
Ausable River Camping
OSCODA, Michigan
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Conditions: Caution
for campground, todayAgency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 3 h ago · oldest 3 h
caution: Agency alerts
27 active alerts in Huron-Manistee National Forest; most severe: Safety Awareness for Upper Manistee River Levels, Wednesday Oct. 7, 2026
USFSPosted Oct 5 · checked 3 h ago
clear: Weather
Clear, high 59°F / low 45°F, 0% precip — 99/100 for campground
OpenWeather3 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Campsite availability
Live from Recreation.gov for Ausable River Camping.
Here's your stay, mapped
Ausable River Camping
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Gear for the day
Meals
Photos
About this campground
Overview AuSable River Dispersed Camping is a unique series of 102 individually designated single-family campsites on a 55-mile stretch of the lovely AuSable River. All campsites are within Alcona and Iosco Counties in Michigan. These rustic sites are divided into sections near Alcona Pond, the AuSable Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Area, Loud Pond, Five Channels Pond, Cooke Pond, Foote Pond and Lower Ausable. Each are ideal for family camping, with opportunities for fly fishing, swimming, canoeing and bird watching. Recreation Both river and lake fishing are available for perch, bass and pike walleye. One recommended spot is the Whirlpool Angler access point. All sites are also near the River Road National Scenic Byway, which offers wonderful views of the river valley. The campground has boat-in camping, and canoe rentals are available in Glennie, Hale, Mio and Oscoda. Facilities All sites are primitive with no drinking water, toilets or trash removal. Campers are expected to bring plenty of water, portable toilets and garbage bags. Parking aprons are dirt or gravel. Natural Features Campsites sit on bluffs that range from five to 300 feet above the waterline of the lower AuSable River. Depending on the site, access to the river may be difficult due to steep or eroding slopes. The AuSable River meanders across 138 miles of Michigan and flows into the great lake, Lake Huron.
Directions & GPX
Facts about this campground
Where it is
- Mio Ranger District · Ranger district
- Huron-Manistee National Forest · National forest
- Managed by
- Forest Service
Conditions
Active alerts for Huron-Manistee National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:
Safety Awareness for Upper Manistee River Levels, Wednesday Oct. 7, 2026
critical · posted Oct 5, 2026
Lumberman's Monument to close Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting Tuesday September 15, 2026
information · posted Sep 11, 2026
USE CAUTION - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
caution · posted Sep 2, 2026
'Do Not Eat' Advisory for Fish
caution · posted Aug 24, 2026
Au Sable National Scenic River Camping Restrictions
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Restricting Motorized Vehicles Use of Roads, Trails, and Off Road Areas
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Possession, Storage or Transportation of Alcohol and Drugs
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Restrictions for Violating Posted Regulations
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Restrictions For The Au Sable River
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Source: USFS forest alerts
Nearby
- Au Sable Loop CampgroundCamping0.1 mi
- River Dune Backcounty Group CampsiteCamping0.3 mi
- WOLF CREEK - FIREWEED HIKEHiking1 mi
- Wolf Creek - Fireweed XskiCross-country skiing1 mi
- Meadow Springs CampgroundCamping1.2 mi
- Wolf Creek XskiCross-country skiing1.5 mi
- WOLF CREEK HIKEHiking1.5 mi
- Cathedral Pines CampgroundCamping4.8 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Add to a trip & share
Keep exploring — more campsites worth the drive
Chimney Loop Campground
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Michigan.
River Dune Backcounty Group Campsite
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Michigan.
Paddle-In Group Camp
~4 min drive
Paddle-In Group Camp is a campground in Michigan at about 978 feet.
Mio Pond State Forest Campground and Group Camp
~4 min drive
Mio Pond State Forest Campground and Group Camp is a campground in Michigan at about 967 feet.
Buttercup Campground
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Michigan.
Camp Barakel
~16 min drive
Camp Barakel is a campground in Michigan at about 1,053 feet.
RV Park
~16 min drive
RV Park is a campground in Michigan at about 1,042 feet.
Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground
~17 min drive
Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground is a campground in Michigan at about 1,008 feet.
Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground
~17 min drive
Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground is a campground in Michigan at about 1,193 feet.
Luzerne Horsetrail Campground
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Michigan.
