Fishing/Camping during Labor Day weekend

[pointelaw]

I am planning a fishing/camping trip to the AuSable Labor Day weekend before I go on a golfing trip with my buddies. I have a couple of questions:

1. While I will most likely go to one of the state campgrounds, I would ideally like to just camp by myself on some state land next to the river (any part) and wade in from there. I know I can't camp in the Mason Tract, any other areas I can camp next to the river (with my Suburban, ideally or a short walk from where I can park). I have never camped in anything but a designated campground, so any advice would be great.
2. Assuming I do a campground, how busy is Labor Day weekend? I just don't want to end up sleeping in my car in a Glen's parking lot.:one_eye:

Thanks.

[Troutlord1]

Check out campgrounds on the North Branch.Labor Day weekend the main stream and south branches will be zoo's!! I have been up on Labor Day on the mainstream and have been run over (literally)!

[pointelaw]

Damn, I was afraid of that. Thanks for the info.

[Troutlord1]

The North branch should be quiet,there is a very rustic campground at the upper reaches,no facilities but secluded and its right by the stream or you could camp at Canoe Harbor just inside the Mason tract.You can get away from the crowds if you look for the spots.

[Troutlord1]

Or another slightly better option,there are a couple of campgrounds on the Upper Manistee. It gets traffic but its less and a little more tame than what the Ausable gets.

[pointelaw]

Thanks again for the info. I am staying thru Thursday, so hopefully if the weekend is crazy, I will get some quiet time Tue - Th.

[Troutlord1]

You will be fine then.It will be quiet after Sunday!!