Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Star4.49
69 reviews
Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

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

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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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

4.49

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."

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Campground Map

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

44.6774, -84.2927

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.
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).

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

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is ideal for canoeing, fishing, swimming and tubing; reviews praise summer access and experience.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood and pine forest plus river scenery indicate strong fall color and pleasant fall paddling/touring.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers paddling and fishing but higher flows and soggy conditions can limit swimming/tubing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter services noted; Michigan winters likely reduce boating/swimming and amenities may be limited.

Planning Tips

    About Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

    Escape to Parmalee Bridge, a hidden gem nestled on the pristine banks of the Au Sable River where anglers and paddlers find their paradise. This intimate, rustic campground welcomes adventurers with shaded sites under towering pines, plus a unique paddle-in group area right at the water's edge. With its first-come, first-served simplicity and 15-day stay limit, you'll enjoy an authentic back-to-basics experience complete with vault toilets and hand-pump well water.
    Rustic, primarily primitive drive-in campsites with a distinct paddle-in/group canoe camp on the river.
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    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    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.
    FishingFishing on the Au Sable River for trout, bass and pike is a primary activity accessible directly from the campground.
    SwimmingRiver access allows wading, swimming and tubing in shallower stretches; users specifically mention swimming and tubing.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    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.

    Weather at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

    Reviews

    4.5
    69 reviews
    Recommended
    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...
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    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...
    Show more
    Based on 69 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "My little piece of heaven.."; "Nice quiet spot to camp and tube"; "Very poor cell service, text messages only."; "Great canoe launch."
    Based on 69 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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