Bear Island Primitive Campsite

At a glanceFree campsite

Free CampingBackcountryTent Site

About this campsite

Free camping at Bear Island Primitive Campsite. Operated by USFS.

What this place offers

Accommodation Types

Backcountry

Tent Site

Free Camping

Location

Bear Island Primitive Campsite•MI

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Common questions about Bear Island Primitive Campsite

Is Bear Island Primitive Campsite free to camp at?

We have Bear Island Primitive Campsite in MI recorded as a free camp, but we have not confirmed that with the operator, so treat it as unconfirmed. Sites change hands and councils bring in fees, so check the current rate before you commit to the drive.

What facilities does Bear Island Primitive Campsite have?

Bear Island Primitive Campsite has backcountry, tent site and free camping. Facilities at camps change, particularly after a wet season, so check the operator or the managing authority if one of them decides your trip. The list comes from the site record rather than a visit, so treat it as a guide.

Can you book Bear Island Primitive Campsite online?

We hold no online booking link for Bear Island Primitive Campsite, so it is not bookable through this page. Many parks and showgrounds still require a booking, so contact the operator before you go. Their website or phone number is the fastest way to confirm a site.

Where is Bear Island Primitive Campsite?

Bear Island Primitive Campsite sits in MI. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Facilities at Bear Island Primitive Campsite

Facilities recorded for Bear Island Primitive Campsite
Facility	On site
Backcountry	Yes
Tent Site	Yes
Free Camping	Yes

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

1.9 km away

Buttercup Campground

Campground: Buttercup Campground. Operated by United States Forest Service.

3.9 km away

Gabions Campground

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. 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. 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. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252.