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. 

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.

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.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• 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 online 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 - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03  

• Pets must be on leash at all times.

• Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and keep noise reasonable all other times.

• You must occupy your site within 24 hours of the start of your reservation. Contact the Forest Service to request a late arrival or your site may be forfeited.

• Be careful with fire. Do not leave hot campfires unattended. Make sure your ashes are cool to the touch before you leave.

• Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information

• Fireworks and use of fireworks are not permitted.

Notifications and Alerts

• 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

• 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.

Available Activities

• Camping - Camping
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating
• Off Highway Vehicle Trails - Off Highway Vehicle Trails
• Off Road Vehicle Trails - Off Road Vehicle Trails
• Paddling - Paddling
• River Trips - River Trips
• Snowmobile Trails - Snowmobile Trails
• Water Access - Water Access
• Tubing - Tubing

Directions

<p>From the South on M33: </p> <ul> <li>Turn East onto Curtisville Road and stay on it for approximately 15.5 miles. (Note the name of the road will change to: Au Sable Valley River Rd and then Au Sable River Rd.) </li> <li>Turn Left (north) onto Brodie Road. Follow the signs to the campground. </li> </ul> <p>From Mio via McKinley Road: </p> <ul> <li>Follow McKinley Road/Au Sable Road approximately 20 miles. </li> <li>Turn right on 4001/Au Sable River Road and drive 3/4 mile. </li> <li>Turn Right (north) onto Brodie Road.</li> </ul>

Contact Information

Phone: 989-826-3252

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip