Gabions Campground and Day Use
Gabions Campground offers camping on the National Scenic stretch of the Au Sable River. Natural springs are common on this section of the river, including a small one at the river's edge near the gabions. Gabions are rock-filled wire baskets that are placed along the riverbank to help reduce erosion.
The Shore-to-Shore Trail passes near the campground; however, Gabions is not a designated horse camp and horse camping is not permitted. Wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities exist; please respect wildlife and observe from a distance.
General Information
Location - Au Sable National Scenic River
Nearby Recreation Areas -
- 4001 Canoe Landing
- Shore to Shore Trail
County - Alcona
Seasonal and Other Information -
- This site is not gated during the off season.
- This site is not maintained in winter:
- Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed.
- No toilet facilities are available.
May 1 - November 30
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply.
Special Use Permit -
- No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
- Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
- Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-18
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use; R904-14-03
Highlights - Camping is prohibited, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
Camping (per night)
Single sites: $10.00
Day Use (per vehicle):
$5.00/day; $15.00/seven day
Canoe Rentals -
- Glennie:
- Alcona Canoe Rental
- Hale:
- Rollways Resort
- Mio:
- Gotts Landing
- Hinchman's Acres Resort
- Oscoda:
- Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC; B & B LLC (Hunts)
- Oscoda Canoe Rental
Address: 107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647
Phone: (989) 826-3252
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.62027778
Longitude: -83.84611111
Directions
From Grayling -
- Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles.
- Turn right and go south on M-33 for 6 miles.
- Turn left and go east on County Rd. 604/Curtisville Rd. for 15.5 miles.
- Turn left on FR 4134.
- Road will terminate at the campground.
Parking
15 vehicle capacity
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
