Cathedral Pines Campground
03 reviewsCathedral Pines Campground, FR 4350, Oscoda County, Michigan, USA
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open season: May 1 -...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open season: May 1 -...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Cathedral Pines 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 3 reviews
9 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"The user reviews generally praise the quiet and secluded nature of Cathedral Pines Campground and the large pine trees and campsites. However, the lack of facilities is a recurring theme. "Lovely large pine trees. Large campsite. Very quiet and out of the way. Few facilities." (user review by Curtis Casto)."
Fees & Passes at Cathedral Pines Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Camping is prohibited except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
Cancellation: Not applicable as reservations are not required; the site operates on a first-come, first-served bas...
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 Cathedral Pines Campground
From the wildflower blooms of May through the golden tapestry of November, Cathedral Pines welcomes adventurers during its open season (May 1 - November 30). Spring arrives with crisp mornings perfect for riverside coffee, while summer brings warm days ideal for paddling expeditions—though afternoon showers may send you scurrying beneath the protective pine boughs. Autumn transforms the forest into a painter's palette of golds and crimsons against the evergreen backdrop. The campground rests through winter, when snow blankets the pines and maintenance crews step back to let nature reign supreme.
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
- Peak Season: May 1 - November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: May 1 - November 30. The site is closed during winter due to lack of maintenance.
About Cathedral Pines Campground
Step into a living cathedral of towering eastern white pines at Cathedral Pines Campground, where centuries-old giants create a natural sanctuary along the Au Sable River. This peaceful walk-in site serves as a beloved haven for river paddlers seeking respite in nature's embrace. As one visitor beautifully captured it: 'Lovely large pine trees. Large campsite. Very quiet and out of the way. Few facilities' (Curtis Casto, 2021). Here, the simplicity is the luxury—spacious sites beneath ancient canopies, the gentle murmur of the river nearby, and a profound sense of solitude that only Michigan's wilderness can provide.
Cathedral Pines Campground caters to primitive camping enthusiasts, as the site is only accessible by walking 0.25 miles from the parking area. Facilities are minimal, focusing on a natural and quiet experience. "Lovely large pine trees. Large campsite. Very quiet and out of the way." (user review by Curtis Casto).
Weather and SeasonsFrom the wildflower blooms of May through the golden tapestry of November, Cathedral Pines welcomes adventurers during its open season (May 1 - November 30). Spring arrives with crisp mornings perfect for riverside coffee, while summer brings warm days ideal for paddling expeditions—though afternoon showers may send you scurrying beneath the protective pine boughs. Autumn transforms the forest into a painter's palette of golds and crimsons against the evergreen backdrop. The campground rests through winter, when snow blankets the pines and maintenance crews step back to let nature reign supreme.
ElevationElevation data not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine camping within a living monument—Cathedral Pines showcases some of Michigan's most magnificent old-growth eastern white pines, their massive trunks rising like pillars into the sky. These gentle giants create a natural privacy screen while still offering tantalizing glimpses of the Au Sable River flowing past. Dawn often brings deer picking their way through the understory, while eagles soar overhead and the occasional splash hints at river otters at play. The interplay of filtered sunlight through the pine canopy creates an ever-changing tableau of light and shadow across your campsite.
Geological RegionNestled within the acclaimed Huron-Manistee National Forests, Cathedral Pines occupies a privileged position along the Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor—one of Michigan's crown jewels of protected waterways. This remarkable ecosystem represents a rare glimpse into Michigan's pre-settlement landscape, where massive eastern white pines once blanketed the region. The surrounding forest and river corridor create a wildlife highway, making this an exceptional spot for nature observation while the ancient pines stand as sentinels, having witnessed centuries of seasons along these pristine waters.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the authoritative source or user reviews.
Sites Size"Large campsite." (user review by Curtis Casto).
Sites Privacy"Very quiet and out of the way." (user review by Curtis Casto).
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for small groups and river paddlers due to proximity to the Au Sable River. Visitors should consider weather conditions before visiting.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open 24 hours
- no specific check-in time.
