Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground is a rustic access point located on Muskrat Lake, approximately 12 miles northwest of Mio via M-33 North and Muskrat Lake Road. The campground offers 12-13 sites suitable for tents and small trailers, with basic amenities including vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The facility is open year-round, though seasonal roads are not plowed during winter months. A boat ramp provides convenient water access for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats.

Muskrat Lake is a shallow, warm-water lake that's particularly well-suited for paddling and recreational fishing. The secluded setting offers a peaceful paddling experience in a mixed hardwood forest environment. If you plan to camp overnight, note that stays are limited to 15 days maximum. The campground is located near off-road vehicle trails if you're interested in exploring the surrounding area. For reservations and additional information, contact the facility at 989-826-3252. Remember that boat launch access cannot be blocked except while actively launching or retrieving a vessel.

Overview
As visitors exit McKinley Road to enter the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, they will first see a panoramic vista of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River. From the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook follow the unpaved road to reach the campground. The small five site campground is set amidst a mixed hardwood forest. The campground and day use areas are ideal for scenery viewing,...

Overview
As visitors exit McKinley Road to enter the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, they will first see a panoramic vista of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River. From the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook follow the unpaved road to reach the campground. The small five site campground is set amidst a mixed hardwood forest. The campground and day use areas are ideal for scenery viewing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
Recreation

Water Activities: The Au Sable Loop Campground provides forest visitors with a variety of water activities. Access to the Au Sable River is afforded by a short path from the campground. 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. Watercraft can be rented in Mio at Hinchman’s Acres Resort or at Alcona Canoe Rental in Glennie. 
Hiking: Along the north side of the river is the 0.5 mile Mio Nature Trail with a trailhead located in the Mio Ranger Station parking lot. Along the south side of the river is the 4.5 mile Wolf Creek Trail . The trailhead for Wolf Creek is on the lefthand side 1 mile west of Mio down South River road. Both trails provide views of the Au Sable River and are appropriate for a variety of skill levels. 

Facilities
The Au Sable Loop Campground provides a handpump well for drinking water, a vault toilet, and trash collection services. Campsites provide users with picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts. 
Natural Features
Located near the banks of the National Scenic Au Sable River, this campground is a haven for water based recreation. An exemplary setting for wildlife viewing, visitors and campers will see a melding of habitats as the river turns to forest and then to field. The area is inhabited by bald eagles, deer, bear, bobcat, porcupine, various songbirds, and waterfowl. Please respect wildlife and observe from a distance.  

Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252.Charges & Cancellations
All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.

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