How much does camping cost at Buttercup Campground?

Camping fees at Buttercup Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buttercup Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buttercup Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buttercup Campground before I book?

Yes! Buttercup 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 Buttercup Campground?

Buttercup Campground is open Null. 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 Buttercup Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Buttercup Campground?

Fire policies at Buttercup Campground: Each site includes a fire pit.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Buttercup Campground have?

Buttercup Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buttercup Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Buttercup Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Buttercup Campground?

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

Buttercup Campground

4.39

38 reviews

Null

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

912 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

May 1 - November 30

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

912 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

May 1 - November 30

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability

Get Directions

Buttercup Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(989) 826-3252Null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Buttercup Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Null

Buttercup Campground

Null

Nearby places

Grayling: 30 miles east

Nearby supplies

Closest canoe rental services located in Glennie, Hale, Mio, and Oscoda. Examples include Hinchman's Acres Resort and Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC.

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. The entrance is located on the right.

Seasonal access road conditions apply. The site is not gated during the off-season, and parking lots are not plowed during winter months.

Weather at Buttercup Campground

Current alert: Winter closure warnings apply.

Best Time to Camp at Buttercup Campground

Sites are open May through November. Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s and the best river flows for paddling and swimming. Fishing for smallmouth bass and trout peaks during warmer months. Weekends see moderate traffic near popular put-ins, but weekdays stay quiet. Snow closes the campground in winter.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer offers best river flows for paddling and swimming; warm daytime highs.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 1 - November 30

About Buttercup Campground

Buttercup Campground sits along the Au Sable River in Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forests, offering four primitive sites for paddlers and drive-in campers. Three sites are accessible by vehicle, while one riverside site is reachable only by kayak, canoe, or tube. The campground stays small and uncrowded.

Buttercup Campground is primarily suited for primitive camping and serves as a convenient stop for river paddlers. The campground features three drive-up campsites and one riverside site accessible by watercraft.

Weather and SeasonsSites are open May through November. Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s and the best river flows for paddling and swimming. Fishing for smallmouth bass and trout peaks during warmer months. Weekends see moderate traffic near popular put-ins, but weekdays stay quiet. Snow closes the campground in winter.

ElevationThe campground rests at a gentle elevation that provides easy access to the river while offering comfortable, level camping spots among the trees.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a quiet stretch of the Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor at 912 feet elevation. Maple, oak, and pine forests surround the sites, and the river runs clear through this glacially carved valley. White-tailed deer browse at dawn. Ticks and poison ivy are common in the understory, especially near the water access trail.

Geological RegionNestled within the renowned Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor, Buttercup sits at the heart of a landscape where ancient glaciers carved dramatic river valleys through forests of maple, oak, and pine. This protected corridor showcases Michigan's natural heritage, where crystal-clear waters wind through one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the Great Lakes.

Scenic ViewsRiver views are prominent from campsites, especially one site directly on the river.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide lodging accommodations like cabins or hotel-style lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned as part of the campground's offerings.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Camping prohibited except at designated campsites.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree drive-up sites and one riverside site accessible only by watercraft. The campground stays uncrowded due to its size. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. A vault toilet was recently added.

Reservation PlatformsReservations managed using forest guidelines.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is prohibited except at designated campsites.

Cancellation PolicyNull

Site SizeThe campground is small and consists of three drive-up campsites and one riverside site accessible via kayak, canoe, or tube.

PrivacyThe campground offers a secluded camping experience, as it is small and not heavily populated.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early, lower river-facing sites prime locations.

Best CampsitesThe lower riverside site offers the best river views and proximity to the water. Reviewers recommend arriving early to claim it. The site is popular with paddlers making multi-day trips down the Au Sable.

Need help booking Buttercup Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Buttercup Campground is a small and quiet site located near the Au Sable River in the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The campground features a serene atmosphere surrounded by mixed hardwoods and pine trees. It primarily caters to river paddlers and offers close-up views of the river. The campground has a capacity for six vehicles and provides basic amenities for campers.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Buttercup Campground offers limited recreational activities primarily centered around its riverside location. It is ideal for river paddlers, picnicking, and fishing.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTick infestation and poison ivy, especially near riverside.

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 toilet facilities are not available. The campground features a vault toilet.

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

Rate Buttercup Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.4

38 reviews

Recommended

Buttercup Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful atmosphere and suitability for river paddlers. Positive feedback focuses on its secluded nature, proximity to the river, and basic amenities. Some complaints include issues with ticks, poison ivy, and the condition of the kayak launch trail.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the quiet, secluded environment with minimal crowds. The presence of a new vault toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site is well-received. Easy access to the Au Sable...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include infestations of ticks and the presence of poison ivy. The kayak launch trail can be muddy. Some users note the lack of potable water as a limitation.

Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The lower riverside site is often mentioned as a favorite for its proximity to the river and scenic views.

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early to secure the lower riverside site, which offers scenic views and proximity to the river. Campers are advised to prepare for ticks and poison ivy.

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from May 1 to November 30, with users emphasizing its appeal during warmer months for river activities. Winter access is limited as the site is not maintained during the...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place is amazing... not many people so that is a plus" - Melissa Brewer. "The kayak launch is a bit of a walk from the campsites, and the trail was muddy at times, but it opens up to a...

Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no specific reviews addressing pet-related policies or experiences.

Based on 38 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Paddlers and canoe-trippers on the Au Sable River will get the most from this place. The riverside site is the one to grab, reserve early. Free, uncrowded, and river-adjacent from May through November.

Skip if

No potable water means hauling your own supply. Ticks and poison ivy are thick near the water trail, so anyone bothered by either should think twice. The kayak launch runs muddy after rain.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.6

(11)

Bear Island Campground

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

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.

Buttercup Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Buttercup Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Buttercup Campground

Best Time to Camp at Buttercup Campground

Planning Tips

About Buttercup Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Buttercup Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Buttercup Campground

Best Time to Camp at Buttercup Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Buttercup Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews