USDA Forest Service · Michigan
Gabions Campground
USDA Forest Service · Michigan, United States
- Sites
- 8
- Hookups
- 8 with water, 8 no hookups
- Season
- May 15 to November 30
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Showers
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 869 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- GABION CAMPGROUND (NFSR 4143-A) · improved native material · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Huron-Manistee National Forests
- Nearest town
- Mio
- Address
- Mio Ranger Station, Mio, MI, 48647
- Phone
- 989-826-3252
- Activities
- Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Non-Motorized Boating, Off Highway Vehicle Trails, Off Road Vehicle Trails, Paddling, River Trips, Snowmobile Trails, Tubing
About
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27° | 10° | -9° | 43° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 27° | 12° | -13° | 55° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 39° | 25° | 5° | 66° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 53° | 34° | 12° | 82° | 9 of 11 |
| May | 64° | 45° | 28° | 84° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 72° | 54° | 44° | 93° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 80° | 62° | 54° | 98° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 77° | 60° | 53° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 72° | 55° | 43° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 56° | 42° | 29° | 75° | 1 of 10 |
| November | 41° | 31° | 7° | 62° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 33° | 24° | 2° | 60° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Alcona Park · City, County & Regional Parks · 3 mi · 222 sites
- Horseshoe Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi
- South Branch Trail Camp Group Site · USDA Forest Service · 10 mi · 1 sites
- McCollum Lake State Forest Campground · State Forest · 11 mi · 20 sites
- Mack Lake ORV Campground · USDA Forest Service · 11 mi · 42 sites
All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-06-30. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.