Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Star4.50
60 reviews
Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Quick Facts

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 60 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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Fees & Passes at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

$52/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.



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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a canopy of red pines and mixed hardwoods, with the legendary Au Sable River—designated National Wild and Scenic—flowing just steps from your tent. The campground's crown jewel is a spacious central picnic area that serves as your gateway between the forested campsites and the river's edge, perfect for gathering after a day on the water. For those seeking the ultimate riverside experience, the paddle-in group camping area puts you right on the riverbank, where you can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of flowing water.
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Campsite details

Total Campsites7 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are 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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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
Fishing on the Au Sable River for trout, bass and pike is a primary activity accessible directly from the campground.
Swimming
River access allows wading, swimming and tubing in shallower stretches; users specifically mention swimming and tubing.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Several sites and the group area have fire pits; no specific fire policy provided in sources.

Hazards

General hazardsFast-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

25
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 87%
Wind: 9.2 mph
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Good to know

Common complaintsVery limited facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water only) which some find too primitive; spotty/poor cell service reported; remote location and gravel roads; one reviewer noted occasional road/semI noise.

Campground Map

Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
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).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5
60 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 60 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 60 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...
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Based on 60 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 60 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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