Camping options near Gladstone, Michigan extend beyond traditional RV parks into diverse accommodation types including dispersed sites, tent camping areas, and seasonal cabins. The Upper Peninsula's short summer season typically runs from late May through September, with average daytime temperatures reaching 70-80°F. Cell coverage remains spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote camping areas west of Gladstone.
What to do
Explore lighthouses: A visit to Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed offers both camping and historic exploration. "There is a really neat old lighthouse with pit toilets at the end of the road," notes one camper. The area is particularly magical during certain times of year, as another visitor mentions, "Would love to be there for the monarch migration."
Try mountain biking: Outdoor enthusiasts can access extensive trail systems from Rippling Rivers RV Resort in Marquette. "If you love mountain biking or hiking you stay here. Period. You are right on the trails," writes one reviewer. The resort even features a specially designed trail for younger riders: "If you have little ones the grom trail runs next to the top camp site."
Watch for northern lights: Dark skies in remote camping areas create ideal conditions for aurora viewing. A camper at Peninsula Point Lighthouse reports, "Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day" during a six-night stay. The remote location and minimal light pollution make this area particularly good for nighttime sky observation.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing at Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground. "All site are very large and spacious. Picnic tables and site rings," notes one visitor. Another adds, "The sites are well layout, with a good amount a space between sites. Full hookups and everything worked well."
Waterfront access: Many campgrounds offer direct water views or access. At BayRidge RV Park in Garden, "Our site (28) was one of the nicest with an unobstructed view of Garden Bay." Another camper mentioned, "Beautiful views of lake Michigan. There is a restaurant there, but unfortunately it wasn't open. The campground also has spots to dock your boat."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high on visitor priorities. At Indian Lake RV Resort and Campground, one camper states, "Cleanest campsite bathroom I've been in. Our site looked right over Indian Lake." Another visitor described it as a "cool little retro campground with full hookup sites and lake access."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Prepare for minimal cell service throughout the region. At BayRidge RV Park, "There was zero cell service on Verizon and although free WiFi was offered, it was weak and we often had to reconnect." Similarly, at Rippling Rivers RV Resort, a visitor reports, "Cell service is pretty good (Verizon)" - indicating spotty coverage varies by location.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate May through October with limited shoulder-season options. A camper at Gitche Gumee notes they're open "April 15 to November 15," which is earlier than many other campgrounds in the area.
Leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the region require significant leveling equipment. One camper at BayRidge RV Park advises, "Have plenty of levelling equipment available!! Some are very level, some are not level at all. We were in spot 32 and 4" laterally and 19" longitudinally out of level to start with."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family features. Rippling Rivers Resort includes "a small put put golf, pool, camp store and large clean bathrooms and showers," according to one reviewer. Another visitor mentions, "The kids stumbled upon a sand dune just off the main stretch of campsites" at Pictured Rocks RV Park.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfortable alternatives. At Gitche Gumee RV Park & Campground, cabin accommodations complement traditional camping spots. The campground has "a micro brewery onsite too," making it appealing for families with adults who enjoy craft beer.
Plan for bugs: The Upper Peninsula's short summer coincides with insect activity. "There were a lot of bugs while we were there, so it was hard to stay outdoors for a long period of time during certain times of the day," reports a Pictured Rocks RV Park camper, who suggests bringing "a screen tent to be able to sit outside and enjoy the view."
Tips from RVers
Reserve well ahead: Summer sites fill quickly, especially at popular campgrounds. At Gitche Gumee, one camper called "to see if they had room about 3 weeks out" and was surprised to secure a booking when "everywhere else was booked."
Consider overnight casino parking: For affordable overnight stops, consider Kewadin Casino Manistique. "20 amp hookups on the grass, 30 on the pavement. $20 and $25. Park and pay at the gift shop. $5 back with receipt if you get a rewards card," reports one RVer. Another notes it's "convenient and safe" with "a dump station and water fill on the way out."
Check power requirements: Confirm your RV's power needs match available hookups. Electric options vary significantly - some parks offer only 30-amp service while others provide 50-amp. At Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road, there are no hookups available at all, making it suitable only for self-contained units or tent camping.
