How much does camping cost at River Dune Campground?

Camping fees at River Dune Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is River Dune Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

River Dune Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This site is walk-in only, and campers must access the area approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area.

Can I see photos of campsites at River Dune Campground before I book?

Yes! River Dune 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 River Dune Campground?

River Dune Campground is open Not specified.. 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 River Dune Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at River Dune Campground?

Fire policies at River Dune Campground: Campfires are permitted at designated fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does River Dune Campground have?

River Dune Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at River Dune Campground?

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

What activities can I do at River Dune Campground?

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

River Dune Campground

4.00

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

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability

Get Directions

River Dune Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(989) 826-3252

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

River Dune Campground

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

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).

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.

Weather at River Dune Campground

Best Time to Camp at River Dune Campground

The campground is accessible May 1 through November 30; access roads aren't plowed in winter. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable conditions. Daytime highs in the low 70s to low 80s°F, nights cooling into the 50s–60s. Fishing and paddling peak during these months, trails stay dry for the half-mile walk in, and long daylight hours stretch campfire time. Spring brings wildflowers and cooler, wetter conditions. Autumn turns the canopy gold and crimson but temperatures drop. Weekdays stay especially quiet thanks to the walk-in requirement.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is 'warmest, most reliable'; reviews praise camping and fishing in warm months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 1 through November 30.

About River Dune Campground

River Dune Campground is a single primitive site tucked in the Huron-Manistee National Forests along the Au Sable National Scenic River corridor. The site sits a half-mile walk from the parking area, set back from the road and main camping area. It's small, cleared, and level. Users report fitting roughly 10 tents. And the walk-in access keeps it quiet most of the time.

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.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground is accessible May 1 through November 30; access roads aren't plowed in winter. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable conditions. Daytime highs in the low 70s to low 80s°F, nights cooling into the 50s–60s. Fishing and paddling peak during these months, trails stay dry for the half-mile walk in, and long daylight hours stretch campfire time. Spring brings wildflowers and cooler, wetter conditions. Autumn turns the canopy gold and crimson but temperatures drop. Weekdays stay especially quiet thanks to the walk-in requirement.

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 SceneryAncient glaciers carved the Au Sable River valley here, leaving behind rolling dunes and mixed northern Michigan forest. The campsite sits above the river, with a short stairway leading down to the water. Trees provide canopy cover over the cleared camping area. The Au Sable flows clear and relatively quiet through this stretch, visible from the site. Elevation hovers around 928 feet.

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.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy picturesque views of the Au Sable River.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 layoutOne walk-in site, a half-mile from the parking area. The site is cleared, level, and set back from the road. Small footprint but users have pitched up to 10 tents on it. A clean outhouse with hand sanitizer and toilet paper sits nearby. No potable water on-site. Bring your own. Firewood is plentiful in the surrounding woods.

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.

Amenities available

River Dune Campground is a small, scenic camping area nestled between the Au Sable River Scenic Overlook and Au Sable Loop Campground, offering campers stunning views of the river. Campers can access the river using a short staircase near the site. This is a walk-in only site, approximately 0.5 miles from the gate, ensuring a more secluded and peaceful experience. Official sources confirm there are restrooms available at the site, but potable water is not provided. The campground is closed during the winter months, and facilities such as the access road and parking lot are not maintained or plowed.

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

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

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

4.0

14 reviews

Satisfactory

River Dune Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is described as capable of accommodating multiple tents, with user estimates suggesting space for about 10 tents.

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

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user feedback specifically mentions policies or experiences related to pets.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers renting a canoe from nearby Mio or Glennie who want a free riverside base camp. The staircase access to the Au Sable is the draw, fishing reviews are solid, and summer weekdays practically guarantee you'll have the site to yourself.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything in on a half-mile carry. Reviewers also flagged that some visitors skip the outhouse entirely, so if sanitation standards matter to you, this first-come free site has no host to enforce the rules.

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