Gabions Campground

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. The Au Sable River is a short walk from the campground, where visitors can experience world class fishing and floating opportunities. 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. The 4001 Canoe Access is a short drive away and provides developed access to the river, and watercraft rentals for canoes, kayaks and tubes are available in nearby Glennie and in Mio. Visitors can walk the Shore-to-Shore Horse Trail, which passes through the campground and is open to both hiking and horseback riding; hikers should be aware this is not a loop trail. Hikers can also drive southwest on Au Sable River Road to reach the Ruffed Grouse trailhead for a short, leisurely 0.6 mile loop through the forest. An OHV trail uses Au Sable River Road at the mouth of the campground road: taking the trail to the east connects riders to the Alcona ATV Trail, and taking it to the west connects to the Mack Lake Motorized Trail System and the Bull Gap Hill Climb Area. A large majority of Forest Service roads are open to OHV use; refer to the motor vehicle use map. 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, and each site is shaded by a mixed forest of hardwoods, red pines, and jack pine. Wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities exist; please respect wildlife and observe from a distance.