Au Sable Loop Campground
Huron-Manistee National Forests
As visitors exit McKinley Road to enter the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, they will first see a panoramic vista of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River. From the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook follow the unpaved road to reach the campground. The small five site campground is set amidst a mixed hardwood forest. The campground and day use areas are ideal for scenery viewing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
The Au Sable Loop Campground provides a handpump well for drinking water, a vault toilet, and trash collection services. Campsites provide users with picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts.
Notifications and Alerts
- The water at our facility has been shutoff for the winter season. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.
Need to Know
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you online or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders:
- Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-18
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use; R904-14-03
Forest quiet hours apply.
Some sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
You must occupy your site within 24 hours of the start of your reservation. Contact the Forest Service to request a late arrival or your site may be forfeited.
Do not tie or tack anything to standing trees, including but not limited to pets, laundry lines, or garbage bags.
You may use downed wood for firewood. Keep fires within the fire ring. Do not leave hot campfires unattended. Make sure your ashes are cool to the touch before you leave.
Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information
Fireworks and use of fireworks are not permitted.
ORVs may only be operated on roads and trails signed as open for their use. ORVs may not be used within campgrounds.
This site is not gated during the off season. It not maintained in winter. Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed. No toilet facilities are available.
Natural Features
Located near the banks of the National Scenic Au Sable River, this campground is a haven for water based recreation. An exemplary setting for wildlife viewing, visitors and campers will see a melding of habitats as the river turns to forest and then to field. The area is inhabited by bald eagles, deer, bear, bobcat, porcupine, various songbirds, and waterfowl. Please respect wildlife and observe from a distance.
Recreation
- Water Activities: The Au Sable Loop Campground provides forest visitors with a variety of water activities. Access to the Au Sable River is afforded by a short path from the campground. Anglers can boat, wade, and fish from shore. Fish species found in the Au Sable River include bass, pike, brown trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and salmon. The water flows at a speed of 2 mph. The Au Sable River provides opportunities for non-motorized boating using watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Watercraft can be rented in Mio at Hinchman’s Acres Resort or at Alcona Canoe Rental in Glennie.
- Hiking: Along the north side of the river is the 0.5 mile Mio Nature Trail with a trailhead located in the Mio Ranger Station parking lot. Along the south side of the river is the 4.5 mile Wolf Creek Trail . The trailhead for Wolf Creek is on the lefthand side 1 mile west of Mio down South River road. Both trails provide views of the Au Sable River and are appropriate for a variety of skill levels.
Changes & Cancellations
All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.
Contact Information
Mailing
Mio Ranger Station 107 McKinley Road Mio MI 48647
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 989-826-3252
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Grayling:
- Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles.
- Turn left and go north on M-72/M-33 for .5 miles.
- Turn right and go east on McKinley Rd. for 3 miles.
- Turn right and follow the signs to the site.
Available Campsites
- Site 4, Loop Au Sable Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop Au Sable Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop Au Sable Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop Au Sable Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop Au Sable Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
