Sawmill Campsite 47D

Welcome to **Sawmill Campsite 47D**, a specific and highly-sought-after designated camping spot within the unique **AuSable River Primitive Camping** system of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. For Michigan residents, this area is synonymous with true, rustic Up North adventure. Unlike large, modern campgrounds, this is one of a series of 102 individual, single-family campsites scattered along a 55-mile stretch of the beautiful AuSable River and its associated ponds, offering an unparalleled level of seclusion and a deep connection to the natural environment.

Campsite 47D is located within the **Sawmill Point** section, which overlooks Cooke Pond. This specific location offers a genuine, non-electric camping experience, perfectly suited for Michiganders who prize solitude, traditional tent or small trailer camping, and immediate access to the famed AuSable River waterway. It is a fantastic base camp for paddling, fishing, and simply enjoying the majestic national forest landscape of Oscoda Township. Choosing Sawmill Campsite 47D is choosing a classic Michigan outdoor experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency and the serene beauty of the AuSable River Valley.

This overview is designed to provide local users with factual details about this particular campsite and its surrounding area within the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

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### Location and Accessibility

Sawmill Campsite 47D is located in the **Huron-Manistee National Forests**, within the **Oscoda Township, MI 48750, USA** region. More specifically, this campsite is situated in the **Sawmill Point** loop, which is adjacent to **Cooke Pond**, a body of water formed by a dam on the AuSable River.

To reach the area, visitors typically travel west from the town of Oscoda on the scenic **River Road National Scenic Byway**. Access involves turning off River Road onto Cooke Dam Road, and then following the designated Forest Roads (FR 2088 and FR 2087) to the Sawmill Point area. While it is accessible by vehicle, the drive is on rustic, often gravel or dirt forest roads. This remote location contributes significantly to the feeling of wilderness and escape. The proximity to the River Road Scenic Byway means that while the campsite is primitive, it is within a reasonable driving distance of other recreational sites like the Lumberman's Monument and Iargo Springs. For Michigan campers, this location offers an easy drive into the heart of Northeast Michigan's public land, providing a fantastic, centralized base for exploring the Iosco and Alcona County areas.

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### Services Offered

As part of the AuSable River Primitive Camping system, Sawmill Campsite 47D offers a rustic experience, meaning the services are intentionally minimal to preserve the wilderness character. The focus is on providing a safe, designated spot to camp while requiring self-sufficiency from the user.

The core services provided at this specific type of site include:

• **Designated Parking:** Site 47D features a **Back-In parking spot** with a dirt or gravel apron, capable of accommodating RVs, trailers, or multiple tents, with a maximum length capacity usually around 30 feet, as often seen in this area.
• **Basic Site Furnishings:** Each site is equipped with a **fire ring** for campfires and cooking, and a **picnic table** for dining.
• **Toilet Facilities:** Primitive campgrounds in this system usually offer **vault toilets** (pit toilets) located centrally within the Sawmill Point section for basic sanitation. There are no modern flush toilets or shower facilities.
• **Water Access (Non-Potable):** While the campsite is near the water's edge, it is important to note that **no potable (drinking) water** is supplied directly at the primitive sites. Campers must bring their own water, or filter/treat water sourced from Cooke Pond/AuSable River.
• **Trash Removal:** Generally, this is a **pack-it-in, pack-it-out** area. Campers are expected to bring garbage bags and remove all waste, upholding the Leave No Trace principle.
• **Pet-Friendly:** The site is generally **Pet-Friendly**, allowing dogs provided they are kept on a leash and following all National Forest rules.

This is an ideal location for the experienced Michigan camper who is comfortable without electrical hookups or running water.

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### Features / Highlights

The unique highlights of Sawmill Campsite 47D stem from its specific location on the AuSable River, a crown jewel of Michigan's recreational waterways, and its intentionally rustic nature.

Key features and highlights include:

• **Direct Water Access:** Campsite 47D is noted to have **good water access with steps** or an easy slope leading down to the water of Cooke Pond. This is crucial for paddlers who want to launch a canoe or kayak directly from their campsite.
• **Cooke Pond Proximity:** The site is situated right on the shore of Cooke Pond, offering excellent **fishing opportunities** for species like perch, pike, and bass, and providing a beautiful, peaceful waterfront view.
• **AuSable River System Immersion:** The site is part of the legendary AuSable River system, renowned for its **fly fishing and multi-day canoe trips**. Campers can easily access the river's main flow either by paddling across the pond or driving to nearby launches.
• **Rustic, Low-Density Camping:** The primary feature is the **primitive and secluded nature** of the site. Being one of 102 individually spaced sites along 55 miles of river, it guarantees a higher degree of privacy and quiet than a typical clustered campground.
• **Near Sawmill Point Boat Launch:** While primitive, the site is close to the small, nearby Sawmill Point Boat Launch, which is adjacent to the campsites, offering an easy put-in or take-out point for boaters (gravel ramp).
• **River Road National Scenic Byway:** The location is close to this scenic route, providing opportunities for easy driving tours to nearby attractions like the **Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center** and the stunning observation deck at **Iargo Springs**.
• **ORV Trail Access:** The Huron-Manistee National Forest offers extensive ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) trails and routes nearby, making the area a strategic base camp for Michigan ORV enthusiasts.

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### Contact Information

As a specific, federally managed primitive campsite, reservations and inquiries are handled by the Huron-Manistee National Forests, specifically the Tawas or Huron Shores Ranger Districts.

**Managing Office (Huron Shores Ranger Station):**5761 N. Skeel RoadOscoda, MI 48750

**Phone Contact:**Huron Shores Ranger Station: (989) 739-0728National Reservation System (Recreation.gov): (877) 444-6777

**Address/Coordinates for Area Access:**Oscoda Township, MI 48750, USA

It is mandatory to acquire a permit/reservation during the peak season (typically May 15 to September 10) for these primitive AuSable River campsites, and reservations should be made through the federal reservation system.

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### What is Worth Choosing Sawmill Campsite 47D

For the Michigan resident, Sawmill Campsite 47D offers a compelling value that speaks directly to the state's rugged outdoor tradition, setting it apart from busy private or modern state campgrounds. This choice is about prioritizing nature, solitude, and direct recreational access.

The primary reason to choose this site is its **Unmatched Primitive Solitude**. This is not a parking lot with a fire ring; it is a rustic, designated single-family campsite deeply embedded in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Michiganders seeking a genuine “Up North” experience, one where the sounds of the forest and the river dominate the atmosphere, will find this system ideal. The intentional spacing of the 102 sites over 55 miles ensures minimal interaction with other campers, offering a level of privacy that is increasingly rare at more developed locations.

Secondly, the **Exceptional Paddling and Fishing Access** is a major draw. Site 47D's noted good water access to Cooke Pond makes it a fantastic staging area for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing the AuSable River system. This river is renowned nationwide for its beauty and the quality of its trout and other fish populations. For local anglers and paddlers, having a riverside base camp with easy launch capability is invaluable, allowing for early morning starts on the water. It provides an authentic means to explore the wilder, undeveloped beauty of the national forest river corridor.

Finally, the **Low-Cost, High-Value Natural Experience** is highly appealing. The $10 nightly fee for these primitive sites (during the permit season) represents an exceptional value for the quality of the natural setting. While it requires campers to be self-sufficient—bringing their own water and taking out their trash—it is a small price to pay for the quiet, the forest canopy, and the direct access to one of Michigan's most beautiful and historically significant rivers. It’s the perfect place for New Yorkers to unplug, build a classic campfire, and truly immerse themselves in the state’s wildlands.

Sawmill Campsite 47D

Oscoda Township, MI 48750, USA