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Gabions Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Mio · Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Location | Mio · Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests · 44.62105, -83.84706 · Map |
| Sites | 8 public sites counted from the federal listing — 7 standard nonelectric; 1 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 8 sites Water hookups at 0 of 8 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 8 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 8 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 99 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 7 sites · 30 ft: 7 sites · 35 ft: 6 sites · 40 ft: 6 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 8 sites, as reported |
| Phone | 989-826-3252 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-06-30.
From the official listing
Overview 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.
Recreation
Water Activites: Anglers can boat, wade, and fish from shore. Fish species found in the Au Sable River include bass, pike, brown trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and salmon. The water flows at a speed of 2 mph. The Au Sable River provides opportunities for non-motorized boating using watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. 4001 Canoe Access is a short drive and provides developed access to the Au Sable river. Alcona Canoe Rental in nearby Glennie and Hinchman's Acres Resort in Mio provide watercraft rentals for canoes, kayaks, and tubes. Hiking: Visitors can walk the Shore-to-Shore Horse Trail which passes through the campground. This trail is open to hiking and horseback riding. Hikers should be aware this is not a loop trail. Additionally, hikers can drive southwest on Au Sable River road to reach the Ruffed Grouse trail head for a short leasurely 0.6 mile loop through the forest. OHV Riding: An OHV trail utilizes Au Sable River road at the mouth of the campground road. Taking the trail to the east will connect riders to the Alcona ATV Trail and taking the trail to the west will connect riders to to the Mack Lake Motorized Trail System and the Bull Gap Hill Climb Area . Additionally, a large majority of Forest Service roads are open to OHV use. Please refer to the motor vehicle use map (MVUM) to understand which roads are open to OHV use.
Facilities Amenities available include a vault toilet and trash collection. There is no water provided in the campground. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts.
Natural Features The Au Sable River is a short walk from the campground where visitors can experience world class fishing and floating opportunities.
Each site is shaded by a mixed forest of hardwoods, red pines, and jack pine.
Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252.
Directions, from the listing
From the South on M33:
Turn East onto Curtisville Road and stay on it for approximately 15.5 miles. (Note the name of the road will change to: Au Sable Valley River Rd and then Au Sable River Rd.) Turn Left (north) onto Brodie Road. Follow the signs to the campground.
From Mio via McKinley Road:
Follow McKinley Road/Au Sable Road approximately 20 miles. Turn right on 4001/Au Sable River Road and drive 3/4 mile. Turn Right (north) onto Brodie Road.
Nearest federal campgrounds
10 mi straight-line · Oscoda MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceMack Lake ORV Campground
11 mi straight-line · Mio MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceRollways Campground
12 mi straight-line · Hale MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceAu Sable Loop Campground
13 mi straight-line · Mio MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceAusable River Camping
13 mi straight-line · OSCODA Michigan
Trip Card — Gabions Campground
Mio · Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Mio · Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 99 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 8 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214365 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.