How much does camping cost at Au Sable Area?

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

What is the best time to visit Au Sable Area?

Au Sable Area is open May 15 through September 30, when permits are required for camping at designated primitive sites.. 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 Au Sable Area?

Au Sable Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Au Sable Area?

Fire policies at Au Sable Area: Fire policies are not explicitly mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Au Sable Area have?

Au Sable Area has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Au Sable Area?

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

What activities can I do at Au Sable Area?

Popular activities at Au Sable Area include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Au Sable Area

Q: Is Au Sable Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Au Sable Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis outside the May 15 - September 30 permit period.

4.60

408 reviews

South Branch Au Sable Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, Oscoda County, MI, USA

Scenic ViewsStargazingFishing

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Michigan Family-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

1,050 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,050 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Au Sable Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free at this campground, but permits are required for camping between May 15 and September 30 at 19 designated primitive campsites along...

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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(989) 826-3252

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 408 reviews

378 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspacioussites

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and spacious sites. However, the lack of amenities like showers, potable water, and cell phone service are noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Branch Au Sable Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, Oscoda County, MI, USA

Au Sable Area

South Branch Au Sable Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, Oscoda County, MI, USA

Nearby places

Mio (unknown distance), Oscoda (unknown distance), Glennie (unknown distance).

Nearby supplies

Glennie and Mio are mentioned as nearby towns where supplies may be available, but distances and specific details are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Au Sable Area

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 65 and 80°F and cool nights around 45 to 60°F. Water levels are usually good for paddling and shore access. Bring bug protection for early summer. Winter transforms the area into quiet snowscape, but most visitors stick to warmer months when trails are clear and the river is accessible. Weekend use picks up in summer but stays quieter than developed campgrounds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sept; most popular time with favorable weather and activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 through September 30, when permits are required for camping at designated primitive sites.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, January 1 - December 31.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Au Sable Area

Au Sable Area sits along the Au Sable River in Huron-Manistee National Forests, offering 19 primitive campsites spread across 10,628 acres of dense forest. The campground attracts paddlers, anglers, and anyone seeking a genuine escape. Cell service is limited to nonexistent, and there's no potable water or modern facilities. Reviews praise the spacious sites and wildlife sightings but note you'll need to bring everything.

The campground is ideal for primitive and dispersed camping, with a focus on accommodating outdoor enthusiasts seeking a natural and serene environment.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 65 and 80°F and cool nights around 45 to 60°F. Water levels are usually good for paddling and shore access. Bring bug protection for early summer. Winter transforms the area into quiet snowscape, but most visitors stick to warmer months when trails are clear and the river is accessible. Weekend use picks up in summer but stays quieter than developed campgrounds.

ElevationThe terrain's natural contours create an ever-changing landscape that adds character to every outdoor adventure, though specific elevation details remain part of the area's untold mysteries.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Au Sable River cuts through flat to gently rolling terrain that drops steeply at the riverbanks. Dense forest covers most of the area, broken by Alcona Dam Pond and Cook Pond. Deer are common, and reviewers occasionally spot bald eagles overhead. The landscape sits at 1,050 feet elevation, spanning Iosco and Alcona counties along the wild borderlands between them. The river itself is the main attraction. Wide enough for canoeing, clear enough for trout.

Geological RegionSpanning the wild borderlands of Iosco and Alcona counties, this geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through its distinctive flat to gently rolling hills that dramatically transform into steep banks along the Au Sable River. Dense forests cloak the 10,628-acre expanse, creating a verdant sanctuary where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape perfect for outdoor exploration and discovery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Camping operates on a dispersed basis
no check-in time is specified.

Check-out

Camping operates on a dispersed basis
no check-out time is specified.

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit is mentioned in the authoritative content.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated in the authoritative content.

Groups

Group camping options are not specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNineteen designated primitive sites scatter along the river. South Branch Trail Camp and Rollways Campground are the developed options within the area. Sites are large and well-spaced. Reviewers consistently mention privacy and room for larger groups. The terrain is primitive: no loops, no hookups, just forest and riverbank.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis outside the May 15 - September 30 permit period.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not mentioned.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites are described by users as spacious and able to accommodate larger groups. However, exact measurements are unavailable.

PrivacySites are reported to be large and spread out, providing privacy for campers. User reviews describe the primitive camping areas as particularly spacious.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific recommendations include choosing sites with water views or those secluded for privacy. Cabins and primitive sites are popular choices for families and nature enthusiasts.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and primitive camping. Visitors can enjoy viewing wildlife, fishing in the Au Sable River, and exploring the nearby Shore-to-Shore Horse Trail.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include seasonal wildlife such as bears and bald eagles, and natural terrain features like steep riverbanks. User reviews also mention raccoons and wild turkeys.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

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

Fire PolicyFire policies are not explicitly mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews indicate inconsistency in noise regulation.

Emergency ServicesMio Ranger Station and District - Address: 107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647, Phone: (989) 826-3252.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the official materials. User reviews indicate that some areas have limited trash collection, and visitors are advised to pack out their waste.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly along the Au Sable River, which is suitable for fishing, boating, and other water activities.

Camp HostNo campground host information is provided.

Weather at Au Sable Area

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

408 reviews

Top-Rated

Au Sable Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and spacious sites. However, the lack of amenities like showers, potable water, and cell phone service are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 408 reviews

What Campers Love

"Love this campground! All the necessities and lots of wildlife!" Users frequently mention the spaciousness of sites, the natural beauty, and the peaceful atmosphere.

Based on 408 reviews

Common Concerns

Numerous reviewers express dissatisfaction with the lack of basic amenities, including restrooms and potable water. Additionally, poor cell service and limited trash collection are common concerns.

Based on 408 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and toiletries, due to the lack of on-site amenities. Some suggest visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds.

Based on 408 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is open year-round, but summer is the most popular season due to favorable weather conditions. Winter visits are less common but possible.

Based on 408 reviews

Camper Quotes

"GORGEOUS views and clean park but UGLY people running it!" and "The fish are good and a lot of minnows for pike bait!"

Based on 408 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites such as site 112 are mentioned, with reviewers praising their proximity to the waterfront but also noting maintenance issues in some areas.

Based on 408 reviews