Gabions Campground and Day Use

Area Status: Open

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.

Brochure with map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Album

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Mio Ranger Station
Operational Hours:	Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply.
Rentals & Guides:	Canoe Rentals - Glennie: Alcona Canoe Rental Hale: Rollways Resort Mio: Gotts Landing Hinchman's Acres Resort Oscoda: Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC; B & B LLC (Hunts) Oscoda Canoe Rental
Area Amenities:	Parking
Fees:	Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Day Use - Day: $5.00 Week: $15.00 Camping - Per Night: $10.00
Permit Info:	Special Use Permit - No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less). Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more). Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
Open Season:	May 1 - November 30
Usage:	Light
Best Season:	April 1 to November 14
Busiest Season:	May to September
Restrictions:	As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders - Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-18 Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02 Occupancy and Use; R904-14-03 Highlights - Camping is prohibited, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
Closest Towns:	Glennie
Water:	None
Restroom:	Vault
Operated By:	Mio Ranger District - (989) 826-3252
Information Center:	Mio Ranger Station Phone: 989-826-3252 Email: sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov

General Information

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.

General Notes:

Location - Au Sable National Scenic River

Nearby Recreation Areas -

4001 Canoe Landing
Shore to Shore Trail

County - Alcona

Seasonal and Other Information -

This site is not gated during the off season.
This site is not maintained in winter:
- Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed.
- No toilet facilities are available.

Accessibility:

Restroom facilities are accessible.
One site has a tent pad.
Path to river is narrow, hard-packed earth.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Amenities -

Trash Can

No. of Sites	Single: 4
Reservation Info	No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served.
Sleeping Shelter	No

RV Camping

Amenities -

Trash Can

No. of Sites	Single: 4 Group: 1
Reservation Info	No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served.
Hookup - Water	No
Vehicle Clearence	Low - Medium
Hookup - Sewer	No
Size Restrictions	25 Ft. or Less
Dump Stations	No
Hookups - Electric	No
Pavement Type of Parking	Dirt/Gravel
Difficulty Level:	Easy

River and Stream Fishing

Gabions Campground - gabions The gabions located along the shoreline are popular for fish and anglers alike.

Fish Species	Bass, Pike, Brown Trout, Walleye, Perch, Sunfish, Steelhead, Salmon
Special Designations	National Scenic River
Fishing Mode	Fly, Pole
Fishing Platform	No
Water Temperature	Cold
Fishing Method	Boat, Shore, Wade
Water/Flow Level	2 mph

Day Hiking

Backpacking

This campground is located near the Shore-to-Shore Trail, but is not a trailhead for the trail.

Picnicking

No. of Sites	5
Reservation Info	No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served.
Sleeping Shelter	No

Boating - Non-Motorized

For more information on paddling the Au Sable National Scenic River, including flow, watercraft size restrictions and difficulty, visit the Au Sable National Scenic River page.