Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Star4.32
22 reviews
Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026
Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
$17.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee $17 per site; maximum 6 people per site. Group camping rate $6 per person/night for paddle-in/walk-in group sites.
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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Michigan
Provider
(734) 475-8307
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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 22 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulfriendlysites

"User reviews are predominantly positive, praising river access, scenic riverfront sites, and suitability for canoe/kayak trips. A minority of reviews raise access issues (gated/overgrown road) or confusing signage about camping."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

44.6656, -84.6547

Nearby places
Grayling — about 7 miles

Best Time to Camp at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

The Au Sable's character changes with the seasons, and river levels can fluctuate significantly—always check current conditions before your trip, especially during spring runoff or after heavy rains. The camping season runs strong from late spring through early fall, with potable water available at the nearby Horse-N-Around Stables from May 1st through September 30th, making summer and early autumn ideal times to experience this riverfront gem.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall colors and continued fishing/paddling make it excellent; watch river level fluctuations.

Planning Tips

    About Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

    Escape to this intimate riverside retreat where the Au Sable River flows past your tent and towering pines create a natural canopy overhead. This primitive campground offers an authentic backcountry experience with basic amenities—vault toilets and hand-pump water—and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming both traditional campers and adventurous paddlers to its walk-in and paddle-in group sites.
    Rustic (primitive) campground providing walk-in and paddle-in group sites directly on the Au Sable River. Sites accommodate tent camping and small trailers; group paddle-in/walk-in sites are available.

    Best Campsites

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    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Primary recreation is river-oriented: canoeing/kayaking and trout fishing on the Au Sable River. Additional activities include wildlife viewing, informal hiking along the river corridor, and occasional swimming/wading in suitable spots.
    Hiking
    Fishing
    Swimming
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsRiver hazards include currents and high water—exercise caution when paddling or swimming. Sites are primitive and may require carrying gear from parking or river access points; limited facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water) mean campers must be self-sufficient.

    Weather at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

    Trip Planning Tools

    Set an AlertGet notified when sites open upCheck WeatherHistorical weather dataGear for This TripMatched gear recommendationsPacking ListCustomizable checklist

    Reviews

    From Booking Sources
    4.3
    22 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews are predominantly positive, praising river access, scenic riverfront sites, and suitability for canoe/kayak trips. A minority of reviews raise access issues (gated/overgrown road) or confusing signage about camping.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 22 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Excellent river access for canoeing and kayaking; scenic, peaceful riverfront sites; primitive but functional facilities (outhouse and hand-pump well noted by users); friendly shuttle service...
    Show more
    Based on 22 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring all necessary gear and be prepared to carry it to walk-in/paddle-in sites; expect primitive facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water). Check access routes before arrival, avoid assuming full...
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    Based on 22 reviews
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    Last updated March 8, 2026
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