Established Camping
Au Sable River Primitive Camping
About
USDA Forest Service
Huron-Manistee National Forests
Overview
AuSable River Dispersed Camping is a unique series of 102 individually designated single-family campsites on a 55-mile stretch of the lovely AuSable River. All campsites are within Alcona and Iosco Counties in Michigan. These rustic sites are divided into sections near Alcona Pond, the AuSable Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Area, Loud Pond, Five Channels Pond, Cooke Pond, Foote Pond and Lower Ausable. Each are ideal for family camping, with opportunities for fly fishing, swimming, canoeing and bird watching.
Recreation
Both river and lake fishing are available for perch, bass and pike walleye. One recommended spot is the Whirlpool Angler access point. All sites are also near the River Road National Scenic Byway, which offers wonderful views of the river valley. The campground has boat-in camping, and canoe rentals are available in Glennie, Hale, Mio and Oscoda.
Facilities
All sites are primitive with no drinking water, toilets or trash removal. Campers are expected to bring plenty of water, portable toilets and garbage bags. Parking aprons are dirt or gravel.
Natural Features
Campsites sit on bluffs that range from five to 300 feet above the waterline of the lower AuSable River. Depending on the site, access to the river may be difficult due to steep or eroding slopes. The AuSable River meanders across 138 miles of Michigan and flows into the great lake, Lake Huron.
Reservation Info
Permit Info: Camping -
No permit or reservation is required outside of the permitted season.
Camping Permit required at primitive campsites from May 15 to September 10.
Special Use Permit -
No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Location
Au Sable River Primitive Camping is located in Michigan
Directions
Designated campsites are spread along 55 miles of river shoreline between the AuSable River Access at 4001 Bridge (7 miles northwest of Glennie, MI) to near the Whirlpool AuSable River Access (4 miles west of Oscoda, MI). For more information on specific campsites, click here.
Address
5761 NORTH SKEEL AVENUE
Oscoda, MI 48750
Coordinates
44.651111 N
84.099444 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Amazing, as always!
I launched from the Pine Acres Boat Launch and stayed at one of the primitive campsites on Cooke Dam Pond. The boat-in sites are great because they're super spaced out and private. Always an enjoyable time!
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My favorite place in the LP
The drive in sites near the whirlpool are my favorite sites in the Lower Penninsula. Quiet and very private. They only have a fire ring, no picnic tables or bathrooms. Large, wide open sites overlooking the Ausable River. We can at site 101 every year and will continue to do so for a long time.
HEAVEN + HAPPINESS + PERFECTION
The absolute BEST campsite I have ever camped at in Michigan! The perfect morning and evening view of the river. Directly across from the best fishing spot and shoreline to soak up the summer sun. Kayaking only to get there was SUCH a fun experience! Highly recommend this gem of a spot.