j
jay T.
Scout
ScoutMunising Tourist Park Campground
Rooftop tent 9.1.26
Very convenient to pictured rocks excursions. 2 miles. $45 water, electric, showers. Toilets (good).close sites, open to the lake, clean. Would recommend this spot again
Camping near Gladstone, MI
147 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Gladstone (147)
1. Gladstone Bay Campground
"This county-operated park sits on a pretty part of Bay de Noc in Gladstone Bay just north of the larger town of Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. "
"The sites in this section of the campground are very spread out and many have a view of the lake. The full hookup sites are a little more packed together."
2. Little Bay De Noc
"Little Bay De Noc, Lake Michigan access with a pier. Only a few campsites, but includes group fire pit, playground and proximity to Pictured Rocks, 1 hour."
"Vibe: Woodlands getaway setback deep in nature with access to Lake Michigan beach. Cleanliness: Above average. "
from $26 - $80 / night
Check Availability3. Pioneer Trail Park & Campground
"Compared to all the other campgrounds we had been to in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and seeing as it was still the busy summer camping season we were shocked. "
"We parked in a river spot , and it was such a wonderful location, bathrooms right across a field, nice big playground, room for our motorhome, jeep, and hybrid van to charge !"
4. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
"Not really walking distance for most, but manageable in any form. Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day."
"But there was two established campsites that are near the entrance of the light house. Both open and with pits. We stayed in the second one. It was very nice to have open space."
5. Pioneer Trail Park and Campground
6. Whitefish Hill RV Park
"It is convient with long 80-90 foot level pull thru's with full hookup sites and free wifi. close to great fishing, plenty of historic and nature sites"
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability7. Haymeadow Creek NF Campground
"Even though this campground is a decent distance from the main road, the way out is paved. This was unexpected but there are plenty of unpacked side roads to explore."
"The loop is also directly connected to a cheeky little waterfall trail. Nice and out of the way"
8. Vagabond Resort and Campground
"There’s lake access from the campground with a $5 fee, not sure if that’s just for putting in boats though. "
9. Fayette State Park Campground
"Isolated, quiet park on Lake Michigan. Nicely spaced and shaded sites. Some level, many not so great. Big fire rings. Picnic tables. Electric hookups only."
"Site 53 and 54. 53 is nearly at the top of the horseshoe and has trail access to Lake MI. Site 54 starts a series of smaller, back in slot type sites."
10. Portage Bay State Forest Campground
"Portage Bay State Forest Campground sits on a little peninsula just outside the Shingleton State Forest Area south of HWY 2 in the Michigan Upper Peninsula."
"Nice small quiet camp ground on lake Michigan. Bring your own TP"
from $15 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 55 min from Green Bay, WI
- 2 hrs 14 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 6 min from Wausau, WI
- 4 hrs 5 min from Traverse City, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Gladstone, MI
269 Photos of 147 Gladstone Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Gladstone Bay Campground
Little Bay De Noc
Pioneer Trail Park & Campground
Haymeadow Creek NF CampgroundN
Fayette Historic State Park Campground
Fayette State Park Campground
O. B. Fuller Campground
Portage Bay State Forest Campground
Camp Seven Lake CampgroundD
Carr Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest
Fox County Park Campground
Cedar River North State Forest CampgroundL
Recent Reviews near Gladstone, MI
768 Reviews of 147 Gladstone Campgrounds
Janel G.
GuideBay Furnace Campground
Historic Bay Furnace
Bay Furnace was divided into two loops with approximately 50 campsites. Some of the sites were more private but most were in plain view of the other sites. It was a fairly clean campground. The lakefront view from the furnace park was nice and the proximity to Munising was great. The area has an extensive amount of activities including the must see Pictured Rock Cruise.
- SScott B.
TravelerWagon Trail Campground
Great campground in Door County
Clean, large sites, many shaded. Excellent management. Lots to do on the peninsula.
