McKinley Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail

For Michigan residents who cherish true wilderness and seek a camping experience that balances solitude with accessibility, McKinley Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail offers an exceptional retreat. Tucked away in a beautiful red pine plantation near Mio, this rustic campground is not for those seeking glamping or full hookups. Instead, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly equestrians and hikers, who embrace the "you and what you bring" philosophy. If you're looking to truly disconnect and test your self-sufficiency while enjoying Michigan's stunning natural landscapes, this is your ideal destination.

McKinley Trail Camp provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and the nearby Au Sable River replace the hum of everyday life. This camp is a perfect stepping stone for those wanting to try out gear in a minimalist setting, offering a convenient base for exploring the expansive Shore to Shore Trail. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and raw beauty, it’s a beloved spot for Michigan locals who appreciate the simplicity and tranquility of genuine rustic camping.

The location of McKinley Trail Camp is both remote enough for a true wilderness feel and accessible for Michigan residents eager to explore. You'll find this camp at US Hwy Govt 4428, Mio, MI 48647, USA. Its position directly on the renowned Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail makes it a prime starting or resting point for long-distance adventurers. While it feels wonderfully "out in the bush," it’s still reachable by vehicle, providing a crucial sense of security and convenience for campers who want to experience rustic conditions while having their vehicle nearby for emergencies or additional supplies. Mio, a charming town in Oscoda County, is just a short drive away, offering a place to resupply if needed before or after your wilderness immersion. The camp's integration within the vast Huron-Manistee National Forests ensures a picturesque drive and immediate access to thousands of acres of public land, making it a perfectly situated hub for deep woods exploration.

McKinley Trail Camp is a rustic facility, meaning it provides minimal amenities, emphasizing a "back to basics" camping experience. This is part of its charm, appealing to those who prefer self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with nature. It's important for Michigan campers to arrive prepared, as there are no modern conveniences like running water or electricity at the individual sites.

• Rustic Campsites: The campground offers individual sites suitable for tents and trailers. While not formally designated with numbers, they provide ample space and fire rings. It's an open area often sprinkled with young oaks and jack pines.
• Vault Toilets: Two small latrines (vault toilets) are available on-site, providing basic sanitation facilities. These are described as small toilet rooms over a septic tank, emphasizing their rustic nature.
• No Potable Water: There is no potable (drinking) water available at the campground. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing, or have a purification method for natural water sources like the Au Sable River.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups at the campsites. Campers should be prepared for off-grid living, relying on headlamps, lanterns, and portable chargers.
• No Reservations: Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken. Campers should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure a spot.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite has a fire ring for campfires, cooking, and warmth.
• Parking: The parking lot is designed to accommodate vehicles, including trucks with horse trailers, making it convenient for those utilizing the Shore to Shore Trail.
• Open Year-Round: The campground is generally open throughout the year, though winter maintenance (like snow plowing) is not provided, making winter access more challenging.

McKinley Trail Camp offers unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Michigan's outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to the state's extensive trail systems and unspoiled natural beauty.

• Direct Access to Shore to Shore Trail: The most prominent feature is its direct connection to the Michigan Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail, a 220-mile (or 420-mile system, depending on sources) trail stretching across the Lower Peninsula from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. This makes it an ideal base for equestrian and hiking adventures.
• Proximity to Au Sable River: A short to medium hike to the south of the camp leads directly to the beautiful Au Sable River, offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the tranquil river scenery.
• True Rustic Experience: The absence of water and electricity at the sites provides an authentic rustic camping experience, allowing campers to truly disconnect and test their self-reliance in a safe, yet wild, environment.
• Seclusion and Peace: Even during an early October weekend, the campground can be wonderfully quiet and secluded, offering a peaceful retreat where campers might have the place largely to themselves, aside from other hikers or hunters passing through. This "out in the bush" feel is a significant draw.
• Opportunity to Test Equipment: For those looking to prepare for longer backpacking trips or simply understand what it's like to camp without modern amenities, this site offers a perfect testing ground while still having the convenience of a vehicle nearby.
• Wildlife Viewing: Being located within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, the area around McKinley Trail Camp is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and spotting various forest animals.
• Hunting Access: The campground provides access to state land open for hunting, appealing to Michigan residents who engage in this activity (adhering to all state regulations).
• Beautiful Forest Setting: Surrounded by a red pine plantation, the camp offers a picturesque and shaded environment, ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.
• Sense of Freedom: The open layout and first-come, first-served policy contribute to a sense of freedom and adventure, appealing to those who prefer less structured camping environments.

For Michigan residents interested in visiting McKinley Trail Camp, contact information will primarily be through the U.S. Forest Service, which manages this area within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. As a rustic, first-come, first-served campground, there isn't a direct phone number for the camp itself, but the local Ranger District can provide general information.

Address: US Hwy Govt 4428, Mio, MI 48647, USA

Phone for Mio Ranger District (Huron-Manistee National Forests): (989) 826-3252

It's always a good idea to check the Huron-Manistee National Forests website or call the Mio Ranger District for the most up-to-date information on conditions, alerts, or any changes to regulations before your trip. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, especially since reviews mention issues with trash, ensuring this beautiful spot remains pristine for future visitors. Pack out everything you pack in, including any trash from fire pits.

McKinley Trail Camp is exceptionally suitable for Michigan locals who seek an authentic, rugged, and deeply immersive outdoor experience. Its location on the iconic Shore to Shore Trail immediately appeals to adventurers eager to explore Michigan’s vast trail systems by foot or horseback. The "no water, no electricity" setup provides a rare opportunity to truly disconnect from modern conveniences, allowing campers to test their skills and appreciate the simple beauty of nature – a perfect balance between traditional camping and being fully "out in the bush."

The proximity to the Au Sable River adds another layer of outdoor recreation, from peaceful riverside hikes to potential fishing opportunities. For Michigan residents who enjoy hunting or simply observing wildlife in their natural habitat, the camp's location within the Huron-Manistee National Forests is ideal. This campground is a fantastic choice for those looking to experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of Northern Michigan, offering a peaceful and secluded retreat where you can truly appreciate the quiet moments, the crackle of a campfire, and the vastness of Michigan's public lands. It’s a true testament to the "Pure Michigan" wilderness, inviting locals to embrace the spirit of adventure and self-reliance in their own backyard.

McKinley Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail

US Hwy Govt 4428, Mio, MI 48647, USA