River Dune Campground

4.67

14 reviews

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

River Dune 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

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleansites

"User reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic nature of this small campground, with easy access to the river and a well-maintained outhouse. Some users noted the lack of potable water and better waste management practices."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

River Dune 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. for 3 miles. Turn right into entrance for Au Sable Loop Campground. Drive 1 mile, parking area is on left .25 miles before Au Sable Loop Campground. Walk-in about .5 miles to campsite.

The access road to the site is gated, prohibiting motorized access. Visitors must walk in approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area. The parking area accommodates up to two vehicles and is located 0.25 miles before Au Sable Loop Campground.

Nearby places

Grayling (30 miles)

Nearby supplies

Canoe rentals available in Glennie (Alcona Canoe Rental), Hale (Rollways Resort), Mio (Gotts Landing, Hinchman's Acres Resort), Oscoda (Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC, Oscoda Canoe Rental).

Best Time to Camp at River Dune Campground

From the awakening of spring on May 1st through the last whispers of autumn on November 30th, River Dune welcomes adventurers to experience the changing face of Michigan's wilderness. Summer brings those perfect camping days—warm sunshine filtering through the canopy, cool evenings by the campfire, and ideal conditions for river exploration. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and the forest coming alive, while autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. Though winter's beauty blankets the area, the campground rests under snow from December through April, as access roads remain unplowed during these months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews praise camping and fishing during the open season (May–Nov).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Nov 30; foliage and river views make fall attractive for visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from May 1; spring access possible but early season may be wet and reviews are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed December–April.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 1 through November 30.
Current Alerts: None.

About River Dune Campground

Tucked away in a secluded pocket of Michigan's wilderness, River Dune Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking authentic primitive camping. This hidden gem sits perfectly positioned between two beloved landmarks—the Au Sable River Scenic Overlook and the Au Sable Loop Campground. Your adventure begins with a peaceful half-mile walk from the parking area, leading you through the forest to this tranquil retreat. Far removed from the hustle of roadways and neighboring campsites, River Dune provides the rare opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

River Dune Campground is a walk-in, tent-only camping site with a secluded and scenic environment near the Au Sable River. It is a free-use site without reservations.

Historical SignificanceRiver Dune Campground stands as a gateway to one of Michigan's most treasured waterways—the Au Sable National Scenic River. This protected corridor has witnessed centuries of history, from Native American heritage to the logging era that shaped Michigan's identity. Today, this designation ensures that the river's ecological treasures and cultural legacy remain preserved for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to discover and cherish.

Weather and SeasonsFrom the awakening of spring on May 1st through the last whispers of autumn on November 30th, River Dune welcomes adventurers to experience the changing face of Michigan's wilderness. Summer brings those perfect camping days—warm sunshine filtering through the canopy, cool evenings by the campfire, and ideal conditions for river exploration. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and the forest coming alive, while autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. Though winter's beauty blankets the area, the campground rests under snow from December through April, as access roads remain unplowed during these months.

ElevationThe campground's terrain offers gentle contours that follow the natural landscape of the river valley, creating an intimate connection with the surrounding environment.

Natural Features and SceneryHere, where the forest meets the river, nature puts on a spectacular show. Towering trees create a living cathedral above your campsite, their leaves whispering ancient stories in the breeze. The star attraction lies just a short stairway descent from camp—the legendary Au Sable River, its clear waters reflecting the sky as it winds through the wilderness. This pristine setting offers front-row seats to Michigan's natural theater: morning mist rising from the water, eagles soaring overhead, and the peaceful soundtrack of flowing water that lulls you to sleep each night.

Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, River Dune Campground occupies a special place in the Au Sable National Scenic River corridor. This remarkable landscape showcases the geological artistry of northern Michigan, where ancient glaciers carved the river valley and left behind the rolling dunes and diverse ecosystems that define this extraordinary region today.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours
no specific check-in time.

Check-out

Open 24 hours
no specific check-out time.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific information about guest limits per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle campsite located approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; only walk-in.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis site is walk-in only, and campers must access the area approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies not specified.

AccessibilityAccess to the campground is by foot only, approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area. Accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.

Site SizeThe site is described as small, with user reviews noting that approximately 10 tents could be set up at the cleared and level campsite.

PrivacyThe site is set back from the road and the main camping area, providing a sense of seclusion and privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe site is ideal for those seeking solitude and proximity to the river. Visitors should pack in all supplies and water as none are provided.

Activities you can enjoy

River Dune Campground offers a tranquil environment with access to non-motorized boating and fishing in the Au Sable River. The scenic location allows visitors to enjoy river views and engage in outdoor exploration.

FishingFishing is available at this site, with the Au Sable River being a notable spot for this activity. User reviews describe it as a 'great river to fish at.'

BoatingNon-motorized boating activities such as canoeing are supported. Nearby rental services include Alcona Canoe Rental, Rollways Resort, Gotts Landing, Hinchman's Acres Resort, and others.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be aware of potential wildlife hazards and must follow Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal. The area does not have potable water.

Active AlertsNone.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted at designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply.

Emergency ServicesMio Ranger Station and District for immediate assistance. For medical emergencies, visitors should contact local hospitals or emergency services in the nearby town of Mio.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities at the site. Campers may need to pack out their waste.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located adjacent to the Au Sable River. A staircase provides easy access to the river for activities.

Camp HostNo campground host information available.

Weather at River Dune Campground

Reviews

4.7

14 reviews

Top-Rated

River Dune Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic nature of this small campground, with easy access to the river and a well-maintained outhouse. Some users noted the lack of potable water and better waste management practices.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the 'cleared and level' campsites, the scenic views of the river, and the clean outhouse facility with hand sanitizer and toilet paper provided. One user noted that the site was...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

A notable issue mentioned was improper waste disposal by some visitors, with one reviewer stating, 'Except for the people not using the outhouse and just doing their thing on the top of the ground...

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water supply as there is no potable water on-site. A user also noted that there is 'lots of firewood to burn up,' indicating the availability of natural resources...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest a positive experience during the open season (May 1 - November 30), with particular enjoyment of the camping and fishing opportunities during warmer months.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The take out was nice, with timbers going to the water's edge. Easy place to unload, and not a far walk to the camp sites.' 2. 'Loved it out there, great camping spot and great river to fish at.'...

Based on 14 reviews