Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

4.32

22 reviews

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

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

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

44.6656, -84.6547

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

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for paddling, fishing and swimming; primitive summer camping fits this site well.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

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

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers paddling but runoff can make conditions variable and potentially hazardous for novices.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Cold river and primitive facilities limit winter camping and recreation opportunities.

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

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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.

HikingInformal trails and riverbank walking; good for short hikes and exploring the immediate river corridor.

FishingAu Sable River trout fishing (brown, brook, and rainbow trout noted); popular with anglers.

SwimmingRiver can be suitable for wading and swimming in slow spots, though water may be cold; be mindful of high-water safety.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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

Reviews

4.3

22 reviews

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...

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

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Last updated February 2, 2026

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Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp