Gabions Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates May 1 through November 30. The site is not gated during the off-season, but the access road is not plowed, no toilet facilities are available, and water systems are shut off for winter.
From Recreation.gov
USE CAUTION - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The recent ice storm on March 29, 2025 and subsequent wind events have left many downed and damaged trees across the Mio Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests that have interrupted recreation opportunities on motorized and non-motorized trails. Crews are actively working to clear trees and debris from Forest Service roads and trails. Visitors should expect down trees and other debris on trails and roads – Please slow down and use caution. Access to areas may be limited on the Forest. This may impact the ability of first responders, such as ambulance and fire first responders, to respond to an emergency. Hikers, equestrians and motorized trail users can locate affected trails on our website at or call the Mio Ranger District Office at (989) 826-3252. [**https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/alerts**][1] [1]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/alerts
From Recreation.gov
The water at our facility has been shutoff for the winter season. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.
About
Gabions Campground offers a rustic camping experience on the National Scenic stretch of the Au Sable River within the Huron National Forest. The campground takes its name from the rock-filled wire baskets placed along the riverbank to reduce erosion, and natural springs are common throughout this section of the river, including one at the river's edge near the gabions. The Au Sable River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with species including bass, pike, brown trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and salmon. The river flows at 2 mph and is ideal for non-motorized boating using canoes, kayaks, and rafts. The nearby 4001 Canoe Access provides developed river access a short drive away. The Shore-to-Shore Trail passes near the campground and is open to both hikers and equestrians, though Gabions is not a designated horse camp and horse camping is not permitted. The area offers wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities. OHV riders can access trails from Au Sable River Road, connecting to the Alcona ATV Trail to the east and the Mack Lake Motorized Trail System to the west. Each campsite is shaded by mixed hardwoods, red pines, and jack pine, and equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area Campgroun 4.3mi
- Mckinley Horse Trail Campground 6.3mi
- South Branch Trail Camp Group Site 9.6mi
- Rollways Recreation Area Campground 12mi
- Rollways Campground 12mi
- Mack Lake Orv Campground 11mi
- Au Sable Loop Campground 13mi
- Ausable River Camping 13mi
- Pine River Recreation Area Campground 13mi
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (989) 826-3252 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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