Michigan
Huron National Forest Au Sable River East Branch Dispersed Sites
Dispersed Camping
A handful of pull-offs along Forest Road 4001 where the East Branch Au Sable winds through jack pine and oak. Sites are basic dirt clearings 20-30 yards from the water, big enough for a single rig each. Expect fire rings made from local stone, zero facilities, and the sound of moving water. Popular with fly fishermen during mayfly hatches but generally quiet outside of peak trout season.
Access via FR 4001 off Highway 72 — 3 miles of good gravel that any vehicle can handle. Sites fill on summer weekends but empty midweek. No trash service so pack it out, and campfires are restricted during dry spells.
Riverside dispersed camps along the East Branch Au Sable.
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 1180 ft |
| Nearest town | Grayling, Michigan |
| Miles from pavement | 3.2 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 6 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |