How much does camping cost at Meadow Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Meadow Springs Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Meadow Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Meadow Springs Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Meadow Springs Campground?

Meadow Springs Campground is open May 1 - November 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Meadow Springs Campground?

Meadow Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Meadow Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Meadow Springs Campground: No specific fire policy mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Meadow Springs Campground have?

Meadow Springs Campground has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Meadow Springs Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Meadow Springs Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Meadow Springs Campground?

Popular activities at Meadow Springs Campground include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Meadow Springs Campground

5.00

11 reviews

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Featured in:Forest Camping Michigan Winter Camping Michigan Spring Camping Michigan +2 more

Quick Facts

951 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

May 1 - November 30

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

951 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

May 1 - November 30

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Meadow Springs Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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USFS

Provider

(989) 826-3252

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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

6 Google reviews

"User reviews paint a positive picture of Meadow Springs Campground as a rustic and beautiful destination, particularly appreciated for its location along the Au Sable River and its wildlife viewing opportunities. The hike-in nature adds to the sense of seclusion and connection with nature."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Meadow Springs Campground

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Nearby places

Grayling (30 miles), Mio (approx. null miles), Oscoda (approx. null miles)

Nearby supplies

Canoe rentals available at Glennie: Alcona Canoe Rental

Hale: Rollways Resort

Mio: Gotts Landing, Hinchman's Acres Resort

Oscoda: Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC

B & B LLC (Hunts)

Oscoda Canoe Rental.

Best Time to Camp at Meadow Springs Campground

Fall brings the best conditions. September and early October deliver 40–60°F days, crisp air, and hardwood color along the river. Trout fishing picks up as water cools, and insect pressure drops significantly from summer levels. Weekdays offer more solitude than weekends, especially in September. Summer has longer days for paddling but brings more bugs and weekend traffic. Winter conditions attract only committed cold-weather campers.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring brings wildflowers and warming days; river access resumes May 1.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 1 - November 30
Current Alerts: Site is not maintained in winter; access road and parking lot are not plowed, and no toilet facilities are available during this period.

About Meadow Springs Campground

Meadow Springs sits within a red pine plantation along the Au Sable River in Huron-Manistee National Forests, accessible only on foot. Two primitive tent sites serve paddlers and backpackers seeking a hike-in experience at 951 feet elevation. The campground occupies a spot where managed plantation meets wild river corridor.

Meadow Springs Campground is a primitive, hike-in site primarily used by paddlers. No motorized access is allowed, and the site is rustic with minimal facilities.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. September and early October deliver 40–60°F days, crisp air, and hardwood color along the river. Trout fishing picks up as water cools, and insect pressure drops significantly from summer levels. Weekdays offer more solitude than weekends, especially in September. Summer has longer days for paddling but brings more bugs and weekend traffic. Winter conditions attract only committed cold-weather campers.

ElevationNestled gently along the river corridor, the campground rests at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access to the water while remaining safely above flood levels. The subtle topography creates intimate camping spots sheltered by the surrounding forest.

Natural Features and SceneryRed pines dominate the canopy above the Au Sable River, which flows past the two sites. The area lies within the Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor, where managed forest transitions into diverse riparian habitat. Sandy soils beneath the pines trace back to glacial deposits. White-tailed deer appear at dawn, barred owls call at dusk, and beavers work the riverbanks. Understory vegetation includes wildflowers and ferns that shift with the seasons.

Geological RegionSituated within the renowned Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor, Meadow Springs occupies a fascinating ecological niche where managed red pine plantation meets wild river ecosystem. This unique convergence creates diverse habitats supporting an impressive array of plant and animal life, while the sandy soils tell the ancient story of glacial deposits that shaped Michigan's distinctive landscape thousands of years ago.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Check-out

Open 24 hours.

Stay Limit

No specific stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Camping prohibited outside designated sites.

Groups

No group-specific camping information is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo hike-in sites. You park at a gate and walk in to reach the river.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation site mentioned; contact Mio Ranger Station for inquiries.

Walk-in AvailabilitySite primarily serves river paddlers, suggesting informal walk-up access; no specifics on number of sites or fill patterns.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy mentioned.

AccessibilityThere is no information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground is noted to be rustic and primarily used by paddlers, but specific details about site sizes are not provided.

PrivacyNo details about the level of privacy at campsites are mentioned.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the river for better views; site proximity to water makes it ideal for paddlers.

Need help booking Meadow Springs Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for non-motorized boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Being situated along the Au Sable River enhances its appeal for paddlers and anglers.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available; users must bring their own. Wildlife encounters are possible. No motorized access; users must plan for hike-in.

Active AlertsSite is not maintained in winter; access road and parking lot are not plowed, and no toilet facilities are available during this period.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Meadow Springs Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

5.0

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Meadow Springs Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a positive picture of Meadow Springs Campground as a rustic and beautiful destination, particularly appreciated for its location along the Au Sable River and its wildlife viewing opportunities. The hike-in nature adds to the sense of seclusion and connection with nature.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the rustic charm and natural beauty of the site. One user mentioned, 'Beautiful campsite on the Au Sable River. Very rustic and hike in,' while another described it as...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints were mentioned in the user reviews, though the rustic nature and minimal facilities may not suit all campers.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations were provided by the reviewers.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is only open from May 1 to November 30, and most reviews highlight its appeal during warmer months when the river is accessible for paddling and fishing.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great rustic campground!' - Kristen Smith 2. 'Beautiful campsite on the Au Sable River. Very rustic and hike in.' - Dylan Zimmerman 3. 'Beautiful campground with lots to explore!' - Destiny Stiles

Based on 11 reviews