Campground

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

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!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Meghan B., August 21, 2023
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  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Meghan B., August 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Meghan B., August 21, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2021

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.

Site100
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Nicole D., September 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Nicole D., September 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Nicole D., September 11, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2021

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.

Site009C
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Megan S., September 8, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2021

Amazing veiw

The site we stayed at had an amazing view and was right on the water.

Site068D
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by marissa W., June 18, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2021

Beautiful

Beautiful spots, nicely spaced, right on the water. Ranger stopped in to say hey each day. I plan on going back before it gets too busy.

Site50
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Peaceful • Rustic

We absolutely love camping here weather it’s in a tent, hammock or RV we have always loved camping here.

Night sounds are so relaxing.

We typically do the sites closer to Mio sites 1-6

Plenty of trails and fishing.

No water No electric No sewer

  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Melissa M., July 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Melissa M., July 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Melissa M., July 18, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2020

Just As I Remember

I first camped here in college when some friends organized a group to go during our spring break. It was such a fun time. Our site was private and had great access to the pond/river below. The rangers stopped by just to say hi and were very cool.

Remembering this trip and camping area, my wife and I decided to take our toddler on his first rustic camping trip. It was a bit stressful as our site had a significant drop off to the river below. This meant we were constantly chasing our crazy kid to ensure he didn’t take a tumble down. There are sites with a much less significant drop off. Our goal is to get one of those next year. That being said, it was a lot of fun. There were steps at our site that made it easy for us to carry and put in our kayaks for day trips on the Cooke Dam Pond. Fishing was excellent. Sunsets and sunrises were great. Our site had lots of shade and space. I would definitely recommend this place. Book early to have your pick of sites or late to look for last minute cancellations.

  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Sam W., June 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Sam W., June 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Sam W., June 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Sam W., June 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Sam W., June 25, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2019

Beautiful

This is a beautiful place to camp. I’ve only been to the boat-in only sites and I love it. You are surrounded by forest and dunes and the sites themselves provide ample space for a group of 5 or more. The islands (site 41c specifically) are the best spots - there’s very little reason to worry about critters when you’re on an island. The one thing I don’t like are the powered boats. In the “lower AuSable” areas like Cooke Dam Pond, you will see and hear pontoon boats, speed boats and the occasional jet ski, which kind of takes away from the dispersed camping/backcountry feel. Still a wonderful place to get away from it all.

  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Don H., July 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Don H., July 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Don H., July 6, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2019

Great time!

So much fun floating down the river! This camp spot had a rope swing attached, so look out for this spot by mio!

  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Emma W., April 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Emma W., April 27, 2019
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Reviewed Jul. 12, 2018

Drive in Capsite perfect for the fall

We visited this campsite for a long weekend in October, looking for that autumn experience. Our site was right on the lake, and had a great view of the river and the trees changing. Our site was very large, especially for tent camping, and that seemed to be the trend. Others were camping with campers and tents, but there was pretty of room to spread out in the late fall.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Michael G., July 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Michael G., July 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Michael G., July 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by Michael G., July 12, 2018
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Favorite spot in MI

This place was set up unlike any other I have been to yet. Our campsite was right along the AuSable River and we kayaked in. There are just over 100 sites on a 50 mile stretch of the river so things are secluded and peaceful. The sites are divided up across several "ponds." Our site was situated with a fairly steep slope to the river which was challenging but not impossible. We went kayaking for a full day and loved it! There is no potable water so bring a filter, no toilets so bring a shovel, and it is pack-in pack-out. There was a campfire ring at the site. The fishing here was ok. More of an excuse to be on the water than anything. There are fly fishing opportunities here but I was not equipped for it.

  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by James D., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by James D., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by James D., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by James D., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by James D., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Au Sable River Primitive Camping by James D., October 1, 2016