Open
Open year-round. The campground is not maintained from December 1 through April 30. Most sites are first-come, first-served with some available for reservation through Recreation.gov. Au Sable National Scenic River camping restrictions apply.
About
Gabions Campground provides a quiet, primitive camping experience on the National Scenic corridor of the Au Sable River in Alcona County. The 8-site campground features 7 standard nonelectric sites and 1 tent-only site, all nestled beneath a canopy of hardwoods, red pines, and jack pines. Natural springs are common along this stretch of river, including a small one at the water's edge near the gabions (rock-filled wire erosion-control baskets that give the campground its name).
The Au Sable River here offers world-class fishing for brown trout, bass, pike, walleye, perch, steelhead, and salmon. The river flows at approximately 2 mph, making it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and rafts. The nearby 4001 Canoe Access provides developed river access, and outfitters in Glennie and Mio offer watercraft rentals. The Shore-to-Shore Trail passes near the campground for hiking, though this is not a designated horse camp and horse camping is prohibited.
Facilities are basic: a vault toilet and trash collection are provided, but campers must bring their own water. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post. An OHV trail runs along Au Sable River Road at the campground entrance, connecting to the Alcona ATV Trail and Mack Lake Motorized Trail System.
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.
