Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area

For us Michiganders, the allure of the great outdoors is deeply ingrained. We cherish our state's abundant natural beauty, from the vast stretches of forests to the winding rivers. When it comes to camping, sometimes the most rewarding experiences are found in places that offer a true return to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of more developed sites. Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area embodies this spirit, providing a wonderfully rustic and serene setting along one of Michigan's most iconic waterways.

Au Sable Loop Campground is a small, intimate camping destination nestled within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. With only five spacious campsites, it offers an exclusive and peaceful experience for those seeking genuine tranquility. Visitors consistently praise its calm atmosphere, describing it as "quiet" and "very relaxing." One camper enthusiastically stated, "My first time here and it was perfect!! It was quiet, our site was huge and just very relaxing!!" This sentiment highlights the campground's ability to provide a truly unwinding escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the Michigan wilderness.

Situated along the banks of the National Scenic Au Sable River, the campground is a haven for water-based activities and wildlife viewing. While it embraces a rustic approach, meaning fewer modern amenities like showers or electricity, it delivers an authentic outdoor adventure. For those of us in Michigan looking to connect with nature, enjoy excellent fishing, paddle along a scenic river, and experience the simple joys of camping under the stars, Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area offers an ideal and unforgettable retreat.

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area is located at Fed Trail 4366, Mio, MI 48647, USA. This places it in Crawford County, within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests of Northern Lower Michigan. The town of Mio, known for its connection to the Au Sable River, serves as the closest community, providing a small hub for supplies and services.

The accessibility of the campground is straightforward, primarily via well-maintained unpaved roads within the National Forest system. Visitors typically exit McKinley Road to reach the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, from which an unpaved road leads directly to the campground. This approach allows for a scenic drive through a mixed hardwood forest, setting the tone for the rustic experience. While the campground offers a sense of seclusion, it's not overly difficult to reach, making it a feasible destination for a weekend escape from many parts of Michigan.

It’s important to note that as a rustic campground, especially one that operates seasonally from mid-May to mid-November, certain amenities may be limited, particularly during the colder shoulder seasons. For example, a reviewer mentioned, "When the temperature drops to freezing, they unhook the hand-pump for water; just keep that in mind if you're thinking about camping there in the Fall." This means campers should be prepared for varying levels of service depending on their visit timing. Despite its rustic nature, its location along the Au Sable River provides unparalleled access to water-based recreation, a major draw for many who visit.

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area offers fundamental services designed for a rustic and self-sufficient camping experience, focusing on connecting campers with the natural environment.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground features five spacious campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs (though without hookups). Each site includes a gravel parking spur, a picnic table, a lantern post, a fire ring, and a grill, providing essential amenities for cooking and gathering.
• Drinking Water: Potable (drinking) water is available via a hand pump. However, as noted by a reviewer, this service is unhooked when temperatures drop to freezing, so fall campers should plan accordingly.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are provided for sanitation. Reviewers specifically mentioned the "outhouse was very clean," which is a significant positive for rustic campgrounds.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, helping campers manage waste responsibly.
• Day Use / Picnic Area: Adjacent to the campground is a day-use/picnic area, offering additional space for visitors to enjoy the natural setting, even if not camping overnight.
• No Electricity or Showers: In keeping with its rustic nature, the campground does not offer electrical hookups or showers. Campers should be prepared for an off-grid experience and bring their own water for washing hands or other needs not covered by the hand pump.
• First-Come, First-Serve Sites: Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, although reservations are also managed through Recreation.gov. It's always wise to check current policies before arriving.

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area stands out for several compelling features and highlights that make it a truly memorable Michigan camping destination:

• Prime Au Sable River Access: Located directly on the banks of the National Scenic Au Sable River, the campground offers immediate access for fishing, non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking, rafting), and simply enjoying the river's beauty. The river is known for various fish species, including trout, bass, pike, walleye, and salmon.
• Exceptional Tranquility: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being "quiet," "serene," and "very relaxing." Its small size (only five sites) contributes significantly to this peaceful atmosphere, allowing for a genuine escape from noise and crowds.
• Spacious and Well-Equipped Sites: The "huge" campsites provide ample room for setting up tents or parking RVs, and each comes with a picnic table, lantern post, fire ring, and grill, enhancing the camping experience.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Set within a mixed hardwood forest, the campground offers panoramic views of the Au Sable River and opportunities for scenery viewing. The melding of forest, river, and field creates a picturesque backdrop.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to see "bald eagles, deer, bear, bobcat, porcupine, various songbirds, and waterfowl." This makes it an ideal spot for nature observation and photography.
• Clean Facilities: The "very clean outhouse" is a notable highlight, ensuring basic hygiene is well-maintained, which is highly valued in rustic settings.
• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: Nearby trails like the 0.5-mile Mio Nature Trail and the 4.5-mile Wolf Creek Trail provide opportunities for hikers of various skill levels to explore the surrounding forest and enjoy views of the Au Sable River.
• Good Cell Service: Unlike some remote campgrounds, reviewers note that "cell service is good in the area," offering a balance of rustic experience with the ability to stay connected if needed.
• Authentic Rustic Experience: For those who prefer camping without modern hookups or extensive amenities, the campground offers a true primitive feel, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.

For more information, reservations, or inquiries about Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area, you can use the following contact details. As this is a federal campground within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, specific information is often managed by the Forest Service.

Address: Fed Trail 4366, Mio, MI 48647, USA

Phone: (989) 826-3252

Mobile Phone: +1 989-826-3252

This phone number typically connects to the Mio Ranger District Office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, which oversees the campground. It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially if planning a visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), to confirm water availability (hand pump), operating dates, and current trail conditions. Reservations can often be made through Recreation.gov, where you can check site availability and review specific rules and regulations for your stay.

For us Michigan locals, Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area offers an exceptional opportunity to truly immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of our state. Its rustic charm, combined with the unparalleled access to the National Scenic Au Sable River, makes it a perfect escape for those seeking peace, outdoor recreation, and a genuine connection with the wilderness. The quiet atmosphere and spacious sites ensure a relaxing experience, whether you're fishing for trout, paddling down the river, or simply enjoying a campfire under the stars.

Despite its limited amenities, the cleanliness of the facilities and the abundance of natural features like diverse wildlife and beautiful trails create a high-quality outdoor adventure. It’s an ideal spot for families, solo adventurers, or groups of friends who appreciate self-sufficiency and the simple joys of camping. For any Michigander yearning to de-stress, recharge, and create lasting memories in a truly serene and beautiful natural setting, Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area is a gem waiting to be discovered and revisited.

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area

Fed Trail 4366, Mio, MI 48647, USA