Monument Campground

Restrictions For The Au Sable River

Restricting the occupancy and use for the Au Sable River and Cooke Pond Semi-Primitive areas, the shorelines of Alcona Pond of the Au Sable River, and the Eagle Run Trail System.

Order No. R904-14-21

ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR RESTRICTING THE OCCUPANCY AND USE FOR THE AU SABLE RIVER AND COOKE POND SEMI-PRIMITIVE MOTORIZED AREAS, THE SHORELINES OF ALCONA POND OF THE AU SABLE RIVER, AND THE EAGLE RUN TRAIL SYSTEM ON THE HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FORESTS

Under the authority of the Act of Congress of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551), and the Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations 36 CFR 261.50(a) and or (b), the following acts and omissions are prohibited on National Forest lands located within Alcona and Iosco Counties, Michigan, Huron-Manistee National Forest, as shown on the attached maps.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire within 200 feet of an open body of water, swamp or foot trail, except at designated campsites. 36 CFR 261.52(a)
Using any designated campsite by a party of more than 10 persons. 36 CFR 261.58(f)
Camping at a designated campsite within the closure area without a reservation and permit during the period of May 15 – September 30. 36 CFR 261.10; 36 CFR 261.58(e)
Camping at a designated campsite for a period longer than 14 days during the period May 15 thru September 30. 36 CFR 261.58(a)
Using a bicycle or motorized vehicle on forest development trails within the Cooke Pond Semi-primitive Motorized area. 36 CFR 26155(b)

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons will be exempt from the order:

Any Federal, State, or Local officers, or members of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with a valid permit in their possession signed by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
Individuals identified as exempt in other agreements or (MOU’s) Memorandum of Understanding.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both under the authority of Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559 and 3571.

Overview

Monument Campground was established in 1909 as one of the first campgrounds built in the Huron National Forest. The campground is a fully accessible camping area within a red pine plantation.

Families love this conveniently located campsite, just 15 minutes from Lake Huron off the River Road National Scenic Byway.

Recreation

Campers can access the Highbanks Hiking Trail from the campground or explore the 22-mile River Road National Scenic Byway that overlooks the lovely AuSable River valley.

Beside the campground is the Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center, replete with information about the area's rich lumbering history. Here, visitors can climb through a log jam, use a peavey, cut a wooden cookie with a cross-cut saw, and learn about the life of a lumberjack through video and displays.

Facilities

Pressurized drinking water, vault toilets, trash collection and grills are among the amenities offered at the campground. A host is onsite to answer questions.

In the nearby visitor center, campers can partake in educational programs and browse through the gift shop.

Natural Features

Each site is secluded and shaded with large oak and red pine near the AuSable River. The river flows from west to east for 138 miles until it reaches the great lake, Lake Huron.

Nearby Attractions

Explore the many trails of the Huron-Manistee National Forests and spend time at Lake Huron.

Camp site features

Across 19 camp sites:

Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 16 people

Directions

Monument Campground is located on River Road, 15 miles west of Oscoda, Michigan. From East Tawas: Follow Wilber Road north to Monument Road. Continue on Monument Road 11 Miles to River Road. Turn right and travel about .5 miles to the campground entrance on the left. From Hale, Michigan: Travel 11 miles north and east along M-65, turn right onto River Road and continue 3.5 miles to the campground entrance.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

69 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Scott C

Loop:Monument Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Campground was spaced out well and clean. Easy access to water and pit toilets. We seem to be the only people without a proper RV so maybe I am the only one that wants to have access to showers. No females in my family will camp with me without some kind of shower facility.

Alex M

Loop:Monument Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

This is an excellent and well-maintained campground and recreation site with attentive, courteous, and well-informed staff. I adore this campground so much.

Dina G

Loop:Monument Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Most beautiful campground to date. I’ve camped in many locations in the northeast and the UP. I loved the many white pines which provided good privacy between campsites. The cleanest nicest smelling outhouse I’ve been to! Also loved that it was walking distance to the dunes.

Dallas O

Loop:Monument Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Best campsite experience ever! Clean bathrooms, good distance between areas, and overall lovely environment. Definitely coming back again.

Roxane B

Loop:Monument Campground

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Beautiful campground, quiet and peaceful. We had the place almost to ourselves our entire stay. We would stay here again.

Joseph P

Loop:Monument Campground

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Excellent campground. Clean, quiet, peaceful what more could you ask for. Close enough to walk to the lumbermans monument to enjoy the views and learn about michigans logging history. Especially at sunset that view of the river was gorgeous. Campground host was very helpful and attentative to the campground. You could tell he enjoys it. This was my children's first experience camping and I couldn't have chosen a more perfect spot for it. I will definitely be coming back and recommending this campground.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve