Gabions Campground

Mio Ranger Station, Mio, Michigan, United States
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A view of the Au Sable River and Highbanks Overlook from the Gabions Day Use area
A photo of trail to Ausable River at Gabions Campground
A photo of facility Gabions Campground with vault toilet
A photo of trail to Ausable River at Gabions Campground
The Gabions Campground namesake gabions along the Au Sable River

Featured amenities

River Access River Access

About 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. Wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities exist; please respect wildlife and observe from a distance. 

Available sites

6 total sites
RV Sites 4 sites from $10 per night Tent Sites 2 sites from $10 per night

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Nov 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

River Access River Access
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

6 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 2, Loop: Gabions RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
$10
/ per night
🚐 3, Loop: Gabions RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
$10
/ per night
🚐 4, Loop: Gabions RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
$10
/ per night
🚐 5, Loop: Gabions RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
$10
/ per night
⛺ 6, Loop: Gabions Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
$10
/ per night
⛺ 8, Loop: Gabions Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
$10
/ per night

Reviews

12 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Gabions Campground is described as a super cute location, ideal for those seeking a charming camping experience. However, it can be quite busy and noisy, especially near the river, making it less suitable for those looking for a peaceful retreat. Overall, many visitors have enjoyed their time there, indicating a positive overall experience.

Based on guest feedback

3.9

Overall rating

Based on 12 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 58.3% (7)
4 stars 8.3% (1)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 33.3% (4)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 12 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Norielle W

Verified

September 29, 2024 Stayed at: 8, Loop: Gabions

Wonderful as always

Helpful

Norielle W

Verified

September 29, 2024 Stayed at: 8, Loop: Gabions

Wonderful as always

Helpful

Location & Directions for Gabions Campground

Mio Ranger Station, Mio, MI 48647 United States

Elevation: 261 ft

Getting There

From the South on M33:

Turn East onto Curtisville Road and stay on it for approximately 15.5 mi. (Note the name of the road will change to: Au Sable Valley River Rd and then Au Sable River Rd.)

Turn Left (north) onto Brodie Road. Follow the sign...

Nearest town

Mio, MI - 22 mi

About 25 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

  • Occupy your site within 24 hours of reservation start to avoid forfeiture; contact Forest Service for late arrivals.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Local regulations

  • Visitors must follow specific rules for safety and protection of the National Forest, available online or at local offices.

Pets

  • Pets are required to be leashed at all times.

Safety & rules

  • Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM; noise should be kept reasonable at all other times.
  • Fireworks are strictly prohibited.

Fires & fuel

  • Always monitor campfires; do not leave them unattended and ensure ashes are cool before leaving.
  • Do not bring firewood from outside the area to prevent invasive pests; obtain firewood locally and burn on-site.

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Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Population: 1,474

Elevation: 1,020 ft

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