U.S. Forest Service · Au Sable, Michigan Wild and Scenic River · MI

Gabions Campground

A view of the Au Sable River and Highbanks Overlook from the Gabions Day Use areaPhoto · USFS
OpenSeason 05-01 – 11-30
ReservableAccess
8Sites
99 ftMax rig

The place

Gabions Campground offers camping on the National Scenic stretch of the Au Sable River. Natural springs are common on this section of the river, including a small one at the river's edge near the gabions. Gabions are rock-filled wire baskets that are placed along the riverbank to help reduce erosion. The Shore-to-Shore Trail passes near the campground; however, Gabions is not a designated horse camp and horse camping is not permitted. Wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities exist; please respect wildlife and observe from a distance. Recreation Water Activites: Anglers can boat, wade, and fish from shore. Keep reading

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. 4001 Canoe Access is a short drive and provides developed access to the Au Sable river. Alcona Canoe Rental in nearby Glennie and Hinchman's Acres Resort in Mio provide watercraft rentals for canoes, kayaks, and tubes. Hiking: Visitors can walk the Shore-to-Shore Horse Trail which passes through the campground. This trail is open to hiking and horseback riding. Hikers should be aware this is not a loop trail. Additionally, hikers can drive southwest on Au Sable River road to reach the Ruffed Grouse trail head for a short leasurely 0.6 mile loop through the forest. OHV Riding: An OHV trail utilizes Au Sable River road at the mouth of the campground road. Taking the trail to the east will connect riders to the Alcona ATV Trail and taking the trail to the west will connect riders to to the Mack Lake Motorized Trail System and the Bull Gap Hill Climb Area . Additionally, a large majority of Forest Service roads are open to OHV use. Please refer to the motor vehicle use map (MVUM) to understand which roads are open to OHV use. Facilities Amenities available include a vault toilet and trash collection. There is no water provided in the campground. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts. Natural Features The Au Sable River is a short walk from the campground where visitors can experience world class fishing and floating opportunities. Each site is shaded by a mixed forest of hardwoods, red pines, and jack pine. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252.

The sites · 8

LoopSiteTypeMax rigElectricADA
Gabions1standard nonelectric99 ft
Gabions2standard nonelectric45 ft
Gabions3standard nonelectric45 ft
Gabions4standard nonelectric75 ft
Gabions5standard nonelectric40 ft
Gabions6standard nonelectric30 ft
Gabions7standard nonelectric99 ft
Gabions8tent only nonelectric

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

Your representative

This campground sits in MI-01. This member’s public-lands record →

SRC · U.S. Census TIGER · MTJP Scorecard
Gabions Campground — Michigan | CAMPANAC