Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area

For Michigan residents seeking a genuine escape into the tranquility of the great outdoors, the Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area stands as a prime destination. Tucked away in the heart of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, this rustic campground offers a peaceful retreat where the sounds of nature replace the clamor of everyday life. It embodies the essence of Michigan's state forest camping experience – simple, serene, and deeply connected to the natural beauty that defines our beloved state. If you’re looking to unwind, reconnect with the wilderness, and enjoy the pure simplicity of camping, Au Sable Loop Campground is a gem worth discovering.

Imagine a campsite where the biggest noise is the rustle of leaves or the gentle flow of the Au Sable River. This isn't a bustling commercial park, but rather a haven designed for true relaxation and immersion in Michigan’s wild spaces. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to the famed Au Sable River, a paddler seeking quiet waters, or simply someone who appreciates a vast, private campsite under a canopy of trees, this campground offers an idyllic setting. It’s a testament to the diverse and accessible outdoor opportunities available right here in Michigan, inviting locals to experience nature in its most authentic form.

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area is conveniently located at Fed Trail 4366, Mio, MI 48647, USA. This puts it within the beautiful Huron-Manistee National Forests, specifically in Oscoda County, near the charming town of Mio. The campground is nestled directly along the renowned Au Sable River, which is a significant draw for many visitors. For Michiganders traveling from various parts of the state, accessing Mio is straightforward, with well-maintained state routes leading to the area.

From Mio, you can reach the campground by following McKinley Road and then turning onto the unpaved road that leads to the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook and subsequently to the campground. This approach allows visitors to first take in a panoramic vista of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River, setting a picturesque tone for your stay. The journey itself often involves scenic drives through Michigan’s characteristic forests, enhancing the sense of escape and connection to nature even before you arrive. Its location provides a perfect balance: feeling wonderfully secluded while still being within a reasonable drive of local supplies and services in Mio. The remoteness helps ensure a truly quiet and serene experience, free from much of the typical road noise found at more urban-adjacent campgrounds.

Here’s a detailed look at the services and facilities available at Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area:

• Campsites: The campground features a small number of sites, with information indicating around 5 to 18 sites suitable for tents and small trailers. A major highlight, as noted by visitors, is that sites are often "huge" and provide a "solid amount of trees/brush in between them," offering a good level of privacy. These sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, reinforcing the rustic camping experience.

• Vault Toilets: For essential sanitation needs, the campground provides vault toilets (outhouses). Reviews mention these facilities are "very clean," and one even noted the presence of "automatic hand sanitizer," which is a welcome detail in a rustic setting.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available from a hand-pump well. It’s important to note that the hand-pump may be unhooked during colder months (e.g., when temperatures drop to freezing in the Fall), so campers should plan accordingly and consider bringing their own water during these times. Users have also mentioned the pump can be "loud and super squeaky" but provides necessary water.

• Direct River Access: A short path from the campground provides access to the Au Sable River, making it convenient for water-based activities like fishing, wading, and non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking, rafting).

• Day Use Area: In addition to camping, the area includes a day-use component, ideal for picnicking, scenic viewing, and wildlife watching. This allows non-campers to enjoy the beauty of the area as well.

• Trash Collection Services: The campground typically provides trash collection services, making waste disposal convenient for campers.

• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing for campfires. It’s important to note that only downed wood should be used for firewood, and moving firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area stands out with several key features and highlights that make it particularly appealing to Michigan outdoor enthusiasts:

• Unmatched Quietness: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the profound quietness of the campground, with campers specifically noting "no car noise." This makes it an ideal retreat for those genuinely seeking peace and tranquility away from the sounds of civilization.

• Spacious and Private Sites: Unlike many crowded campgrounds, Au Sable Loop offers "huge" sites with ample "trees/brush in between them" for privacy. This provides a secluded and relaxing atmosphere, allowing campers to truly feel immersed in nature without being too close to their neighbors.

• Proximity to the Au Sable River: Located near the banks of the National Scenic Au Sable River, the campground is a haven for water-based recreation. Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, pike, brown trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and salmon. The river's gentle 2 mph flow makes it perfect for non-motorized boating.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is an "exemplary setting for wildlife viewing," with visitors and campers likely to see a diverse range of animals as the habitat transitions from river to forest and field. Bald eagles, deer, bear, bobcat, porcupine, various songbirds, and waterfowl are known to inhabit the area.

• Scenic Overlook: The presence of the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook provides stunning panoramic vistas of the Au Sable River, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

• Hiking Trails: The campground is near several hiking trails, including the 0.5-mile Mio Nature Trail (with a trailhead at the Mio Ranger Station) and the 4.5-mile Wolf Creek Trail. These trails offer opportunities for various skill levels to explore the surrounding forest and river views.

• Rustic and Serene Ambiance: The overall atmosphere is consistently described as "beautiful and serene," perfect for "relaxing." For those who prefer a more primitive camping experience without showers or electrical hookups, this campground delivers exactly that authentic feel.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis for its campsites. This means that, for individual sites, reservations are generally not accepted, and it’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season or popular weekends, to secure a spot. The campground is seasonally open, usually from May 1 to November 30.

The camping fee for a single site is typically around $10.00 per night, which represents excellent value for the serene and private experience offered. While specific promotional offers directly from the campground are not common, Michigan residents can significantly benefit from the Michigan Recreation Passport. This annual pass, available for a small fee when renewing your license plate or at state park entrances, provides year-round vehicle access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds (like Au Sable Loop), state boat launches, and non-motorized state trailhead parking. The Recreation Passport is a fantastic way for Michiganders to enjoy continuous access to a vast network of our state's beautiful outdoor recreation areas, making repeated visits to places like Au Sable Loop Campground highly cost-effective. It's a general state-level "promotion" that heavily benefits local outdoor enthusiasts.

For inquiries or to obtain more information about Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area, you can use the following contact details:

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

• Phone: (989) 826-3252

• Mobile Phone: +1 989-826-3252

This phone number connects to the Mio Ranger Station and District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, which manages the campground. The Mio Ranger Station typically operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed on federal holidays). It is always a good practice to call ahead, especially if you have specific questions about current conditions, site availability, water pump status (especially in the fall), or any alerts that might affect your visit. While the campground itself is unstaffed, the Ranger Station can provide valuable, up-to-date information to help you plan your trip.

Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area is an exceptionally suitable destination for Michigan locals seeking a quintessential rustic camping experience. Its quiet atmosphere, generously sized and private campsites, and direct access to the famous Au Sable River provide an unmatched opportunity for relaxation and outdoor recreation right here in our home state. For Michiganders who value serenity over extensive amenities, and who enjoy activities like fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and simply unwinding in nature, this campground is a perfect fit. The affordability of staying at a National Forest campground, coupled with the value of the Michigan Recreation Passport, makes it an accessible option for frequent escapes into the wilderness. It offers a chance to disconnect from digital distractions and immerse oneself in the calming beauty of Michigan’s forests and rivers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend retreat or a longer stay to explore the Au Sable River corridor, Au Sable Loop Campground provides a genuine, memorable outdoor adventure that truly captures the spirit of Michigan.