The Au Sable River
The Au Sable River is one of the defining natural resources of Big Creek Township. One of Michigan's most celebrated rivers, the Au Sable's headwaters are in Otsego, Crawford and Roscommon counties. It then flows eastward through Oscoda County and Big Creek Township, eventually draining into Lake Huron in the city of Oscoda. The main stream is 129 miles long, and all of the combined tributaries total 476 miles in length.
The Au Sable is known for trout fishing, especially browns. The western portion of the river in Big Creek Township is fast and narrow. At Camp 10 Road, it begins to widen out for the Mio Pond impoundment. Canoe rental services are available in Mio for trips starting below the dam or upstream, above the pond. For more information on the Au Sable, see the Michigan DNR webpage.
Recreation Plan
The Big Creek Township Recreation Plan 2023-2028 shall serve as a recreational planning road map for the next 5 years in the Township of Big Creek, County of Oscoda, State of Michigan. Our residents and visitors already know that we have world class, four season recreaonal opportunities. With over 40 miles of designated Natural Scenic Ausable and Big Creek Rivers flowing through the township which are considered Blue Ribbon Trout Streams. With over 144 square miles of wooded forest land including both the Manistee–Huron National Forest and the Ausable State Forest within our boundaries filled with motorized and non-motorized trail systems, scenic vistas, State, National and local parks make our township a wonderful place to visit and live.Click below for a complete copy of the Big Creek Township Recreation Plan:
Big Creek Township Recreation Plan 2023-2028
Camp 10 Bridge
Two covered fishing pavilions are available on the both sides of the AuSable River at the Camp 10 Bridge. The pavilions are on both sides of the river and both are handicap accessible. There is also a boat launch on the other side of the bridge. This is located down-river from the Luzerne campground, where the AuSable begins to widen out into the Mio Pond flooding.
Comstock Park
Just north of the main intersection in Luzerne, you will find a large playground and pavilion. Soft ground cover surrounds a variety of modern play structures. Paved basketball courts and bathrooms are available. The large pavilion can be rented by the day. Contact the township for more information or for reservations.
Luzerne River Park Campground
Big Creek Township operates a campground on the AuSable River, a few miles north of Luzerne. There are restrooms, a boat launch, and a small pavilion. From here, you can canoe down to the Camp 10 Bridge, or all the way to Mio. Sites with electric service are $25 per day; site without electric are $10 per day. To get to the park, head north from Luzerne on County Road 489, then turn right onto Deter Road. The park is at the end of Deeter Road on the left.
Joseph Pillars Park
Completed in 2016, this park features a handicap-accessible fishing dock on the AuSable River, just below the Mio damn. Look for it on the west side of M-33, just north of the river. Ample parking is available. A wide gravel path leads down to the dock. This is a great spot to spend a quiet afternoon, just a stone’s throw from town.