Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

4.35

37 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

$52.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee $52. Two-night minimum applies (note: $52/night referenced in source material).

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

4.35

Recommended

Based on 37 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlocationwater

"Visitors consistently praise the quiet, riverside setting, clean and well-maintained rustic facilities, and excellent paddling and trout-fishing access. Many reviewers highlight large, well-spaced sites and the desirable canoe-in river sites."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Canoe Harbor 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.

Best Time to Camp at Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Spring through fall is prime time at Canoe Harbor, when the river comes alive with paddlers navigating gentle currents and fly fishers working the pools for brook and brown trout. Summer brings warm days perfect for combining river adventures with shaded campsite relaxation, while autumn paints the hardwood forest in brilliant golds and reds. When snow blankets the Mason Tract in winter, cross-country skiers glide along the same pathways that hikers enjoy in warmer months, though camping amenities are seasonal.

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 Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Escape to Canoe Harbor, a rustic riverside retreat nestled along the pristine South Branch of the Au Sable River. This wooded gem offers anglers and paddlers direct access to legendary trout waters, with both drive-up sites for tent and small-trailer camping plus secluded walk-in and paddle-in spots right on the riverbank—all available first-come, first-served.

Rustic tent campground with paddle-in/walk-in river sites and a mini cabin; no hookups.

Weather and SeasonsSpring through fall is prime time at Canoe Harbor, when the river comes alive with paddlers navigating gentle currents and fly fishers working the pools for brook and brown trout. Summer brings warm days perfect for combining river adventures with shaded campsite relaxation, while autumn paints the hardwood forest in brilliant golds and reds. When snow blankets the Mason Tract in winter, cross-country skiers glide along the same pathways that hikers enjoy in warmer months, though camping amenities are seasonal.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the sound of clear, cold river water flowing past your tent. Canoe Harbor sits in the heart of the Mason Tract corridor, where towering pines and mixed hardwoods create a cathedral-like canopy above the Au Sable's legendary waters. Several premium campsites perch directly on the riverbank, giving you front-row seats to morning mist rising off the water and evening hatches that bring trout to the surface. The 8.5-mile Mason Tract Pathway winds through rolling terrain right from camp, inviting you to explore deeper into this pristine Michigan wilderness.

Geological RegionSouth Branch Au Sable River corridor / Mason Tract (Crawford County)

Campsite details

Total Campsites45 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

11 a.m.

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

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside campground focused on paddling, trout fishing, and hiking; connected to the Mason Tract Pathway for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Hiking

Access to the Mason Tract Pathway (about 8.5 miles) for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Fishing

Trout fishing (brown, brook, rainbow) on the South Branch of the Au Sable River.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsRiver hazards including high-water conditions — check river conditions and use PFDs for paddling. Final access road condition can be poor/rough. Vault-toilet, rustic setting (no hookups) means plan accordingly for water, power and sanitation.

Weather at Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 67%

Wind: 19.5 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsRough access road into the campground and the primitive/no-hookup nature (no electricity, no showers) are the main negatives mentioned by visitors.

Campground Map

Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Driving directionsLocated about 14 miles southeast of Grayling via M-72 and Canoe Harbor Road.

Access via M-72 and Canoe Harbor Road; several user reviews note the final access road can be rough.

Nearby places

Grayling — ~14 miles

Nearby supplies

Grayling (~14 miles) — outfitters, canoe liveries and general supplies

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

37 reviews

Recommended

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

Visitors consistently praise the quiet, riverside setting, clean and well-maintained rustic facilities, and excellent paddling and trout-fishing access. Many reviewers highlight large, well-spaced sites and the desirable canoe-in river sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Riverside location on the South Branch Au Sable River with direct canoe/kayak access and four paddle-in sites; good trout fishing (brown, brook, rainbow); large, well-spaced campsites; clean vault...

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first-come, first-served — arrive early to secure riverfront or paddle-in spots. Bring water treatment or extra water (hand-pump wells), pack supplies and power (battery/solar), and expect...

Based on 37 reviews