Oscoda County Park-Horseshoes

- MV45+XXC, Mio, MI 48647

**Introduction / Overview: Defining the 'Gym' in Northern Michigan**

For Michigan residents, the concept of a 'gym' often extends beyond four walls and treadmills. In the heart of Northern Michigan, particularly in communities nestled within natural landscapes, the greatest fitness center is often the great outdoors. The Oscoda County Park-Horseshoes, located in Mio, Michigan, is a prime example of this local definition, classified as a 'Gym' because it offers dedicated, structured spaces for physical recreation and community sports. This facility, part of the larger Oscoda County Park, focuses on providing a comprehensive outdoor recreation experience, using the natural beauty of the AuSable River valley as its backdrop for wellness and fun.

The "Horseshoes" component of the name specifically highlights one of its unique recreational offerings: dedicated horseshoe pits, a popular and accessible form of outdoor sport often enjoyed by Michigan families and campers. While traditional indoor gyms focus on weights and cardio machines, this county park provides an expansive 'gymnasium' for activities like basketball, volleyball, swimming, and more—all vital elements of a healthy, active Michigan lifestyle. The park is a major attraction, combining a campground with day-use recreational amenities, serving both local Mio residents and visitors exploring the Huron National Forest area. It is generally open for the active season from April through November, allowing ample opportunity for engagement in its diverse offerings.

**Location and Accessibility**

Oscoda County Park-Horseshoes is perfectly situated in Mio, Michigan, allowing local users easy access to a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Mio is a central hub in Oscoda County, making this park a convenient destination for residents across the region who seek quality outdoor amenities.

The general location is identified by the geocode: MV45+XXC, Mio, MI 48647, USA, with the physical mailing address of the full park complex being 1110 Jay Smith Drive, Mio, MI 48647. The park's position right on the backwaters of the AuSable River, a famously scenic and recreational river, is a major draw.

Crucially, the facility is designed with inclusivity in mind, a standard that the Michigan community values highly in its public spaces. The recorded accessibility features ensure that everyone can enjoy the park’s offerings:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

These provisions demonstrate the park's commitment to serving all members of the Michigan community, making physical activity and outdoor enjoyment available to guests with various mobility needs.

**Services Offered**

The services at Oscoda County Park-Horseshoes are centered on providing diverse outdoor recreation options for both day-use visitors and campers. This is the community's outdoor 'recreation center' or 'activity gym.'

• **Horseshoe Pits:** Dedicated, established pits for playing horseshoes, a classic American pastime that provides mild physical activity and social engagement.
• **Sports Courts:** Facilities for team and recreational sports, including basketball and volleyball courts.
• **Water Recreation:** Direct access to the AuSable River for activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
• **Camping and Lodging:** A wide range of options, including 65 modern sites (with electric hookups up to 50 Amp) and 88 rustic sites for tents, trailers, and RVs, plus camping cabins for rent.
• **General Amenities:** Central bathhouse with pay showers, clean restrooms, water fill station, trailer sanitation station, and an office offering firewood and ice.
• **Day-Use Areas:** Picnic tables, firepits, a children's playground area, and a pavilion available for rent.
• **Access to Trails:** Easy access to Michigan’s extensive ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) trails, and proximity to the Huron National Forest for hiking and exploring.

**Features / Highlights**

Oscoda County Park-Horseshoes offers several compelling highlights that make it a premier choice for Michigan outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking active leisure:

• **Multi-Sport Recreation:** The presence of dedicated horseshoe pits, basketball, and volleyball courts ensures a wide variety of activities, effectively making the park a massive outdoor multi-sport complex.
• **AuSable River Frontage:** Its prime location on the AuSable River allows for unparalleled water access, making it a hub for local fishing, paddling, and swimming right in the Mio area.
• **High Accessibility:** The clear provision of wheelchair accessible entrances and parking ensures the beauty and recreational opportunities of Northern Michigan are available to all.
• **Full-Service Campground:** The availability of both modern (electric hookup) and rustic sites, along with cabins, caters to every type of Michigan camper, from weekend tenters to long-term RV users.
• **Community Focus:** The pavilion rental options and general park layout make it an ideal spot for family reunions, community gatherings, and local events, cementing its role as a key public space.
• **Proximity to Huron National Forest:** The park acts as a convenient base camp for exploring the vast recreational opportunities of the surrounding Huron National Forest, including ORV and hiking trails.

**Contact Information**

For reservations, current seasonal hours, or questions about the specific recreational facilities at the park, Michigan residents can use the following information. Note that park operations are seasonal, typically running from April through November.

Address: 1110 Jay Smith Drive, Mio, MI 48647 (Official Park Mailing Address)

Phone for Reservations: (989) 826-5114

Email (For General Park Inquiries): oscodacountypark@gmail.com

It is highly recommended to call ahead or use the online reservation system, particularly for camping or pavilion rentals, as this popular Michigan destination often books up during the peak summer months.

**What is Worth Choosing**

Oscoda County Park-Horseshoes is absolutely worth choosing for Michigan locals looking for a wholesome, affordable, and multi-faceted recreational experience. What sets this "gym" apart is its ability to blend classic outdoor sports with robust camping amenities and unparalleled access to the natural environment of the AuSable River.

For the active individual or family in Michigan, the value lies in the sheer variety of activities packed into one accessible location—you can warm up with a game of basketball, cool down with a swim in the river, and engage in a friendly game of horseshoes, all in the span of an afternoon. Its dedication to accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly infrastructure, means that it truly is a park for everyone. In a region where quality outdoor time is paramount to the Michigan lifestyle, Oscoda County Park provides the essential infrastructure to make that time enjoyable, active, and convenient, serving as the ultimate outdoor wellness center for the Mio community and beyond.

Oscoda County Park-Horseshoes

MV45+XXC, Mio, MI 48647, USA