Au Gres City Park

Au Gres City Park, operating as the City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground, stands as a premier destination within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category in the charming city of Au Gres, Michigan. This well-established campground is renowned for its blend of natural beauty, convenient location, and a comprehensive array of amenities that cater to a wide spectrum of campers, from those with large RVs to families seeking a comfortable cabin stay or a traditional tent camping experience. With a strong emphasis on family-friendly recreation and access to the rich aquatic resources of the Au Gres River and nearby Saginaw Bay, it offers a well-rounded outdoor escape.

The environment at Au Gres City Park Campground is a significant draw, characterized by its idyllic setting directly on the banks of the picturesque Au Gres River. This riverfront location provides campers with scenic views and immediate access to water-based activities. The campground itself is integrated within the broader Au Gres City Park, which means campers benefit from a lush, well-maintained green space. While the campground is in a city park, it offers a blend of shaded, wooded sites and open, sunny areas, catering to different preferences.

Beyond the immediate campground, the Au Gres area is famed for its connection to Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. The Au Gres River serves as a vital conduit to these larger bodies of water, which are renowned for their exceptional fishing opportunities. The environment is particularly attractive to anglers, as Au Gres has historically been recognized as the "perch capital of Michigan" and is a highly regarded portal to Saginaw Bay's excellent walleye fishery. The surrounding natural landscape, typical of Michigan's "Sunrise Side," offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors. The flat terrain near the river makes it easy to navigate the park on foot or by bicycle.

Au Gres City Park Campground offers a diverse range of services and accommodation options designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for all visitors:

• Campsites: The campground features 108 campsites, catering to various needs:
  • Water and Electric Hookups: All campsites are equipped with water and electric hookups (30/20/15 Amp), a fire pit, and a picnic table.
  • Sewer Hookups: 25 of the sites also include full sewer hookups, making them ideal for larger RVs.
  • Riverside Sites: 33 sites are uniquely located along the scenic banks of the Au Gres River, offering picturesque views (these do not have sewer hookups).
  • Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are available for those who prefer traditional tent camping.
  Additional tents are generally allowed on a site for a small extra charge per night.
• Rental Cabins: For those seeking a more comfortable stay without an RV or tent, the campground offers 2 rental cabins. These rustic yet comfortable cabins can accommodate up to six people, featuring twin bunk beds that incorporate a futon-style couch, a table, a refrigerator/freezer, a microwave, counter space for food preparation, electricity, an outside water faucet, an outside grill, and a fire pit. It is important to note that smoking and pets are typically not allowed inside the cabins.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground boasts modern, clean restrooms and bathhouses. These facilities are often highlighted in reviews for their cleanliness, contributing significantly to camper comfort.
• Fish Cleaning Station: Recognizing the popularity of fishing in the area, a dedicated fish cleaning station is available, ensuring easy cleanup after a successful fishing trip.
• Kayak and Small Boat Ramp: A convenient ramp allows for easy launching of kayaks and small boats, providing direct access to the Au Gres River for paddling and exploration.
• Camp Store: An on-site camp store provides essential items such as ice, firewood (discouraging outside firewood to prevent pest spread), crawlers (bait), ice cream snacks, pop, candy bars, and Au Gres logo wear.
• WiFi Access: WiFi access is provided at the park office, offering connectivity for guests.
• Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly detailed, proximity to laundromats in town is often mentioned, implying easy access to laundry services for campers.

Au Gres City Park Campground is more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant recreational hub with numerous features designed to enhance the visitor experience:

• Extensive Recreational Courts: The adjacent City Park offers a variety of sports facilities, including tennis courts (two lighted), pickleball courts, basketball courts (three lighted), and volleyball courts, catering to active guests of all ages.
• Playground Areas: Centrally located playground areas are available for children, ensuring plenty of entertainment for younger campers. Additionally, a nautical-themed play area and a splash pad are located in the nearby Riverside Park, just a short distance away.
• Gathering Spaces: Two pavilions, one enclosed and one open-air, are available for rent, providing ideal spaces for family reunions, group gatherings, or special events. A Lions Club Community Building is also available for daily rental.
• Fishing Access: Beyond the campground's own kayak/boat ramp and fish cleaning station, the proximity to the Michigan DNR public boat ramp (about a mile away) offers direct access to Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron for premier walleye and perch fishing. There are also public, handicapped-accessible fishing piers along the Au Gres River.
• Walking and Biking: A lighted Riverfront Walkway provides a pleasant path for strolling or cycling, offering scenic views along the river. The flat terrain makes it suitable for all mobility levels.
• Nearby Attractions: The campground's location within the city of Au Gres provides convenient walking access (via a pedestrian bridge) to downtown shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and an ice cream shop. Other nearby attractions include the Old Airport Disc Golf course (a top-rated 19-hole course in a wooded setting) and the Au Gres Riverside Park which also offers boater mooring facilities and an ADA kayak launch.
• Seasonal Events: During the summer, the city of Au Gres hosts various events, including a classic car cruise and show and a craft show, providing entertainment for campers.

Au Gres City Park Campground is actively promoted as a family and pet-friendly destination, conveniently located about two hours north of Detroit off US-23. The booking season typically runs from April 15th through October 15th.

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made starting after January 1st for the current year. They can be made in person, by mail, fax, email, or by phone. All reservations must be accompanied by full payment. A two-night minimum stay is generally required, extending to a three-night minimum for holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day).

Regarding cancellations, a strict policy is in place: a full refund minus a $20 service fee is issued for cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the arrival date. Cancellations within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date will result in forfeiture of the full payment. For cabin rentals, a two-night minimum booking is required with no exceptions, and a one-time cleaning fee is assessed. Seasonal sites are available for longer stays, with varying rates for off-river, on-river, and full hookup options. These limited seasonal sites often fill up quickly, indicating strong demand.

The campground emphasizes its quiet and scenic atmosphere, providing a relaxing getaway while still offering a wealth of activities both within the park and in the surrounding community. Its designation as a "popular family campground" and its focus on clean facilities and diverse amenities highlight its appeal to a broad audience seeking a well-rounded outdoor experience in Michigan.