Au Sable Loop Campground

As visitors exit McKinley Road to enter the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, they will first see a panoramic vista of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River. From the overlook, follow the unpaved road to reach the campground. The small five site campground is set amidst a mixed hardwood forest, and the campground and day use areas are ideal for scenery viewing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Access to the Au Sable River is afforded by a short path from the campground. Anglers can boat, wade, and fish from shore. Fish species found in the river include bass, pike, brown trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and salmon. The water flows at a speed of 2 mph, and the river provides opportunities for non-motorized boating using watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Watercraft can be rented in Mio or in Glennie. Along the north side of the river is the 0.5 mile Mio Nature Trail, with a trailhead located in the Mio Ranger Station parking lot. Along the south side of the river is the 4.5 mile Wolf Creek Trail, whose trailhead is on the left-hand side 1 mile west of Mio down South River Road. Both trails provide views of the Au Sable River and are appropriate for a variety of skill levels. The campground provides a handpump well for drinking water, a vault toilet, and trash collection services. Campsites provide users with picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts. Located near the banks of the National Scenic Au Sable River, this campground is a haven for water based recreation and an exemplary setting for wildlife viewing, where visitors and campers will see a melding of habitats as the river turns to forest and then to field. The area is inhabited by bald eagles, deer, bear, bobcat, porcupine, various songbirds, and waterfowl; please respect wildlife and observe from a distance.