Gabions Campground

Star4.25
33 reviews
Gabions Campground

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

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Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Real-Time Availability

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February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
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

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Provider
(989) 826-3252
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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 33 reviews

29 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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Campground Map

Gabions Campground

Gabions Campground

44.6210, -83.8471

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.

Best Time to Camp at Gabions Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

River activities peak in summer but reviews note bugs as a common downside.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely excellent for river scenery and hiking; fewer bug complaints implied.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring-fed waters and active river make spring attractive, but ticks/bugs and overgrown trails noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

No winter-specific offerings documented; likely limited river-season activity.

Planning Tips

    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.
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    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.
    HikingThe 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.
    FishingAnglers 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.
    BoatingNon-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 viewingThe 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
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsNatural 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.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Gabions Campground

    Reviews

    4.3
    33 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 33 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 33 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 33 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 33 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 33 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 33 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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