Au Sable River Backcountry Campsites

About

The Au Sable River Backcountry Campsites encompass 102 individually designated primitive camping locations along 55 miles of the Au Sable River within the Huron National Forest. The sites are organized into seven sections: Alcona Pond, Au Sable Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Area, Loud Pond, Five Channels Pond, Cooke Pond, Foote Pond, and Lower Au Sable. Each site accommodates up to 10 people, with all equipment required to be set up within 25 feet of the numbered campsite marker. These are true primitive sites with no drinking water, toilets, or trash removal. Campers must bring their own water supply, practice Leave No Trace principles, and pack out all garbage. Human waste must be buried in a hole 6-12 inches deep, at least 100 feet from any water source. Fire rings are available at sites, but only downed wood may be burned. Access points include 4001 Canoe Landing, Bobcat Creek, Thompson's Landing, Alcona Dam, Loud Dam, Five Channels Dam, Pine Acres, Sawmill Point, Cooke Dam, Foote Site Park, and Whirlpool Angler Access. Many sites are accessible by canoe or kayak, with rentals available in Glennie, Hale, Mio, and Oscoda. The area supports fishing for perch, bass, pike, and walleye, plus swimming and bird watching.

Directions

Multiple access points along the 55-mile stretch. Alcona Pond is approximately 6 miles west of Glennie. Loud Pond is 20 miles west of Oscoda. Five Channels is 19 miles west of Oscoda between Bissonette Road and River Road. Cooke Pond and Sawmill Point are 15 miles west of Oscoda on River Road. Foote Pond is 7 miles west of Oscoda. Lower Au Sable primitive sites are accessed from Foote Dam or Whirlpool Angler Access.