Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
4.3219 reviewsAusable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
Quick Facts
Price
$17/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$17/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(734) 475-8307
What Campers Say
4.32
Recommended
Based on 19 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."
Fees & Passes at Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
$17/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 15-day maximum stay
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 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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
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
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.
Weather and SeasonsThe 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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle sounds of the Au Sable River, its crystal-clear waters teeming with trout and reflecting the morning light through a cathedral of pines and hardwoods. Each campsite is thoughtfully nestled among the trees along the riverbank, offering both privacy and immediate access to some of Michigan's finest paddling and fishing waters. Whether you're launching your kayak from your doorstep or casting a line into the current, you'll find yourself immersed in a truly wild riverside setting that feels miles away from civilization.
Geological RegionAu Sable River corridor; pine and hardwood riverine forest
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Campsite details
Total Campsites5 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
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
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
Informal trails and riverbank walking; good for short hikes and exploring the immediate river corridor.Fishing
Au Sable River trout fishing (brown, brook, and rainbow trout noted); popular with anglers.Swimming
River can be suitable for wading and swimming in slow spots, though water may be cold; be mindful of high-water safety.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsRiver 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
22
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 9.3 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsAccess problems reported by some reviewers (gated or overgrown access road) and occasional confusing signage (one reviewer noted signs saying 'NO CAMPING'). Limited/primitive amenities are expected and can disappoint visitors seeking modern facilities.
Campground Map
Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
Driving directionsLocated about 7 miles east of Grayling via North Down River Road and Headquarters Road.
Access via North Down River Road and Headquarters Road; parking available near campground kiosk.Nearby places
Grayling — about 7 miles
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
19 reviews
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 19 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 19 reviewsShow more
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 19 reviewsShow more
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 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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