4 Mile Trail Camp

4.67

12 reviews

4 Mile Trail Camp

Quick Facts

Price

$6 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$6 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

4 Mile Trail Camp

$6.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$6 per person per night if camping with a horse; $15 per night for a group of 6 people (group rates apply).

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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Michigan

Provider

(989) 348-7068

What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacious

"Reviewers generally rate the campground highly for being quiet, well-maintained for a rustic site, equestrian-friendly, and spacious. Common praises include clean vault toilets, easy trailer access, and a peaceful atmosphere."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at 4 Mile Trail Camp

$6 - $15/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at 4 Mile Trail Camp

Adventure calls year-round at 4 Mile Trail Camp, though winter visitors should come prepared for a true backcountry experience. The campground stays open through snowy months, but roads remain unplowed and services are minimal. Spring through fall brings classic northern Michigan weather—warm, pleasant days ideal for trail riding, with cool evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire. Winter campers will find solitude and beauty, but should pack accordingly for the elements.

Best

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

About 4 Mile Trail Camp

Nestled among young oaks and jack pines, 4 Mile Trail Camp welcomes equestrian groups to a spacious, sun-drenched clearing perfect for Shore-to-Shore Trail adventures. This rustic basecamp keeps things simple with vault toilets and hand-pump water, letting you focus on the trails ahead.

Rustic, equestrian-focused group campground consisting of one spacious group-camping area that accommodates tents and trailers (often used by riders on the Shore-to-Shore Trail).

Weather and SeasonsAdventure calls year-round at 4 Mile Trail Camp, though winter visitors should come prepared for a true backcountry experience. The campground stays open through snowy months, but roads remain unplowed and services are minimal. Spring through fall brings classic northern Michigan weather—warm, pleasant days ideal for trail riding, with cool evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire. Winter campers will find solitude and beauty, but should pack accordingly for the elements.

Natural Features and ScenerySunlight filters through a canopy of young oaks and jack pines at this open, airy campground in the heart of Au Sable State Forest. While you won't find lakeside views here, what you will discover is something better for trail enthusiasts: immediate access to the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail system. This is a true trailhead camp, where endless miles of hiking and horseback riding paths begin right at your tent's edge, winding deep into Michigan's northern forests.

Geological RegionAu Sable State Forest region (southeast of Grayling).

Campsite details

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primary use is equestrian access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail; also used for hiking, hunting, and year-round rustic camping (seasonal roads not plowed).

Hiking

Serves as a trailhead/basecamp for the Shore-to-Shore Trail (420-mile trail system) and other local forest trails; suitable for day hikes and multi-day trail use.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsActive equestrian use (horse traffic, tie-outs, and manure) and hunting on nearby state lands during seasons. Water access includes a hand-pump well; a second submersible pump requires a 5000-watt generator to operate. Roads may be impassable in winter when not plowed.

Weather at 4 Mile Trail Camp

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 86%

Wind: 9.8 mph

Overcast

Weather History

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsVery basic amenities — no showers or hookups; rustic facilities only. Roads and access are not plowed in winter (limits winter access).

Campground Map

4 Mile Trail Camp

Driving directionsLocated about 9.2 miles southeast of Grayling via M-72 East, I-75 South, and West 4 Mile Road. Also described as 9 miles southeast of Grayling via I-75 and 4-Mile Road.

Accessible from M-72, I-75 and West 4 Mile Road; seasonal roads to the campground are not plowed in winter.

Nearby places

Grayling — approximately 9–9.2 miles (nearest town for food, supplies and fuel).

Nearby supplies

Grayling — nearest town with food, supplies and fuel (about 9–9.2 miles).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.7

12 reviews

Top-Rated

4 Mile Trail Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers generally rate the campground highly for being quiet, well-maintained for a rustic site, equestrian-friendly, and spacious. Common praises include clean vault toilets, easy trailer access, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Equestrian-focused and spacious group layout; clean vault toilets; easy trailer pull-ins; some firepits present; peaceful and rarely crowded.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a generator if you plan to use the submersible pump (requires a 5000-watt generator). Expect horse activity and trailers; bring your own firewood or plan accordingly. Campsites are first-come,...

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Rustic but well maintained. Very peaceful."; "Nice sizes camp and spots. Clean outhouses."; "This is a horse trail camp."; "Some sites have firepits."; "Peace and cheap."

Based on 12 reviews