How much does camping cost at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Camping fees at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp range from $17/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp before I book?

Yes! Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp has 4 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.

Are there showers at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Fire policies at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp: Campfires are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp have?

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Popular activities at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

3.91

22 reviews

Featured in:Hiking Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

$17.00 - $17.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(734) 475-8307

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

44.6656, -84.6547

Nearby places

Grayling — about 7 miles

Weather at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

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

Fall offers the best combination of comfortable paddling and outstanding scenery. Daytime highs commonly range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with cool nights in the 30s. The Au Sable corridor turns brilliant in late September through October. Trout fishing and riverside hiking peak during this season, river flows run lower and clearer than spring runoff, and biting insects are gone. Crowds drop compared to July weekends, though prime-color weekends still draw day paddlers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good for paddling, fishing and riverfront camping in summer; water can be cold in spots.

Planning Tips

About Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

AuSable River State Forest Campground sits directly on the Au Sable River corridor near Grayling, offering 5 primitive sites in a pine and hardwood forest at 1,161 feet elevation. The campground operates first-come, first-served and costs $17 per night. Sites include tent, primitive, and group options, some accessible only by foot or paddle.

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.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best combination of comfortable paddling and outstanding scenery. Daytime highs commonly range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with cool nights in the 30s. The Au Sable corridor turns brilliant in late September through October. Trout fishing and riverside hiking peak during this season, river flows run lower and clearer than spring runoff, and biting insects are gone. Crowds drop compared to July weekends, though prime-color weekends still draw day paddlers.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Au Sable River flows past campsites shaded by pines and hardwoods. Reviewers describe scenic riverfront locations with clear water suitable for trout fishing. The corridor provides immediate paddling access and a quiet riverside setting. Sites sit close enough to the water that some visitors launch kayaks directly from camp.

Geological RegionAu Sable River corridor; pine and hardwood riverine forest

Scenic ViewsDirect Au Sable River views and wooded riverbank scenery (pine and hardwood forest).

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMiDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites5 campsites

Best CampsitesRiverfront sites receive the most praise for direct water access and views. The paddle-in and walk-in group sites along the river are popular with canoeists and kayakers, though some visitors report access problems with gated or overgrown roads. One reviewer noted confusing signage indicating 'NO CAMPING' in certain areas.

Amenities available

Rustic riverfront campground with basic facilities: vault toilets (outhouses), potable water from a hand-pump well, and picnic tables at sites. Campfires are prohibited; sites are first-come, first-serve and include 8 tent/small-trailer sites plus 5 paddle-in/walk-in group sites near the river.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

3.9

22 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

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...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Awesome river access, canoe/tent camping campground."; "Beautiful."; "Tried to access from road ... discover it's gated off and overgrown 'road' to camp ground."; "Be advised: all signage says NO...

Based on 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Canoe and kayak campers who can paddle or walk gear in will find direct Au Sable River access and fall foliage that peaks late September through October, with trout running clear after summer runoff drops.

Skip if

First-come-only availability with just 5 sites means a wasted drive is a real possibility on fall weekends; add in the gated or overgrown access road some reviewers hit, and it's a frustrating destination without a solid backup plan.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.4

(39)

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

Keystone Landing sits on the main branch of the Au Sable River four miles from Grayling, offering 18 primitive sites in a shaded northern Michigan hardwood forest. The campground operates first-come, first-served with vault toilets and a hand-pump well. Direct river access makes it a base for trout fishing and paddling.