5
Total Campsites
Campground
3
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Au Sable Loop Campground
Overview 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. 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. Facilities 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. 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. contact_info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252. Charges & Cancellations All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.
- 5 total campsites listed.
- 3 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (5).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Au Sable Loop Campground special
Perched above the Au Sable River near Mio, Michigan, Au Sable Loop Campground offers a panoramic vista of one of the Midwest's most treasured waterways. The National Wild and Scenic Au Sable stretches out below, its dark, spring-fed waters curving through dense forest in a scene that has changed little since the days of the fur trade. With just five sites, this campground trades capacity for character in the best possible way. The elevated position gives Au Sable Loop a perspective that most riverside camps cannot match. From your site, you can watch the morning mist lift off the river, track the flight of a bald eagle along the corridor, or simply sit with a cup of coffee and let the view do the talking. Down at water level, the Au Sable provides exceptional canoeing, kayaking, and fly fishing, with brown trout and brook trout drawing anglers from across the region. The prime season runs from late May through October, with summer weekends being the most popular. Fall is arguably the finest time to visit, when the hardwoods erupt in color and the crowds thin considerably. Five sites mean this campground fills quickly, so plan ahead for any weekend stay. Bring a camp chair, find the best vantage point at your site, and settle in. The river will do the rest.
Campsite Inventory
5 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
3
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
02:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-in, Pull-through
Driveway length (ft)
38, 45, 75, 90
Driveway surface
Gravel
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
38, 45, 75, 90
Pets allowed
Yes
Site Access
Drive-In
Water Hookup
No
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
989-826-3252
sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov
Getting There
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Au Sable Loop Campground.
How do reservations work for Au Sable Loop Campground?
Reservation availability for Au Sable Loop Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Au Sable Loop Campground?
Au Sable Loop Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (5).
Where is Au Sable Loop Campground located?
Au Sable Loop Campground is in Michigan near Mio. Coordinates: 44.6511, -84.0994.
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