Parmalee Bridge - State Forest

The first ripple of the Au Sable River flows briskly beneath Parmalee Bridge, its steady murmur threading through the towering red pines shading each campsite. The air carries the fresh scent of pine needles and damp earth, mixing with occasional distant rumbles of semis rolling along the nearby county road. As you pull into the gravel drive of Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground, the blend of river sounds and forest whispers sets a rustic tone—this is a spot where the river’s energy meets the quiet hum of nature’s steady rhythm.

Morning light filters through the pine canopy, spotlighting the gravel and sand boat launch where anglers and paddlers ready their kayaks and canoes. Paddle downstream from Rainbow Bend Campground, floating along the Au Sable’s lively current to reach this campground’s shores. The river here, known for trout fishing, invites quiet casts and patient waits. Beyond the water, trails wind through Oscoda County’s dense forest, and a short walk leads to a handful of small stores, including one close enough to stroll to for last-minute supplies. The route to this spot traces M-72 West, then Mapes Road, Brown Cabin Road, Deeter Road, and North Red Oak Road, carving a scenic 10-mile path from Mio.

Seven drive-in campsites spread beneath the tall red pines, each offering a generous patch of shaded ground to pitch tents or park a small rig. Fire rings constructed of steel and concrete stand ready for evening fires, with some downed wood nearby to feed the flames. Picnic tables accompany each site, though a worn bench here and there hints at the campground’s rugged charm. Vault toilets, surprisingly fresh and free of pungent odors, sit near the hand-pumped well that provides potable water—its cool flow passing cleanly through filters with a crisp taste. A group paddle-in area on the campground’s western edge features four fire pits and six picnic tables, perfect for river travelers arriving by boat. Cell service is spotty at best, limited mostly to texts, which nudges visitors to lean into the quiet and disconnect.

Nightfall brings a chorus of river water and forest sounds, though the nearby road hums persistently, a reminder of the rural life threading through this wilderness. Campers who return know the trade-off well: the lively pulse of the Au Sable and the comfort of well-maintained primitive facilities come with the occasional highway roar.