- BBRIAN F.Guide
Gladstone Bay Campground
Fine for passing through
Campground is situated in an industrial area…warehouses, truck storage, etc. It does have a 150 ft narrow sand beach on a bay in Lake Michigan. Campground is a flat somewhat charmless place with tight spots. All the “full hook-ups” appear to be farthest from the water. Seems like a good amount of seasonal folks here escaping from midwestern heat. Bathrooms and showers are centrally located and are VERY clean and nice. We’re here just one night so no complaints but I wouldn’t stay longer than that.
haley W.TravelerVeterans Memorial Park Campground
Tranquil, rustic, family friendly
I absolutely loved it here first time staying and will be back many more! Would've given 5 starts if the sites had electricity, but theres still plug in over by the pavilion. Definitely a gem of a find.!!!!
- GGabriella L.Scout
Widewaters Campground
Isolated, big, and clean
This was one of the nicer campgrounds I have been too. Very clean and spacious sites that offer a bit of privacy. Most sites have water access with a bench by the water. Will definitely be coming back!
- GGayle B.Guide
Lake Superior Beachfront (US Forest Land)
Beautiful area
Great area, down a gravel road. Camp spots are identified with fire rings, and lots of space between. Port-a-potties were in need of emptying, but the beach area is easy to walk down to, there are beautiful trees, and it is so quiet at night!
- AAlex R.Scout
Crooked Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest
Isolated Dispersed Site on Crooked Lake
The coupe was not built for “two track” roads, but it made the journey — mostly on faith and one very concerned suspension. Worth it, though, because I found the spot of my dreams: waterfront, secluded, the kind other campers dream about at night.
I was ready to bail after hearing the pricing, one Google Maps U-turn from giving up entirely — until a sign pointed down a side road toward “Crooked Lake.” I followed it like it owed me money.
And there it was. THE site. The coupe survived. Barely. Worth every dirt-road regret. Must reserve in advance, so the sign says.
- KKen B.Traveler
Woodstar Beach
Wood star campground
Woodstar campground is right on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is a kid-friendly place with a long sandy beach and a large sandbar in the lake makes it a good shallow place to play in the water. There is a playground as well. There is no septic at the sites but there is a dump station. There is a pay washer/dryer and a old school concrete bathhouse. Firewood is available for beachfront campfires
Guide to Gladstone
Dispersed and established camping options surround Gladstone, Michigan with proximity to Lake Michigan and the Escanaba River. Situated on Little Bay de Noc in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, campsites near Gladstone range from free backcountry spots to developed campgrounds with full facilities. Camping season runs primarily May through October, with most sites closing by October 15 due to harsh Upper Peninsula winter conditions.
What to do
Visit Peninsula Point Lighthouse: At the end of Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road, campers can explore the historic lighthouse area while staying at nearby dispersed camping sites. "Great sunset area, pretty drive there. Lighthouse to explore. Would love to be there for the monarch migration," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Fish for walleye, panfish and northern pike at Portage Bay State Forest Campground. "Great beach great swimming awesome fishing. Outthouse toilets no electric 5 miles in no noise," writes a regular visitor. The shallow bay waters warm up enough for swimming by late June.
Disc golf: Play a round at the 27-hole course at Pioneer Trail Park. "By the entrance (and up a hill) is a frisbee golf course," mentions a reviewer. Another camper adds, "Access to fishing right at our site and disc golf across from our camper!"
What campers like
Large, secluded sites: Little Bay De Noc Campground offers spacious camping areas. "I couldn't believe how deep it went back," one camper writes about site #23. Another mentions, "Large drive ins for those with multiple vehicles or campers! Ours was seriously massive."
Waterfront access: Many campers value the direct lake access at Portage Bay. "Every site has a short trail to the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan. The cove is several miles across and shallow. In late June the water was swim-ably warm," reports one visitor who rated the experience "10 out of 10."
