Best Campgrounds near Gladstone, MI
Campgrounds surrounding Gladstone, Michigan range from developed sites with full hookups to primitive camping areas along Lake Michigan. The Gladstone Bay Campground sits directly on the water with electric sites and full hookup options for RVs, while Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road offers free dispersed camping for tent campers. Other options include Pioneer Trail Park and Campground along the Escanaba River and Little Bay De Noc Campground with its large wooded sites and beach access.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with several closing by October 15th. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage near town and limited connectivity at more remote sites. A recent review noted, "Cell signal fluctuated a lot, but we had 2 bars at our site and could even do some streaming." Winter conditions make many forest roads impassable, and waterfront sites are particularly susceptible to strong winds off Lake Michigan. Most established campgrounds offer reservations, though sites like Peninsula Point Lighthouse operate on a first-come basis with limited facilities.
Waterfront access represents a key feature across multiple campgrounds in the area, with many campers highlighting the views and beach amenities. "Right on the water. Very beautiful!" wrote one visitor about Gladstone Bay Campground. Sites along Little Bay De Noc offer sandy beaches with swimming areas and some waterfront campsites. The area provides good fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye, panfish and bass. Several reviews mention the clean facilities at Gladstone Bay, including free showers, though tent sites there are described as "just lined up in a field." More secluded camping can be found at the forested sites of Little Bay De Noc, where campers report large, private sites with wildlife sightings including deer, turkey and even porcupine.
