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."
