Au Sable Loop Campground

Star3.84
38 reviews
Au Sable Loop Campground

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Au Sable Loop Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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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Provider
(989) 826-3252
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What Campers Say

3.84

Mixed Reviews

Based on 38 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietwell-maintainedsites

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Au Sable Loop Campground, repeatedly describing it as a quiet, beautiful, and “awesome” rustic spot, especially for families and repeat visitors. Many highlight its serene, secluded feel and proximity to the Au Sable River and Mio, MI, with only a few minor complaints about amenities and occasional staff or neighbor issues."

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Campground Map

Au Sable Loop Campground

Au Sable Loop Campground

44.6511, -84.0994

Driving directionsFrom Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn left and go north on M-72/M-33 for 0.5 miles. Turn right and go east on McKinley Rd. for 3 miles. Turn right and follow the signs to the site. From the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook follow the unpaved road to reach the campground.
Accessible via M-72 and M-33; final approach on McKinley Rd and an unpaved road from the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook.
Nearby places
Grayling — referenced route begins there (travel east on M-72 for 30 miles to reach approach). Mio and Glennie mentioned as nearby service/rental locations (distances not provided).
Nearby supplies
Mio (equipment rentals available at Hinchman’s Acres Resort
Mio Ranger Station and Mio Nature Trail nearby). Glennie (Alcona Canoe Rental available).

Best Time to Camp at Au Sable Loop Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Prime season for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing and relaxing by the river.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Scenic river and hardwood forest imply strong fall colors and viewing; reviewers note scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings river flows and wildlife viewing; camping and fishing possible though wetter conditions may apply.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter services or activities described; rustic site likely limited for winter recreation.

Planning Tips

    About Au Sable Loop Campground

    Discover a hidden gem where five intimate campsites nestle within a cathedral of hardwoods, just steps from the legendary Au Sable River. Reached by a winding unpaved road from the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, this quiet retreat offers front-row access to some of Michigan's most pristine river scenery, whether you're casting a line, launching a canoe, or simply soaking in the wilderness from your picnic table.
    A small, five-site campground accessed via an unpaved road and located in mixed hardwood forest near the National Scenic Au Sable River. Campsites include picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Recreation centers on river-based activities, hiking, wildlife viewing, scenery viewing, and picnicking. Short trails and river access provide opportunities for anglers and non-motorized boaters.
    HikingMio Nature Trail (0.5 mile) on the north side of the river with trailhead at the Mio Ranger Station parking lot; Wolf Creek Trail (4.5 miles) on the south side with a trailhead 1 mile west of Mio down South River Road. Both provide views of the Au Sable River and suit a range of skill levels.
    FishingAnglers can boat, wade, and fish from shore. Fish species in the Au Sable River include bass, pike, brown trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and salmon. The river flows at approximately 2 mph.
    BoatingNon-motorized boating (canoes, kayaks, rafts) is supported via river access; watercraft can be rented in Mio at Hinchman’s Acres Resort or at Alcona Canoe Rental in Glennie.
    Wildlife viewingExcellent wildlife viewing where river, forest, and field habitats meet; species noted include bald eagles, deer, bear, bobcat, porcupine, various songbirds, and waterfowl.
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPresence of wildlife including bear and bobcat (observe from a distance). River and water recreation hazards inherent to river access (river flows at 2 mph).

    Weather at Au Sable Loop Campground

    Reviews

    3.8
    38 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Au Sable Loop Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly love Au Sable Loop Campground, repeatedly describing it as a quiet, beautiful, and “awesome” rustic spot, especially for families and repeat visitors. Many highlight its serene, secluded feel and proximity to the Au Sable River and Mio, MI, with only a few minor complaints about amenities and occasional staff or neighbor issues.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 38 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers praise the campground as a “great little spot” with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere and large campsites, making it ideal for family trips and extended stays. They like its rustic character (no...
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    Based on 38 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The most consistent complaint is the lack of showers, mentioned by multiple reviewers. Others note occasional issues such as a rude park ranger, toilet paper not being stocked for several days, ticks...
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    Based on 38 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers suggest being prepared for rustic conditions: there are no showers or power, and you should bring your own water for washing and your own toilet paper just in case. One camper warns to...
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    Based on 38 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “My first time here and it was perfect!! It was quiet, our site was huge and just very relaxing!!” “Great place for rustic camping. Minus 1 star because the lady park ranger is rude.” “Loved it had a...
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    Based on 38 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site #4 (on the vault toilet side of the road, middle site) is reported to flood badly during heavy rain and can “quickly become a lake,” so it’s best avoided in wet conditions. Site #5 is described...
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    Based on 38 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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