Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

For those of us in Michigan who yearn for an authentic, peaceful camping experience far from the hustle and bustle, Keystone Landing State Forest Campground in Grayling offers a compelling escape. Situated directly on the revered Au Sable River, this rustic campground provides a genuine immersion into the natural beauty of northern Michigan. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and river dominate, and the night sky truly comes alive, promising a serene and unplugged getaway for Michiganders seeking tranquility.

Customer reviews consistently praise Keystone Landing for its quiet atmosphere and well-spaced sites. One camper highlighted the absence of "car noise" and the benefit of "automatic hand sanitizer in the bathrooms," a thoughtful touch at a rustic site. They also noted that "Most of the sites have a solid amount of trees/brush in between them and give some privacy." Another reviewer affirmed the primitive nature, mentioning "outhouses" and "sites have trees in between," adding that "It was pretty empty and very similar to the neighboring campground. Site 12 has a beautiful view of the night sky!" While one user noted a "loud and super squeaky" water pump, the overall sentiment points towards a campground that delivers on its promise of a quiet, private, and natural camping experience. For Michigan locals looking to unwind in a truly unspoiled setting, Keystone Landing stands as an excellent choice.

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground is ideally located at Grayling, MI 49738, USA, within Crawford County and the expansive Au Sable State Forest. Its prime position directly on the main branch of the Au Sable River is a significant draw, making it a key destination for Michigan's paddling and fishing enthusiasts. Grayling is widely recognized as a gateway to extensive outdoor adventures in the northern Lower Peninsula, offering that sought-after "Up North" feeling.

The campground is situated approximately 4 miles east of Grayling, typically accessed via M-72 and Keystone Landing Road. As a Michigan State Forest Campground, it operates on a rustic model, meaning it is a drive-in site that allows campers to bring their vehicles directly to their individual campsites. This provides convenient access for setting up tents or small trailers. While it offers a sense of seclusion, its proximity to Grayling means that essential supplies, dining options, and other local conveniences are just a short drive away. This balance of feeling immersed in nature while still being reasonably close to town makes Keystone Landing particularly accessible and appealing for Michigan residents seeking a genuine outdoor experience without being completely isolated. Its location directly on the Au Sable also offers easy carry-in access for canoes and kayaks, further enhancing its appeal for river-based recreation.

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground provides essential services designed for a rustic camping experience, typical of Michigan's state forest campgrounds. These offerings focus on facilitating a connection with nature while providing basic necessities.

• Individual Campsites: The campground features 18 sites primarily designed for tent and small trailer use. Reviewers note that these sites are "spacious" and offer "a solid amount of trees/brush in between them," ensuring privacy for campers.

• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available in the form of vault toilets (outhouses). A notable feature, as mentioned by a reviewer, is the presence of "automatic hand sanitizer in the bathrooms," indicating an effort to maintain hygiene even in a rustic setting.

• Potable Water: Campers have access to potable water from a well hand pump. One review mentioned the "Water pump is loud and super squeaky," indicating its functional but perhaps audibly distinct nature.

• Picnic Tables: Sites typically include picnic tables for convenience, with "Universally accessible picnic tables" being a known feature, promoting inclusivity.

• Fire Rings: Campsites are generally equipped with fire rings, allowing for campfires and cooking. It is always advised to check current fire restrictions with the DNR.

• River Access: The campground offers carry-in access to the Au Sable River, making it convenient for launching canoes and kayaks. There are "three access spots to the river" for fishing as well.

• First-Come, First-Served: All sites at Keystone Landing State Forest Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but suggests early arrival during peak times.

• Maximum Stay: Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground, adhering to state forest campground pet policies.

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Michigan locals seeking a rustic and serene outdoor experience.

• Exceptional Seclusion and Privacy: A major highlight is the design of the campsites, with "a solid amount of trees/brush in between them give some privacy." This creates a much-desired sense of solitude, allowing campers to truly unwind without feeling crowded.

• Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers specifically praise the "No car noise" environment, indicating a peaceful retreat from the sounds of traffic, which is a significant draw for those seeking tranquility.

• Direct Au Sable River Access: Located directly on the main branch of the Au Sable River, the campground offers excellent "carry-in access for canoes and kayaks" and is "perfect for trout fishing," with "three access spots to the river." This is a prime feature for Michigan's avid paddlers and anglers.

• Clean and Equipped Outhouses: The mention of "outhouse was just cleaned" and "Automatic hand sanitizer in the bathrooms" highlights attention to basic hygiene even in a rustic setting, enhancing comfort for campers.

• Stunning Night Sky Views: As noted by a reviewer, "Site 12 has a beautiful view of the night sky!" This suggests minimal light pollution, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing, a cherished experience for many campers.