Check-out
- Forest quiet hours apply
- campers must vacate by applicable regulations.
Stay Limit
Camping is prohibited except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- No special permit needed for groups under 75 people
- individual campsites are available.
Groups
No group site information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle large campsite surrounded by forest; walk-in access only.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 1 - November 30. The site is closed during winter due to lack of maintenance.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis; availability may vary with seasonal demand, especially in summer.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required; the site operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activities at Cathedral Pines Campground primarily revolve around river paddling and enjoying the natural surroundings. "Visitors to this campground are primarily river paddlers." (authoritative source). User reviews emphasize the connection to the nearby Bull Gap trailhead and river access. "Not a bad place to camp. It's tucked back and you have to carry your gear to the sites but the Bull Gap trail head is right up the road and you can gain access from the river." (user review by Neshnabek).
Hiking
Hiking trails are implied through mentions of the nearby Bull Gap trailhead, although no specific trails are described in authoritative sources.Boating
The campground is primarily frequented by river paddlers, indicating non-motorized boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking. "Visitors to this campground are primarily river paddlers." (authoritative source).Wildlife viewing
"Trees offer a screen from the river, but still allow campers views of the river and wildlife." (authoritative source).Winter Activities
The site is not maintained in the winter, and access may be difficult due to unplowed roads. "The site is not maintained in the winter: Parking lot is not plowed." (authoritative source).Water Sports
Non-motorized water activities such as canoeing and kayaking are supported, indicated by the availability of nearby canoe rental services.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Camping fires are allowed at designated sites; adhere to forest rules.
- Quiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal hazards include thunderstorms and muddy roads requiring 4-wheel drive access. 'Beware though. If you drive back there and it storms you'd better have 4-wheel drive' (Neshnabek, 2020).
Weather at Cathedral Pines Campground
22
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Mio Ranger Station at 107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647; Phone: (989) 826-3252 (open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - November 30.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Au Sable National Scenic River; ideal for river paddlers and kayaking.
Common complaintsLimited facilities, including no potable water or plowed parking in winter. 'Few facilities. Very nice place to camp when you're on the river,' noted one user (Curtis Casto, 2021).
Campground Map
Cathedral Pines Campground, FR 4350, Oscoda County, Michigan, USA
Driving directionsFrom Grayling - Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Go straight and travel east on S. River Rd. for 5.5 miles. Turn left and travel north on FR 4350. Parking is located at the gate.
A gated access road prohibits motorized vehicles; visitors must walk approximately 0.25 miles to reach the campground. Seasonal conditions may affect accessibility—parking is not plowed during winter.Nearby places
Grayling (approximately 35 miles, 55 minutes), Mio (approximately 45 miles, 1 hour), Oscoda (approximately 80 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and rentals are available in nearby towns such as Glennie, Alcona, Hale, Mio, and Oscoda. Specific options include Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC, Gotts Landing, and Oscoda Canoe Rental.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Cathedral Pines Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The user reviews generally praise the quiet and secluded nature of Cathedral Pines Campground and the large pine trees and campsites. However, the lack of facilities is a recurring theme. "Lovely large pine trees. Large campsite. Very quiet and out of the way. Few facilities." (user review by Curtis Casto).
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive mentions include the serene environment, large campsites, and proximity to the river for paddlers and the Bull Gap trailhead. "Not a bad place to camp. It's tucked back and you have to carry...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticism is focused on the minimal facilities and challenging access during storms. "Beware though. If you drive back there and it storms you'd better have 4 wheel drive." (user review by Neshnabek).
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring suitable footwear for the 0.25-mile walk to the campsite. Prepare for minimal facilities and check weather conditions before visiting to avoid access issues during storms.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer and fall are ideal seasons to visit due to favorable weather conditions and accessibility. Winter is not recommended as the site is not maintained and roads are unplowed.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Although we were passing through on kayaks we stopped here and had to take pics of this site... I think I'll be camping out here next time." (user review by Ronald Humphreys). "Lovely large pine...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or areas within the campground are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences from pet owners.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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