Ausable River Camping

The campsite was great for first timers. It was close to the Alcona Dam put in, and close to the Bobcat Creek pull out locations, which are pretty close to each other by road. The only downside we encountered was that a spot on the river right across from our site was what the locals called the "party spot." We went on the weekend of the 4th of July, so had loud partying going on for several hours a couple days. With that in mind, I would not recommend that site for hot summer weekends. All in all, it was very enjoyable and we would do it again.

Got a terrible case of swimmers itch. Don’t go in the water anywhere at Foote Pond. Not even just your feet.

Great site. Nice pond views. The DNR put stairs in 5 years ago. Great improvement. Bring a long rope and a pulley to haul your kayaks back up the steep hill. Right on the 2 track road, but there are only 2 site beyond the site. No traffic. One of our favorite sites.

Stayed a couple nights on site 26. Great site, easy access, and clean.
Front is exposed to wind and sun but plenty of space back in the trees to set up and be sheltered.

Not sure what can be done about it but the ticks were terrible. Had 2 on us within 20 minutes. Ended up using a full can of Raid tick and flea to spray the campsite.

We love this island. Our family of 4, two adults, 10 and 13 year old kids, have been there two years in an row. The island is large enough to make a good hike and in a great location for fishing. All 4 of us caught keepers this year, 2 pike, 2 bass, 2 walleye. The lumberman's monument is close too.

The sites on Sawmill Point are on the water and you are able to have your boat right there at your campsite.

Nice spot to camp for a night or two, if you put in at Loud Dam. Depending on wind is less than an hour to paddle up. Wind more than current is the issue. Pond is very still most times. Campsite is a little up-hill from landing spot, but less so than many other riverside campsites here, so not too bad to unload.

Well shaded throughout midsummer days, keeps cool, but if relying on solar there can be struggles to find spots on shore to put the panels.

Very great and well maintained site. Be sure to secure your food, there is an EXTREMELY friendly raccoon that came to visit us on the first day. Swimming is average, as the pond gets very deep very fast. Trees for at least 3 hammocks, but plenty of space for tents.

I had full cell service (T-Mobile).

This spot was perfect. So perfect we had a group try to take out campsite before we arrived. They quickly packed up and moved on when we arrived, but stowaways are always present. The campsite was clean and had awesome views of the sunset. It was a little hard to moor our kayaks but we managed. I plan on returning to this site next year.