River Dune Campground

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For Michigan locals who cherish the serene beauty of a rustic camping experience and the allure of a pristine river, River Dune Campground in Mio offers an idyllic escape. Nestled along the famed Au Sable River, this campground provides a genuine wilderness feel, perfect for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. If you're a Michigander seeking a quiet, clean, and easily accessible spot to pitch your tent, cast a line, or simply enjoy the calming sounds of flowing water, River Dune Campground is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

River Dune Campground is celebrated for its commitment to maintaining a natural, unblemished environment. Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of the Au Sable, surrounded by cleared, level campsites that offer ample space for your setup. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the outhouses and their surprising stock of toilet paper and hand sanitizer – a small but significant comfort in a rustic setting. The direct and easy access to the river is a major draw, providing timber take-out points that make launching a canoe or kayak effortless. This dedication to providing a hassle-free, traditional camping experience, coupled with the sheer abundance of firewood, ensures that your time at River Dune Campground will be both relaxing and memorable. It's a place where the simple pleasures of outdoor life truly shine, making it a perfect spot for your next Michigan adventure.

River Dune Campground is wonderfully situated at Fed Trail 4366, Mio, MI 48647, USA. This location places it along the picturesque Au Sable River, near Mio Dam, offering a prime spot within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. For Michigan locals, Mio is a well-known gateway to outdoor recreation, providing a sense of being "Up North" without being overly remote.

Accessibility to River Dune Campground is generally straightforward for tent and small trailer users. While it is a rustic campground, reviews indicate that the area near the take-out and main campsites is not a far walk. The campground is divided into two distinct areas: the main campground with 24 secluded, wooded campsites for tents and small trailers on the west side, and a group camp area on the east side with 10 paddle-in sites. This means that while some sites require a walk-in or paddle-in approach, the main campground offers relatively easy access from nearby parking areas, making it convenient for those bringing camping gear. The location along a federal trail also suggests good connectivity to surrounding recreational areas. From major Michigan cities, the drive to Mio provides a scenic journey into the heart of the state's forest lands. It's important to note that specific details about paved versus gravel access roads directly to the main campground sites should be verified, but the overall consensus points to an accessible rustic experience. This blend of natural seclusion and manageable access makes River Dune Campground a practical and appealing choice for Michigan residents looking to experience the beauty of the Au Sable River region.

• Rustic Campsites: Offers 24 secluded, wooded campsites primarily for tents and small trailers, providing a traditional camping experience.
• Clean Outhouses: Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets (outhouses), noting they are well-stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well on-site.
• River Access & Take-Out: Features a nice take-out point with timbers leading to the water's edge, making it easy to unload for river activities.
• Abundant Firewood: There is plenty of firewood available, making it convenient for campers to enjoy campfires.
• Cleared and Level Campsites: Individual campsites are cleared and level, providing comfortable spots for setting up tents.
• No Reservations: Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• No Electrical Hookups: The campground is rustic, meaning no electrical hookups are available, promoting a true off-grid experience.
• No Reservations: Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Picnic Area: A picnic area is centrally located in the campground, including picnic tables and a charcoal grill.
• Hunting Access: The campground provides access to state land open to hunting, with specific rules regarding firearm use near dwellings.

• Pristine Au Sable River Location: The campground's primary highlight is its beautiful setting directly on the Au Sable River (Mio Pond), renowned for its fishing and paddling opportunities. The views and immediate river access are major draws.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Au Sable River is known for its fishing, with bass, bluegill, walleye, and pike available in Mio Pond. Visitors frequently praise the river as a great place to fish.
• Secluded & Wooded Campsites: The 24 individual campsites are described as secluded and wooded, offering privacy and a natural ambiance, a rare and valued feature in campgrounds.
• Remarkably Clean Outhouses: A standout feature, as noted by reviews, is the cleanliness and good stocking of the vault toilets, which significantly enhances the rustic camping experience.
• Easy River Access for Paddlers: The convenient take-out with timbers at the water's edge makes it very easy to unload and launch canoes or kayaks for river excursions.
• Abundant Firewood: The availability of ample firewood is a practical highlight, ensuring warm campfires and easy cooking without the need to bring large quantities.
• Peaceful and Natural Environment: Visitors consistently describe the campground as peaceful, with minimal litter and a focus on enjoying wildlife and the surrounding nature.
• Proximity to ORV Trails: The Muskrat Trail, an ORV trail, is accessible near the campground, providing opportunities for off-road enthusiasts.
• Good for Tent Camping: The cleared and level sites, along with the secluded nature, make it an ideal spot for tent campers seeking a comfortable rustic experience.
• Paddle-in Group Sites: Offers unique paddle-in group sites, perfect for larger groups seeking an even more remote and immersive experience.

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

Phone: (989) 826-3252 (This is the phone number for the Mio Ranger Station, which operates this US Forest Service campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 989-826-3252

For Michigan locals seeking a quintessential "Up North" rustic camping experience, River Dune Campground in Mio stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice. It perfectly embodies the natural beauty and tranquil escape that Michiganders often seek in their outdoor adventures, all within convenient reach.

The prime location directly on the Au Sable River is a significant draw. For local anglers, the opportunity to fish for bass, bluegill, walleye, and pike right from the campground, or to easily launch a canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle, is invaluable. This direct water access, coupled with the ease of unloading provided by the timber take-out, makes it a hassle-free hub for river enthusiasts.

What truly sets River Dune Campground apart for Michigan residents is its commitment to maintaining a clean and peaceful rustic environment. The praise for the well-maintained, clean, and stocked outhouses might seem like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the dedication to guest comfort even in a primitive setting. The abundant firewood and cleared, level campsites further enhance the traditional camping experience, allowing locals to fully immerse themselves in the joy of a campfire under the stars.

The secluded and wooded nature of the campsites ensures privacy, a highly valued commodity for those looking to escape the crowds often found in more developed campgrounds. It offers a genuine "get away from it all" feeling, where the sounds of nature are your primary soundtrack. While it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, this flexibility can appeal to spontaneous adventurers.

In essence, River Dune Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation for Michigan locals to reconnect with the wild, serene side of their state. It provides an authentic, clean, and accessible rustic camping experience on one of Michigan's most beloved rivers, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peaceful fishing, paddling, or simply a quiet retreat into the heart of Michigan's natural splendor. It's a place to create cherished outdoor memories, reminding Michiganders of the incredible natural treasures in their own backyard.

River Dune Campground

Fed Trail 4366, Mio, MI 48647, USA