardsChallenges include steep access from the river, lack of potable water, and rough terrain during wet conditions.
Weather at Bear Island Campground
23
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 11.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Mio Ranger Station for general assistance. Closest hospitals and police stations are located in Mio.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned, but user reviews emphasize cleaning up after oneself as crucial.
Proximity to 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."
Common complaintsSome littering reported. "There was a little bit of litter and the stairs are definitely a challenge but the campsites were very nice and clean."
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Bear Island Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Challenges include steep stairs for river access, lack of permanent latrines, sparse amenities, and occasional litter.
Based on 2 reviewsPro 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 2 reviewsSeasonal 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 2 reviewsCamper 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 2 reviewsShow more
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 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features or experiences for disabled campers.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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