Ausable River Campground, MI - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Ausable River Campground is located in the Tawas Ranger District, Huron-Manistee National Forest (1 hr 21 min north of Bay City, MI) with an elevation of 825 feet. There are a total of 102 campsites including 53 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of January to the end of November. 49 sites can accommodate RVs between 18 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $0.00 to $10.00. Some amenities include boat ramp. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.

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Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (695)

4.8 out of 5

5 star		88%
4 star		8%
3 star		2%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

@EmilieR3A34A4B · Camped on Oct 18, 2025 at Campsite #88D

Beautiful, spacious, private site. There is access to the river you just have to be careful climbing down the bluff, it can be slippery but there are tree roots that act like steps. The area of the river this site is on it clean. There is a trail you can walk from the campsite along the river. Definitely recommend.

@LENNYC3269016 · Camped on Oct 17, 2025 at Campsite #49D

Very peaceful and quiet. Would be nice to have a picnic table. The campsites are all very good size.

@ThomasS5574085 · Camped on Oct 11, 2025 at Campsite #5C

This site is not a good site, it has a nice river view and access, however there arent good spots to setup tents and the trees that are there are kinda small and scraggly. Also there is a two track not far behind the site that sportsmen use so you dont get the wilderness feeling for a boat in only sure. We still enjoyed our one night stay but I wouldnt recommend it for more than a one night stop over.

@BruceF4214645 · Camped on Oct 10, 2025 at Campsite #73D

Clean campsite, and very remote from any other campers.

@WILLIAMM503355 · Camped on Oct 10, 2025 at Campsite #49D

Great spot. Not too close to other sites. Steps at the edge of the water. Great place to dock a boat or two. Close to boat launch and bathrooms.

@BrianN3757947 · Camped on Oct 4, 2025 at Campsite #20C

The campsite was awesome! The only problem thing that I think that could be improved is making the reservation website that says the site is 20C to say the site is 20 as this is what the wooden sign says at the physical site.

@WendyW1710508 · Camped on Oct 3, 2025 at Campsite #49D

This particular spot is very difficult to get because it is reserved the second it becomes available, literally! Believe me I have been on my computer just waiting for the second that spot opened only to be told that it is reserved and this has happened every single time I have tried to book it over many years. So was I ever pleasantly surprised when I just happened to check to see if it was available and it was, just for one day. It is a beautiful spot and holds years of camping memories. This camping site is right on the river so easy access for fishing and swimming! I am old now so just sitting and enjoying the scenery remembering the good times we had here is something I treasure!!

@CoryDE83B92CF7 · Camped on Sep 26, 2025 at Campsite #2D

Not much privacy at this site but the river view is gorgeous!!

@DonP9017789 · Camped on Sep 23, 2025 at Campsite #43D

outstanding

@markc1361143 · Camped on Sep 22, 2025 at Campsite #55D

We love Sawmill Pointe

@LeiL00BAFBB713 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #73D

Campsite was easy to find and was very large! You could put two trailers and a couple of tents on it. Very private. No access to water. Its on the high bank. You can see the water somewhat through the trees. Very open and flat perfect Verizon cell phone service.

@AlexW4299848 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #87W

Amazing spot. Huge site. Private trail to the river. Unreal sunsets. Swiveling grill on fire pit is clutch. 5 minute hike from parking area.

@kaylamB25649A3 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #57D

People at nearby sites seem to come here to party. All night we heard yelling and partying which is not ideal when trying to escape for a night in nature.

@JamesM9879118 · Camped on Sep 18, 2025 at Campsite #3D

There is a new fire pit at this site. It is far too tall to allow the heat and light from the fire to be enjoyed. The previous fire pit allowed the campsite to be lit up at night and allowed the heat from the fire to escape. The new fire pit is so tall that the light barely lights up the site and points all of the heat up. It is nice and easy to cook on, but I would much rather have the previous style fire pit.

@maureend38E74F · Camped on Sep 15, 2025 at Campsite #42D

The site was private and quiet and beautiful even the weather cooperated. Great two weeks!\

@HelenR8815DDDE · Camped on Sep 14, 2025 at Campsite #37C

I would remember to bring binoculars for this site there are many beautiful birds and wildlife to see on the river. Remember to purchase firewood before you come out to this site there is very little on the island. During the Autumn season prepare for a lot of shade. Beautiful sunrises to the east in the spring and summer. My sister and I love going camping here we try to do it every year.

@CraigP9880339 · Camped on Sep 12, 2025 at Campsite #34C

This is a great site, however site 35 is much much closer to this site than the map shows, which gets a little awkward when the woods is your bathroom.

@Alik63DA3D12AD · Camped on Sep 12, 2025 at Campsite #75W

Took my boys ages 14 and 3. Wonderful experience and very accommodating. Car parking is about 50 ft from campsite, slope to get to water was quite steep and would recommend a rope. It surprised me to have cell phone reception in that area also.

@JeffP3506157 · Camped on Sep 11, 2025 at Campsite #2D

First trip on the Au Sable River - Fantastic!. 10 of 10. Canoe trip with two people from Mio, MI to Loud Pond Dam - 3 primitive nights. Excellent Campsites. They were in great condition. Well spaced out along the river. One small issue is that while the campsite #s are well posted and visible, they are not listed exactly as they are on the website; ie 022C is posted as just 22. Because I thought there may be multiple systems. We missed our first site, but quickly realized we made it more difficult than it needed to be. Again, it was a terrific trip and we've already returned to Loud Pond Dam for another 3-night stay. Highly recommend. We will be exploring more of the Au Sable!

@DerikM17886EEE · Camped on Sep 10, 2025 at Campsite #61W

Amazing spot with easy river access.

@LaurieL8778385 · Camped on Sep 7, 2025 at Campsite #66D

Beautiful view of the waterway. Could hear other campsites but not see them at all. Fishing boats went by now and then. Lots of little fish along shore to check out. The sign at the top of the road is missing to guide you to turn to campsite. Turn when you see the information sign from the National Forest.

@GordanK9136806 · Camped on Sep 6, 2025 at Campsite #91D

Site was great staff at the head office was awesome. The signage is a little goofy because it doesnt point on to traditional it points across the street that along with the google and Apple Maps taking you a couple miles down the road on to a privet drive can make it a little hard to find the entrance. Overall great experience

@AndrewM2888517 · Camped on Sep 5, 2025 at Campsite #87W

Didnt end up going because the weather too a bad turn. Couldnt get money back so didnt cancel.

@DickG161749CEA · Camped on Sep 2, 2025 at Campsite #80D

Clean and quiet, lots of room between campsites

@JohnA1386005 · Camped on Aug 15, 2025 at Campsite #79W

This campsite is literally the end of the line. You drive and drive and then you come up to the end of the road and park and walk another 130 steps to get to it. The site is level, hard packed dirt and sand (remember a ground cloth), has a good fire pit, and, as you can see from people's pictures, a nice view. It is a cross between car camping and backpacking, as everytime you need something from your car you have to walk the 400 feet back and forth. Good for steps. It won't be for everyone, but if you don't mind walking to your car several times a day (especially if you pack like you do for car camping) it's worth it. Will be back.

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Ausable River Campground, MI - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Ausable River

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (695)

4.8 out of 5

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