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Access Site MI

Alcona Park

Au Sable River

Source: michigan_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Barton City, MI
County: Alcona County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.57223647, -83.80372730
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Located in Barton City, Alcona Park provides gravel boat ramp access to the Au Sable River within the 10,628-acre Au Sable Special Area. This access point serves paddlers and boaters exploring the scenic stretch between Alcona Dam Pond and Cooke Pond, an area characterized by densely forested terrain with gently rolling hills and some steep riverbanks. The surrounding landscape is part of the River Road National Scenic Byway, offering beautiful views of the river valley.

Be aware that this is a small facility that fills quickly during summer weekends, so plan to arrive early during peak season. If this ramp is at capacity, alternative launches are available at Pine Acres and Cooke Dam nearby. The site is well-positioned for accessing the Au Sable's scenic upper section, with dispersed camping available along a 55-mile stretch of river and several reservable campgrounds within 10 miles, making it a good base for extended paddling trips or fishing expeditions.
Federal Facility Information
Free Access

Along the Au Sable River is the Au Sable Special Area, a 10,628 acre area characterized by flat to gently rolling hills with some steep banks along the Au Sable River. This area is located in Iosco and Alcona counties. The Au Sable Special Area stretches the southern end of Alcona Dam Pond (Bamfield Road) to just before Cook Pond on either side of the river.The area is densely forested and...

Along the Au Sable River is the Au Sable Special Area, a 10,628 acre area characterized by flat to gently rolling hills with some steep banks along the Au Sable River. This area is located in Iosco and Alcona counties. The Au Sable Special Area stretches the southern end of Alcona Dam Pond (Bamfield Road) to just before Cook Pond on either side of the river.The area is densely forested and inhabited by bald eagles, deer, bear, bobcat, porcupine and various songbirds. Campers and day-use visitors enjoy boating, tubing, rafting, canoeing and fishing on the Au Sable River. Other popular recreation activities include viewing the river and wildlife, hiking, swimming, picnicking, horseback riding, hunting, trapping and berry and mushroom gathering. The Forest Service requires camping permits from May 15 through September 30 at the 19 designated primitive campsites along the river in this area.Two developed campgrounds are located in this area, South Branch Trail Camp and Rollways Campground.

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Nearby Campgrounds (3 within 10 miles)
ROLLWAYS CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Gabions Campground
On-site Reservable
SOUTH BRANCH TRAIL CAMP GROUP SITE
On-site Reservable