Experience Rustic Beauty at Au Sable River Camping: Site 070D

For those of us in Michigan who cherish the raw, untamed beauty of the outdoors, the Au Sable River offers a truly unique camping experience. Unlike a traditional, centralized campground, Au Sable River Camping encompasses a series of individually designated primitive campsites scattered along a 55-mile stretch of the river's shoreline and bluffs within Alcona and Iosco Counties, specifically from the 4001 Bridge to Oscoda. This distinctive approach to camping allows for a level of privacy and immersion in nature that is increasingly rare. Among these many options, site 070D presents a compelling choice for campers seeking solitude and direct access to one of Michigan's most iconic waterways.

This isn't your typical organized campground with rows of sites and extensive amenities. Instead, it’s about embracing a more rugged and secluded adventure, ideal for those who bring their own gear and are comfortable with a more self-sufficient style of camping. If you’re yearning for a quiet retreat where the sounds of the river and the forest are your primary companions, Au Sable River Camping, and sites like 070D, might just be your next favorite Michigan destination. It's about disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with the natural world that makes our state so special.

Au Sable River Camping, including site 070D, is located in Oscoda Township, Michigan, which places it firmly within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests. This region is renowned for its vast stretches of public land, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. While the general address for the camping areas is Oscoda Township, MI 48750, specific access to individual sites like 070D can be found through detailed maps provided by the Forest Service or Recreation.gov.

Access to these primitive sites can sometimes be a bit adventurous. As some previous visitors to the Au Sable River Camping areas have noted, the roads leading into some sites, including those suitable for RVs, can be narrow with tight turns. For instance, a camper at site 070D mentioned concerns about maneuvering a 24-foot RV due to the narrow road, suggesting that smaller camper vans might be more suitable or that the roads require careful navigation. High-clearance vehicles are sometimes recommended for accessing certain primitive sites within the Au Sable River system due to sandy or rough access roads. Despite these considerations, the privacy and beauty once you arrive are often well worth the journey.

Being part of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, these sites are managed with a focus on preserving the natural environment while providing recreational access. It's a true escape from city life, offering a chance to breathe in the fresh northern Michigan air and enjoy the tranquility of a riverside setting.

Services Offered:

Individual, primitive single-family campsites (like site 070D).
Shade: Full, providing good coverage from the sun.
Capacity: Typically up to 10 people per site.
Equipment: Tents, RVs (with noted size considerations for access roads), and vehicles are generally permitted.
Fire pits for campfires (always check for local fire restrictions).
Privacy: Reviews for sites like 070D highlight excellent privacy, with sites spaced well apart.
Water Access: Direct access to the Au Sable River. However, accessing the water from some sites, including 070D, may involve a steep trail or hill, which can be challenging to navigate, especially on the way back up.

Features / Highlights:

Exceptional Privacy: Site 070D, and many others in the Au Sable River Primitive Camping system, are celebrated for offering significant seclusion, making them perfect for those who want to avoid crowded campgrounds.
Direct River Access: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the Au Sable River. The river is known for various fish species, including bass, pike, brown trout, and walleye.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the Huron-Manistee National Forests, campers are immersed in a serene environment of tall pines and hardwoods, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Proximity to Lumberman's Monument: Site 070D is conveniently located within reach of Lumberman's Monument, a significant historical and recreational attraction. This area offers historical exhibits, scenic overlooks of the Au Sable River, and additional hiking opportunities. Visitors have noted that the monument area itself is fantastic for a day trip.
Flexibility for RVs (with caution): While the road to site 070D might be tight for larger RVs (over 24 feet), the site itself is confirmed to accommodate RVs, offering a more primitive RV experience than typical full-hookup campgrounds.
Ideal for River Activities: The Au Sable River is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, making these campsites an excellent base for river adventures.
Year-Round Accessibility: Camping is generally allowed outside of the permitted season, though sites are not maintained and access roads may not be plowed in winter.

Promotions or Special Offers:

Au Sable River Camping, as part of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, operates under a specific fee structure. For single primitive campsites like 070D, the fee is generally $10.00 per night. Reservations are required from May 15 to September 30, and can be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. There is a one-time reservation fee of $10.00. Outside of this reservation season, sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's crucial to note that a Michigan Recreation Passport may be required for vehicle entry to state forest lands, providing an annual pass for access to various Michigan state parks and recreation areas. There are no specific promotional offers unique to site 070D beyond these standard, affordable public land rates. The value comes from the unique primitive experience at a low cost.

Contact Information:

Address: Oscoda Township, MI 48750, USA (Note: Specific directions to site 070D should be obtained from Recreation.gov upon reservation or from Forest Service maps).

For general inquiries about the Au Sable River Primitive Camping area within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, you can contact the Huron Shores Ranger Station.

Huron Shores Ranger Station: (989) 739-0728

For reservations: Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan residents, Au Sable River Camping, particularly a site like 070D, offers a quintessential "Up North" experience without the crowds often found at more developed campgrounds. Its appeal lies in its rustic nature and the unparalleled privacy it provides. As one local reviewer noted, it’s a "great site to stretch out and tons of privacy," a sentiment echoed by many who seek an escape from urban life. This isn't a place for those who need showers, paved roads to every site, or constant cell service (which can be spotty or non-existent in some areas, adding to the disconnect). Instead, it’s for Michiganders who truly want to immerse themselves in nature, whether for a fishing trip, a canoeing adventure, or simply a peaceful retreat by the river.

The challenges mentioned, such as narrow access roads for larger RVs or steep trails to the water, are often seen as minor inconveniences for those who value the seclusion and pristine environment. These elements contribute to the primitive charm and keep the sites from being overused. The proximity to Lumberman's Monument also offers a fantastic nearby attraction for a day trip, blending historical exploration with outdoor adventure.

Ultimately, Au Sable River Camping, site 070D, is ideal for Michigan locals because it embodies the spirit of our state’s outdoor heritage. It’s an opportunity to experience true solitude along a magnificent river, to wake up to the sounds of the forest, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of camping with ample space and privacy. It's an affordable, authentic, and unforgettable way to appreciate the natural wonders that are right in our backyard.