Affordable options: Free dispersed camping can be found along Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road, though options are limited. "There are only 2 dispersed campsites available here, and both are on the left side of the road (heading towards the lighthouse)," cautions a camper. For established sites, Pioneer Trail Park & Campground offers reasonable rates and amenities.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity depends heavily on location. At Little Bay De Noc, one camper reports, "Cell signal fluctuated a lot, but happy to have 2 bars at our site. Even did some streaming." At Portage Bay, expect "0-1 cellular bars for ATT at #23, 1-2 bars at #1."
Limited facilities at remote sites: Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. At Fayette State Park Campground, facilities are better but still basic. "No real amenities such as firewood for purchase, that we saw," notes a Little Bay De Noc camper.
Environmental factors: Some campgrounds report unusual conditions. At Gladstone Bay Campground, multiple reviewers mention a persistent smell: "Vaguely smelt of exhaust but nice otherwise. Has showers and nice facilities." Another camper confirms, "We noted several comments regarding the smell of gas/propane, and yes we could smell the same."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pioneer Trail Park features "a wonderful playground and a large picnic shelter" according to one visitor. The campground has "a large grassy ballfield for playing" making it suitable for active families.
Beach activities: Little Bay De Noc offers good swimming areas. "Nice beach and swimming area! Decently clean and bathrooms easily accessible," writes a camper. Another mentions the "gorgeous views at the beach" particularly from the Twin Springs loop sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children may enjoy the animal sightings at Haymeadow Creek NF Campground. "There's actually seven sites, but they're all pretty premium, spacewise and just general atmosphere," writes one visitor. The campground connects to a waterfall trail that kids will enjoy exploring.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Gladstone Bay, "The sites in this section of the campground are very spread out and many have a view of the lake. The full hookup sites are a little more packed together."
Road conditions: For remote camping, prepare for narrow access roads. About Portage Bay, a camper warns, "7 miles down a road that quickly shrinks to a one lane dirt and gravel road you will find a beautiful campground stretching out along the lakeshore." Another notes the sites are suitable for smaller RVs: "Several brought pop up campers but larger RVs might have a tough time."
Hookup availability: For those needing full service, one visitor to Whitefish Hill RV Park appreciates the "full service long level pull thru's quiet and friendly with full hookups... convenient with long 80-90 foot level pull thru's with full hookup sites and free wifi."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Gladstone, Michigan?
What campgrounds are available in Gladstone, Michigan?
Gladstone offers several excellent camping options. Gladstone Bay Campground is centrally located right on Little Bay de Noc with a mix of seasonal and transient sites. It provides beautiful waterfront views and easy access to town amenities. Little Bay De Noc offers a more limited number of campsites but includes group fire pits, a playground, and is close to popular attractions like Pictured Rocks (about an hour away). Other nearby options include Pioneer Trail Park and Campground, which provides well-maintained facilities just outside of Gladstone, and Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road for more rustic, dispersed camping opportunities.
What amenities do Gladstone campgrounds offer?
What amenities do Gladstone campgrounds offer?
Campgrounds around Gladstone provide a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Indian Lake State Park South Campground offers some of the best facilities in the region with modern restrooms, showers, and beautiful lakefront access. Kleinke Park Campground features coin-operated showers, playground equipment, and direct access to Lake Michigan. Many area campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, water access, and toilet facilities. The waterfront campgrounds typically offer swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and boat launches. Some sites have electrical hookups, while others maintain a more rustic appeal. Most campgrounds are also located near hiking and biking trails, providing easy access to outdoor recreation.
Are there RV-friendly campgrounds in Gladstone?
Are there RV-friendly campgrounds in Gladstone?
Yes, Gladstone has several RV-friendly camping options. Pioneer Trail Park and Campground accommodates RVs with spacious sites, water hookups, and is big-rig friendly. This well-maintained facility offers convenient access to the Gladstone area. Whitefish Hill RV Park near Rapid River (just minutes from Gladstone) is specifically designed for RV camping with full hookups and amenities catering to larger vehicles. Gladstone Bay Campground also accommodates RVs, with numerous occupied sites noted by visitors. Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the area offer electrical hookups, water access, and dump stations, making them suitable for short or extended stays.
Keep Exploring