Aune-Osborn Campground, near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the St. Mary’s River while watching massive freighters glide by. The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, complete with picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to kick back and soak in the views.

Visitors often rave about the clean and private shower facilities, which are a welcome sight after a day of exploring. The location is a big draw, with easy access to the famous Soo Locks and local attractions like the Shipwreck Museum. As one camper put it, “It was super cool to see the large freight ships pass right by the campground!”

While the sites can feel a bit close together and there’s not much shade, the friendly atmosphere and the chance to watch the freighters make up for it. Many campers appreciate the quiet environment, especially when the campground isn’t full. If you’re in the mood for a bite, don’t miss out on the nearby West Pier Drive-In for some of the best burgers around.

Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Aune-Osborn Campground provides a unique experience with its prime location and welcoming vibe.

Aune-Osborn Campground

Searching for the best camping near Sault Ste. Marie, MI? Sault Ste. Marie is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Sault Ste. Marie, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Sault Ste. Marie

The Best Camping Near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

This park pretty much lacks any character as it is an open area with a bunch of scattered campsites but it makes up for that with its location. Most people come to the town of Sault Ste. Marie (called the “Soo”) to check out the famous Soo Locks and watch massive Great Lakes freighters pass through them on their way from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan.

This is a city run park that is 20 acres right on the St. Mary’s River so you get a great view of the ships passing by. When we arrived it had been rainy during the day and there was lots of water in the roads and at people’s campsites. Luckily our site was dry but there were some pretty big puddles and lots of standing water. Some of the sites are right on the river which and have unobstructed views of the ships. Reservations are by phone only. I had to leave a message but got a call back within a few hours and it was pretty easy from there

There are 100 sites with water and electric and all are pretty easy to get into with an RV. Tent camping is allowed but there is no separate section so you are mixed in with RVs.  Some of the hook-ups at sites are crazy. Our water was nearly 50 feet away and some are on the wrong side. Bathroom and shower facilities very nice and well maintained, with private lockable shower rooms. There is a laundry with book exchange but no camp store. The park has showers and restrooms that were very clean and modern. The showers are separate rooms that have privacy so you are not in the bathroom. They also have a laundry facility. The park wifi worked well at our site (#72) as did our Verizon phone and hotspot. Adjacent to the campground is a boat launch, playground (which looked like it was from the 1960’s), fish cleaning station, and an RV dump station.

The campground is not very large so for walking our dog we went to the adjacent park and were able to throw a ball for her. Within walking distance of the campground is a convenient store and there is a casual restaurant with burgers/fried fish/hotdogs/etc. 

A visit to the Soo Locks is definitely a must. The Visitor Center (operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) is free and well worth a visit. There are some short films, interpretive exhibits, and a board letting you know what time the ships are expected into the locks. Outside is a viewing platform where you get a great view of the ships in the locks watching them rise 20+feet as they make their transition.

I wouldn't consider this an amazing park, but if you come to Sault Ste. Marie there are not a lot of choices and its fine. You are just a few miles from downtown and the Locks and get to watch freighters navigate the narrow stretch of the river. The downsides are there are not lots of trees or privacy and the drainage is really poor. 

Tip 1: Site #9 is probably the best in the park as it is on the end, has a great view and more privacy.

Tip 2: For a delicious hamburger head under the International Bridge to West Pier Drive-In. It is the kind of place where you sit in your car and eat the most delicious juicy hamburger that fills your belly all day.

Close to Soo Locks

This location can’t be beat: close to town and great freighter watching. The bathhouse is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen at a campground. The sites are very small and close together. There is no privacy whatsoever and I really felt like the other campers looked down at us for having a tent. They made snide comments and I got really sick of it by the time we left. It really reminded me why I usually stay at public campgrounds. 

Great Location

This is a great campground if you want to watch the freighters. I gave it only 4 stars because there is only 30 amp hookups available and there aren’t many trees for shade. But the close access to watch the freighters makes up for those short comings. Also make sure to visit West Pier Hamburger. Definitely one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. And get the onion rings!

Great Campground to watch the freighters.

We found this site by accident looking to visit the locks. There isnt a lot to do in the park but watch the freighters but thats why we wanted to go. Minutes to town and the locks, tours and more. I will be back for a waterfront spot.

Great place to relax

We visited her to enjoy the lock's. But the family found it was so much more enjoyable to be able to just step outside the camper and see the boat's go by every chance. Sites on the river are very nice with a great view.

Great Family get away

We had a great stay at Aune Osborn. Beautiful quiet place. Friendly staff, pet friendly and freighter watching. 

Aune Osborn campground 

We hadn't planned on staying here but we are glad we did!  The sites are a little close and they have the water and electric hook ups placed a little strangely but it was all good.  It was super cool to see the large freight ships pass right by the campground!  The campground is very close to town and the Soo Locks but not too close.  It was pretty quiet in the campground but it was only about half full.  The showers were clean, private, hot and had good pressure.  The bathrooms were very clean.  There were not many trees and most of the campsites are out in the open.  I would stay here again but I would like to try the Soo Lock campground right down the street.  It had more trees and the sites didn't look as close together.  I recommend visiting the Soo Locks and the Shipwreck museum in Sault St. Marie.

Photos of Aune-Osborn Campground

Real photos from real campers