White Pine Canoe Campground

For Michiganders seeking a genuine, unplugged outdoor adventure centered around the tranquility of a pristine river, White Pine Canoe Campground in Grayling is an ideal destination. Tucked away along the scenic Au Sable River, this rustic campground offers a unique and highly sought-after experience, particularly for those who love to explore by canoe or kayak. Unlike many car-accessible campgrounds, White Pine Canoe Campground is largely designed for a true "paddle-in" experience, creating a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature that is hard to find elsewhere. Visitors consistently praise its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and picturesque river spots, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you're a local looking to embark on a multi-day river trip, enjoy some peaceful tent camping, or simply savor the serene beauty of the Au Sable, White Pine Canoe Campground provides the quintessential Michigan wilderness experience, with just the right balance of rustic charm and essential amenities.

White Pine Canoe Campground is located at 6761 Woods Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, USA. Its address points to its setting within the vast network of state forests in Northern Michigan, specifically along the main branch of the Au Sable River. For Michigan residents, reaching the general area of Grayling is straightforward via major state routes like M-72. However, it's crucial to understand that White Pine Canoe Campground is primarily a "canoe-in" campground, meaning it is largely accessible by watercraft. While there might be limited land access (e.g., for DNR maintenance), the intended and most common way for campers to arrive is by paddling. It is generally located about 15.5 miles east of Grayling via M-72 and Wakely Bridge Road, serving as a popular overnight stop for those undertaking multi-day canoe or kayak trips down the Au Sable. This unique accessibility contributes to its peaceful atmosphere and makes it a cherished spot for paddlers who appreciate the effort involved in reaching their secluded riverside haven. The "easy ramp up off the river" mentioned by a reviewer further confirms its design for seamless river access, enhancing the overall convenience for canoeists and kayakers.

• Rustic Campsites: White Pine Canoe Campground offers rustic sites primarily designed for tent camping, with five designated sites suitable for tents. These sites are often described as "lovely forested secluded tent sites," providing a private and natural setting for campers. They typically include a fire ring (some noted as "new rings") and a picnic table.
• Vault Toilets: For restroom facilities, the campground provides vault toilets. While some reviewers noted they could be "extremely smelly," they also expressed gratitude that they were "glad they were there" and generally imply they are maintained, fulfilling a basic need in a rustic environment.
• Hand-Pump Well for Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well. This traditional water source is an important amenity for a rustic campground, though campers may wish to bring additional water or purification methods as a backup. Note that in some instances, a water pump may temporarily be out of commission.
• River Landing/Boat Access: The campground features a "nice landing for the boat" and an "easy ramp up off the river," indicating facilities specifically designed for canoe and kayak access. This is paramount for a campground largely accessible by water.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All sites at White Pine Canoe Campground are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken. This allows for spontaneous trips but also suggests planning for early arrival during peak paddling seasons.
• Firewood (Self-Sourced/Brought): While no explicit service for firewood is mentioned, reviewers noted they brought their own, suggesting campers should plan to do so or rely on finding dead, downed wood in accordance with Leave No Trace principles. New fire rings are present at the sites.
• Quiet Hours/Noise Control: As part of a wilderness/state forest area, quiet hours are typically enforced (e.g., 10 pm to 6 am), and noise levels are expected to be controlled, contributing to the campground's peaceful atmosphere.

• Primary Canoe/Kayak Accessibility: The standout feature of White Pine Canoe Campground is its design for "canoe access only" (or kayak). This unique aspect ensures a quieter, more secluded camping experience, largely free from vehicle noise and crowds, making it ideal for paddlers seeking immersion in the river environment.
• Prime Au Sable River Location: Situated directly on the main branch of the scenic Au Sable River, the campground offers "great river spots" and excellent opportunities for fishing (brown, brook, and rainbow trout are commonly found), paddling, and enjoying the river's natural beauty.
• Clean and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently highlight the campground as "clean and quiet." This peaceful ambiance is a major draw for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the sounds of nature, away from the hustle and bustle.
• Spacious and Secluded Tent Sites: Despite being a rustic camp, the sites are noted for being "spacious" and "very nice for a tent," often offering good privacy amidst the "pretty woods around the campground."
• Managed by Hartwick Pines State Park/DNR: Being part of the state forest campground system and managed by entities like Hartwick Pines State Park (a general contact number is associated) or the DNR implies a commitment to maintenance and ecological preservation.
• Rustic Charm for Authentic Camping: For those who appreciate a "genuine camping experience," this rustic campground delivers. It lacks modern amenities, encouraging campers to embrace the simplicity and true connection with nature.
• Year-Round Opportunity (with caveats): While the primary season is warmer weather, state forest campgrounds often technically allow year-round use. However, services are reduced outside of peak season, and roads might not be plowed, catering to hardy winter campers.

As a rustic state forest campground primarily accessible by canoe and managed by the Michigan DNR (with Hartwick Pines State Park often serving as a contact point for the area), White Pine Canoe Campground typically does not have a direct, continuously staffed phone line on-site. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees (around $20 per night, requiring a Recreation Passport), operating seasons, current conditions, water pump status, and any specific regulations, it is best to contact the managing DNR unit or associated state park.

Address: 6761 Woods Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, USA

Phone: (989) 348-7068 (This is a general DNR number for the area, often associated with Hartwick Pines State Park, which manages some state forest campgrounds in the region. It is not a direct number for the campground itself).

It is highly recommended for Michiganders planning a trip to White Pine Canoe Campground to check the Michigan DNR website (michigan.gov/dnr) or Recreation.gov for the latest information and any alerts. Since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is often a stop on multi-day river trips, ensuring you have up-to-date information on river levels, access points, and campsite availability is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

For Michiganders passionate about paddling and seeking a true immersion in their state's natural waterways, White Pine Canoe Campground on the Au Sable River in Grayling offers an exceptionally rewarding experience. Its defining characteristic – being primarily a "canoe-in" campground – creates a peaceful and secluded atmosphere that is increasingly rare to find. This means less vehicle noise and more genuine connection with the sounds of the river and the surrounding forest, a significant draw for those looking to truly disconnect. Locals will appreciate the campground's dedication to maintaining a "clean and quiet" environment, as highlighted by satisfied visitors. The presence of "great river spots," new fire rings, and a reliable water point (hand-pump) provides the essential comforts needed for a multi-day paddling trip down the iconic Au Sable. For anglers, the clear waters of the Au Sable offer world-class trout fishing right from their campsite or canoe. The simple, rustic nature of the campground encourages a back-to-basics approach to camping, fostering a deeper appreciation for Michigan's wilderness. Whether you're embarking on an epic journey down the Au Sable, looking for a serene tent site accessible only by water, or simply craving a quiet escape into the heart of Northern Michigan's forest, White Pine Canoe Campground delivers an authentic, memorable, and uniquely Michigander outdoor adventure. It truly allows locals to embrace the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that their home state's incredible rivers and forests have to offer.

White Pine Canoe Campground

6761 Woods Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, USA