• Rustic Camping Experience: For those who appreciate a no-frills, back-to-basics approach, Keystone Landing delivers a genuine "rustic camping" environment, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

• Proximity to Grayling: While feeling secluded, the campground is only "4 miles east of Grayling," providing convenient access to town for supplies, fuel, and dining if needed, blending wilderness with practical accessibility.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being nestled within a state forest, the campground offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, enhancing the natural immersion.

As a Michigan State Forest Campground, Keystone Landing operates under the umbrella of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground might. Its pricing and operational model are standardized across the state forest campground system.

However, for Michigan locals, the inherent "special offer" of Keystone Landing State Forest Campground lies in its consistent affordability and the quality of the primitive outdoor experience it provides. These campgrounds are generally very budget-friendly compared to private campgrounds, making high-quality outdoor adventures accessible to a wide range of residents.

Key aspects that function as consistent "offers" for campers include:

• Affordable Nightly Rates: State forest campgrounds generally have a low nightly fee per campsite (e.g., $20 as seen in some external information), providing excellent value for a rustic camping experience.

• Michigan Recreation Passport: While a requirement for vehicle entry, the Michigan Recreation Passport (an annual pass often purchased with vehicle registration) provides an excellent return on investment for frequent users. It grants access to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas, including state forest campgrounds, for one annual fee. For Michiganders, this is the most cost-effective way to enjoy these sites throughout the year.

• First-Come, First-Served Availability: This system offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, acting as a "special offer" for those who prefer not to make reservations far in advance.

Any specific alerts or changes in operational status (e.g., closures due to weather, fire bans, or changes to facilities) would be communicated through the Michigan DNR website or directly by contacting the local DNR office or the Grayling Management Unit. It is always recommended to check these official sources for the most current information before planning your trip.

For inquiries about Keystone Landing State Forest Campground, the primary point of contact is the managing Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office, which oversees state forest campgrounds in the area.

Address: Keystone Landing State Forest Campground Grayling, MI 49738, USA

While no direct phone number for the campground itself is provided in the initial data, state forest campgrounds are typically managed by a regional DNR unit. For this campground, the Grayling Management Unit of the DNR is the relevant contact.

General DNR Contact for State Forest Campgrounds: Phone: (989) 348-7068 (This number has been associated with nearby state forest campgrounds and is likely a central contact point for the Grayling area.) Another relevant DNR phone number for this area is (989) 348-6371 (Grayling Management Unit).

Since Keystone Landing State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system, calling to check real-time site availability might not always be accurate due to the dynamic nature of walk-in sites. However, these numbers are invaluable for obtaining up-to-date information on:

• Current campground conditions (e.g., open/closed, water availability)

• Fire restrictions or advisories

• Any temporary closures or alerts impacting access

• General rules and regulations for state forest camping

• Information on the Michigan Recreation Passport

For the most current and accurate information to ensure a smooth trip, reaching out to the DNR office via the provided phone numbers is highly recommended.

For Michigan locals seeking an authentic, peaceful, and truly immersive outdoor experience, Keystone Landing State Forest Campground in Grayling stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice. Its core appeal lies in its commitment to a rustic camping environment, providing a much-needed antidote to the over-developed sites found elsewhere. The reviews consistently praise the "No car noise" and the generous "trees/brush in between" sites, offering a level of privacy and tranquility that is highly valued by Michiganders looking to truly escape and unwind. This seclusion ensures that visitors can enjoy the natural sounds of the forest and the gentle flow of the Au Sable River, fostering a deep connection with nature.

Beyond the peace and privacy, Keystone Landing's direct access to the Au Sable River is a significant draw. As one of Michigan's most iconic waterways, it offers unparalleled opportunities for trout fishing and paddling, catering to the recreational passions of many residents. Whether it's casting a line into the "Holy Waters" or launching a canoe for a scenic float, the river is a central part of the experience. The added touch of "Automatic hand sanitizer in the bathrooms" demonstrates a thoughtful approach to basic comfort within a primitive setting, ensuring a pleasant stay without sacrificing the rustic feel. And for stargazers, the promise of a "beautiful view of the night sky" underscores its low light pollution, offering breathtaking celestial displays.

As a Michigan State Forest Campground, Keystone Landing also aligns with the state's commitment to affordable outdoor recreation, largely accessed via the Michigan Recreation Passport. This makes it an accessible and cost-effective option for residents seeking regular communion with nature. For any Michigander prioritizing a genuine wilderness experience, with ample privacy, direct river access, minimal noise, and the simple comforts of a well-maintained rustic site, Keystone Landing State Forest Campground is a highly recommended and cherished retreat into the heart of our beautiful state.