How much does camping cost at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Camping fees at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp range from $52/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Parmalee Bridge 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 Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp before I book?

Yes! Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp has 6 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 Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Parmalee Bridge 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 Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Fire policies at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp: Several sites and the group area have fire pits; no specific fire policy provided in sources.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp have?

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Parmalee Bridge 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 Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Parmalee Bridge 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 Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

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

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

4.36

69 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,043 ft

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,043 ft

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

$52.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee listed as $52.

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

(800) 447-2757

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 69 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshadewell-maintained

Some mention

noisecell service

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the quiet, scenic riverside setting, good canoe launch access, and clean rustic sites. Common praises include good fishing, paddling access, and large shaded sites beneath pines."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

44.6774, -84.2927

Nearby places

Luzerne – approx. 5 miles

Mio – approx. 10 miles.

Nearby supplies

A small gas station/party store is reported about a quarter mile up the hill from the campground entrance (may close early). Larger services/supplies available in Mio (≈10 miles).

Driving directionsLocated in Oscoda County. From Luzerne: ~5 miles north via County Road 489. Alternatively described as ~10 miles west of Mio via M-72 West, Mapes Road, Brown Cabin Road, Deeter Road and North Red Oak Road.

Accessible from M-72 with connections via a sequence of local roads (Mapes Rd, Brown Cabin Rd, Deeter Rd, North Red Oak Rd) or via County Road 489; campground roads include gravel/forest approaches.

Best Time to Camp at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Summer is the prime season here. Daytime highs range from the mid-60s to low 80s°F, with cool nights under the pines. Long daylight hours give paddlers and anglers plenty of river time. The Au Sable is warmest and most inviting for swimming, tubing, and wading during these months. Weekends see moderate crowds. Sites fill early. But weekdays stay quieter. Spring and fall offer solitude but cooler water and shorter days.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Overview notes summer as the prime season with warm days and long daylight for paddling.

Planning Tips

About Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Parmalee Bridge sits on the Au Sable River near Luzerne, a quiet spot for paddlers and anglers who don't mind basic amenities. The campground has seven first-come, first-served sites shaded by pines, plus a paddle-in group area directly on the water. Fees run $52 per night. Expect vault toilets, hand-pump water, and very poor cell service.

Rustic, primarily primitive drive-in campsites with a distinct paddle-in/group canoe camp on the river.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the prime season here. Daytime highs range from the mid-60s to low 80s°F, with cool nights under the pines. Long daylight hours give paddlers and anglers plenty of river time. The Au Sable is warmest and most inviting for swimming, tubing, and wading during these months. Weekends see moderate crowds. Sites fill early. But weekdays stay quieter. Spring and fall offer solitude but cooler water and shorter days.

Natural Features and SceneryRed pines and mixed hardwoods shade the campsites, with the Au Sable River. A National Wild and Scenic River. Flowing a short walk from most sites. The campground sits at 1,043 feet elevation in a relatively flat, forested area. A central picnic zone connects the campsites to the river's edge, where the carry-in boat launch provides direct paddling access. The paddle-in group site sits right on the riverbank.

Scenic ViewsRiver views and sounds from the central picnic area and riverside sites; other sites are heavily shaded beneath mature red pines offering a forested, secluded feel.

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 allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites7 campsites

Best CampsitesThe paddle-in group site on the west side offers the closest water access and the most seclusion. Drive-in riverside sites provide water views without the carry-in hassle. Interior sites under the pines trade views for better privacy and wind protection.

Amenities available

Rustic riverside campground with vault toilets and a centrally located hand-pump well for potable water. A dumpster is located between the main camping area and the paddle-in group area; group area includes multiple fire pits and picnic tables.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside, paddle-focused campground used by paddlers on the Au Sable River; fishing, tubing/wading, picnicking and wildlife viewing are commonly noted activities.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFast-flowing river and potential high-water conditions (be mindful of high-water safety). Remote location with gravel/forest roads and limited facilities; surrounding state forest is open to hunting.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

69 reviews

Recommended

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the quiet, scenic riverside setting, good canoe launch access, and clean rustic sites. Common praises include good fishing, paddling access, and large shaded sites beneath pines.

Review Summaries

Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, secluded atmosphere; direct Au Sable River access and a reliable carry-in boat launch; large shaded campsites; clean and well-maintained for a rustic site; good spot for tubing, wading and...

Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites are first-come, first-served); bring supplies and be self-contained (no hookups, no showers); a nearby party/gas store within walking distance sells basic groceries and firewood...

Based on 69 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(42)

Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground sits 12 miles southeast of Mio in the Au Sable State Forest, offering 13 rustic sites along the shore of a warm-water lake. All sites are first-come, first-served. The campground has vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a hand pump for water, though several reviewers report the pump has reliability issues.