Recreation
The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. The 2025 dates are:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20, 2025
- National Get Outdoors Day June 14, 2025
- Juneteenth June 19, 2025
- National Public Lands Day September 27, 2025
- Veterans Day November 11, 2025
Know Before You Go
Briar Hills Area
Site Open
The Briar Hills area is located in Springville and Antioch Townships in Wexford County. A total of 3,494 acres of NFS lands and 38 acres of private lands are within the boundary of the area.The…
Brush Lake Campground
Site Open
The campground is located on the shores of Brush Lake, which is entirely surrounded by National Forest System lands. There is a drive-in boat launch on the eastern shore of the river and a smaller…
Bull Gap ORV Hill Climb and Trailhead
Site Closed
Bull Gap Hill Climb is the ONLY designated motorized "Open Area Riding" on the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The sand hill is 0.2 mile and at a 35 - 40% grade.Bull Gap is open to all vehicles with…
Buttercup Campground
Site Closed
A small, quiet campground, this site is primarily used by river paddlers. Located in stands of mixed hardwoods and pine, campers may be surprised by a wildlife visitor or two while enjoying close-up…
Caberfae Scenic Overlook
Site Open
Caberfae Scenic Overlook has a nice view, primarily to the west, of wooded hills, and the nearby Caberfae Ski Area. Stairs and a ramp lead up to the observation deck. This is a wonderful site for…
Canoer's Memorial
Site Open
Canoers Memorial was erected to honor canoers who have participated in the Au Sable River Canoe Race held each year. The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon was the idea of two men, Harold Brubaker and…
Cathedral Pines Campground
Site Closed
The access road is gated to prohibit motorized access. Visitors to this campground are primarily river paddlers. To access the site from the road, visitors will need to walk .25 miles into the large,…
Chimney Loop Campground
Site Open
Chimney Loop Campground is located on the shores of Wagner Lake. Wagner Lake is a shallow sandy bottom lake that is entirely surrounded by National Forest. The lake has excellent bass and pan fish…
Claybanks Campground
Site Open
This river access is on the flies only, catch and release portion of the river. The river bottom is mostly gravel and is a very good area for brown trout. The path to the river borders posted private…
Condon Lakes West
Site Open
This area is very popular for mushroom and berry picking, as well as hunting, fishing and camping.