Gabions Campground

Star4.25
29 reviews
Gabions Campground

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Year-round

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Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Gabions 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(989) 826-3252

What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 29 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiethikingwater

"Reviews for Gabions Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with multiple long-time visitors calling it their favorite spot and returning for decades. Campers consistently highlight the quiet, secluded, rustic atmosphere and scenic river views, with only minor drawbacks like bugs and overgrown trails noted."

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About Gabions Campground

Discover a riverside retreat where the National Scenic Au Sable River flows past your campsite, its banks protected by unique gabion structures and fed by crystal-clear natural springs. Whether you're an angler, paddler, or hiker exploring the nearby Shore-to-Shore Trail, this campground offers a perfect base for immersing yourself in Michigan's river country and observing the abundant wildlife that calls this area home.
Gabions Campground offers camping access on the National Scenic stretch of the Au Sable River and is adjacent to the Shore-to-Shore Trail. The campground is unstaffed and is explicitly not a designated horse camp; horse camping is not permitted.
Historical SignificanceThe campground takes its name from the ingenious rock-filled wire baskets that line portions of the riverbank, a thoughtful engineering solution that protects this treasured stretch of the Au Sable River from erosion. These gabions stand as quiet guardians of one of Michigan's most celebrated waterways, designated as a National Scenic River for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological importance. The careful stewardship evident here reflects decades of commitment to preserving this remarkable river corridor for future generations.
Natural Features and SceneryJust a short stroll from your campsite, the Au Sable River beckons with its spring-fed waters, creating ideal conditions for casting a line or launching a canoe into its gentle current. The campground itself nestles beneath a diverse canopy where towering hardwoods mingle with the distinctive silhouettes of red pine and jack pine, creating dappled shade that keeps your site cool during summer days while allowing glimpses of blue sky above. This mixed forest ecosystem attracts a variety of wildlife, making every moment at camp an opportunity for nature watching.
Geological RegionNational Scenic stretch of the Au Sable River
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts and are shaded by mixed forest. There is no potable water provided at the campground; visitors should plan accordingly. A vault toilet and trash collection are available.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutIndividual campsites are shaded and located in mixed hardwood and pine forest; sites include picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts and are positioned near the Au Sable River.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides river-based recreation along the Au Sable River and trail access for hiking and OHV/motorized trail connections. Wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities are noted.
Hiking
The Shore-to-Shore Horse Trail passes through the campground and is open to hiking and horseback riding (the campground is not a designated horse camp and horse camping is not permitted). The Ruffed Grouse trail head is reachable by driving southwest on Au Sable River Road for a short, leisurely 0.6 mile loop.
Fishing
Anglers can boat, wade, and fish from shore on the Au Sable River. Fish species listed include bass, pike, brown trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and salmon; the river flow is noted at 2 mph. Developed river access (4001 Canoe Access) is a short drive away.
Boating
Non-motorized boating opportunities (canoes, kayaks, rafts) are available on the Au Sable River; nearby outfitters and rentals include Alcona Canoe Rental in Glennie and Hinchman's Acres Resort in Mio. 4001 Canoe Access provides developed river access.
Wildlife viewing
The campground area offers wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities along the Au Sable River and adjacent forest; visitors are asked to observe wildlife from a distance.
Water Sports
Non-motorized boating (canoe, kayak, raft) and river fishing are described.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campsites are equipped with campfire rings. No specific fire restrictions are provided in the facility description.

Hazards

General hazardsNatural springs occur along this stretch of river, including near the river's edge at the gabions. Visitors are advised to respect wildlife and maintain distance when viewing.

Weather at Gabions Campground

16
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 6 mph
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Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash collection available.
Proximity to water featuresThe Au Sable River is a short walk from the campground; a small natural spring is present near the gabions at the river's edge.
HostThis location is unstaffed. For general information call the main office at (989) 826-3252.

Campground Map

Gabions Campground
Driving directionsFrom the South on M33: Turn east onto Curtisville Road and stay on it for approximately 15.5 miles (road name changes to Au Sable Valley River Rd and then Au Sable River Rd). Turn left (north) onto Brodie Road and follow signs to the campground. From Mio via McKinley Road: Follow McKinley Road/Au Sable Road approximately 20 miles. Turn right on 4001/Au Sable River Road and drive 3/4 mile. Turn right (north) onto Brodie Road.
Accessible via M33 (south approach) and via McKinley Road/Au Sable Road from Mio; final approaches via Au Sable River Road (4001) and Brodie Road.
Nearby places
Glennie (mentioned), Mio (mentioned)
Nearby supplies
Alcona Canoe Rental in Glennie and Hinchman's Acres Resort in Mio are mentioned as nearby providers of watercraft rentals.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3
29 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Gabions Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Gabions Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with multiple long-time visitors calling it their favorite spot and returning for decades. Campers consistently highlight the quiet, secluded, rustic atmosphere and scenic river views, with only minor drawbacks like bugs and overgrown trails noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the secluded, quiet, and rustic feel of this campground, with one reviewer calling it their “favorite campsite in the Huron national Forest.” The beautiful river views and a well-kept...
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Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Bugs are the most commonly mentioned downside, including general bug issues at the campground and ticks on the overgrown shore‑to‑shore trail. One reviewer also notes that kayak access is less ideal...
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Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend coming prepared for bugs and ticks—bring bug spray and be ready for overgrown trail sections with small downed limbs. Kayakers might want an anchor or be prepared to haul boats up...
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Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Love this place. Favorite campsite in the Huron national Forest. Been here 3 times in last 2 years. Bugs can be bad though. Be prepared with bug spray!" "Have been going there now for 40 years....
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Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One review describes a picnic table overlooking the water that offers a fine view, used both as a lunch stop and as an access point to the shore‑to‑shore trail. The same reviewer mentions finding an...
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Based on 29 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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