This is large as state forest campgrounds go, consisting of four loops with about half a dozen sites each. Most of the sites are fairly open, so shade during the heat of the day can be hard to come by. Generally sites are level. Many sites overlook the river, and since the campground is on the river, it's a good option for canoe campers. Water from the hand pump is a bit rustier in appearance than what you see in most state forest campgrounds, though it tastes fine.
One advantage of this campground is its central location. If you'll be visiting different places around the Grayling area (say, fishing the Au Sable as well as the Manistee river), this is a better jumping off point than the campgrounds located further up or downstream on the Manistee. It's only seven miles back to Grayling, so a grocery or ice run doesn't have to take a sizeable chunk out of your morning or afternoon.
That said, this convenience comes at a price. If you're looking for a quiet getaway, this is not the place. M72 stays busy much of the day and night, so traffic noise will be a constant. There's a large, busy canoe livery directly across the river, which can get very loud when the canoeists arrive back (often a bit intoxicated) from their floats.
Even so, I still make it here once or twice a year. The location plus good fishing nearby make the inconveniences tolerable. read more