Gladstone Bay Campground

For Michiganders, especially those seeking the authentic beauty and tranquility of the Upper Peninsula, Gladstone Bay Campground offers a highly appealing destination. Nestled along the beautiful shores of Little Bay de Noc, a significant arm of Lake Michigan, this municipal campground provides a quintessential U.P. camping experience. It’s a place where the fresh air, stunning water views, and access to outdoor activities combine to create memorable getaways.

Gladstone Bay Campground is known for its smaller, cleaner, and well-maintained environment, appealing to campers who prioritize a neat and comfortable stay. While some campgrounds might boast expansive plots, Gladstone Bay focuses on providing quality amenities and a scenic location that truly connects visitors with the natural splendor of the Great Lakes region. The presence of modern facilities, including a shower house constructed in 2006 with heated floors and private, lockable unisex shower rooms, sets a high standard for comfort, often exceeding expectations for a municipal campground.

Despite its popularity, which can sometimes make securing reservations challenging, the campground remains a beloved spot for many. Its direct access to a beautiful sandy beach and a scenic boardwalk encourages leisurely strolls, swimming, and enjoying the serene waters of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re an RVer looking for full hook-ups or a tent camper seeking a peaceful spot near the water, Gladstone Bay Campground offers a welcoming base for exploring all that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has to offer.

Gladstone Bay Campground is ideally located at 37 Michigan Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA. This prime location places it directly on the shores of Little Bay de Noc, providing immediate access to the expansive waters of Lake Michigan. Gladstone itself is a charming city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, situated just north of the larger city of Escanaba.

The campground’s address ensures excellent accessibility for travelers coming from various parts of Michigan and beyond. Being right on Michigan Avenue means straightforward navigation once you arrive in Gladstone. The proximity to main roads in the area makes it an easy stop for those exploring the U.P. or seeking a convenient lakeside retreat.

One of the most significant aspects of its location is its direct connection to the shoreline. The campground boasts 1500 feet of pristine private sandy beach along Little Bay de Noc. Additionally, a scenic boardwalk and bike path run along the entire lakefront, extending into town. This feature allows campers to easily access the beach, enjoy walks, bike rides, or even access the Gladstone Municipal Marina, all without needing to drive. This seamless integration with the natural environment and local attractions enhances the overall accessibility and recreational opportunities for visitors. While some internal roads are paved, others leading to waterfront sites are gravel, but generally travelable, ensuring that all sites are reachable for various vehicle types.

• Campsites: Offers a total of 65 campsites. This includes 26 full hook-up sites (50/30/20 amp electric, water, waste water drain), 24 electric-only sites (50/30/20 amp), and 12 tent sites. Pull-through sites are available.
• Modern Shower House: Constructed in 2006, featuring large, clean, heated restrooms and clean, private, lockable, heated unisex shower rooms, included with the site fee. All floors in the shower houses and restrooms are tiled with in-floor heat.
• ADA Accessibility: The campground features ADA accessible fire rings at every site and is generally ADA compliant. The shower house also serves as a severe weather shelter.
• Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi): A wireless hotspot is available for campers to surf the internet.
• Cable TV: New cable installation offers television access at sites.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVs.
• Potable Water Station: Provides access to fresh drinking water.
• Ice and Firewood Sales: Ice and firewood are available for purchase from the manager on-site.
• Pop Machines: Vending machines are available for convenience.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets on leashes are welcome, with rules requiring them to be quiet, leashed (max 6 feet), under control, and cleaned up after. Pets are not to be left unattended at campsites.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Playground: A playground is available for children, with some tent sites located near it.
• Horseshoe Pits: Provided for recreational enjoyment.
• Private Sandy Beach: Features 1500 feet of pristine private beach along Lake Michigan with a sun deck.
• Boardwalk and Bike Path: A scenic boardwalk and bike path run along the entire lakefront into town, accessible from the campground.
• Free Bicycle Use: Through their "Yellow Bike program," likely offering complimentary bicycle rentals for exploring the path.

• Prime Lakeside Location: Directly on Little Bay de Noc, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and immediate water access.
• Exceptional Shower Facilities: Modern, clean, heated, private, and lockable unisex showers are a significant highlight, greatly enhancing camper comfort.
• Direct Beach Access: 1500 feet of private sandy beach within the campground provides ample space for swimming (at your own risk, no lifeguard), sunbathing, or launching a kayak.
• Scenic Boardwalk and Bike Path: A major draw, allowing easy and pleasant walks or bike rides along the beautiful shoreline, extending into downtown Gladstone.
• Modern Amenities: Offers Wi-Fi and cable TV at sites, blending outdoor experience with modern conveniences.
• ADA Compliant: Features accessible sites and facilities, including restrooms and fire rings, ensuring inclusivity.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Consistently reviewed as a small, clean, and well-taken-care-of campground.
• Variety of Sites: Accommodates various camping styles, from full hook-up RVs to tent campers, with pull-through options.
• Pet-Friendly: Welcomes furry family members, making it a complete family getaway destination.
• Proximity to Town: Close enough to Gladstone for easy access to stores, restaurants, and the Gladstone Municipal Marina.

Address: 37 Michigan Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA

Phone: (906) 428-1211 (For reservations and information during camping season)

Mobile Phone: +1 906-428-1211

Off-season contact: (906) 428-9222 (Messages are checked weekly during the off-season for inquiries and mailed reservation forms).

Email: camp@gladstonemi.org

For Michiganders, particularly those in the Upper Peninsula and surrounding areas, Gladstone Bay Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for a local camping adventure. Its unique combination of pristine lakeside beauty, modern comforts, and convenient accessibility makes it a prime choice for residents looking for a memorable outdoor experience without extensive travel.

A key factor making it ideal for locals is its direct access to the stunning Little Bay de Noc and a private sandy beach. This provides Michiganders with immediate opportunities to enjoy Lake Michigan – whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, or simply taking in the breathtaking sunsets. The scenic boardwalk and bike path running along the shoreline are a major draw, offering a perfect venue for leisurely strolls or invigorating bike rides, right from your campsite. This immersion in the Great Lakes environment is a core part of the Michigan outdoor experience, and Gladstone Bay delivers it beautifully.

Furthermore, the campground's commitment to cleanliness and modern amenities truly sets it apart. The consistently praised, clean, heated, and private shower facilities are a significant comfort, ensuring a refreshing end to a day of outdoor activities. While some large parks can feel overwhelming, Gladstone Bay’s smaller, well-maintained size fosters a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere, which is highly valued by those seeking a quiet retreat. The availability of Wi-Fi and cable TV also offers a blend of nature and convenience that many modern campers appreciate.

Despite potential challenges with booking during peak times, as indicated by some reviews, the overall quality and desirability of Gladstone Bay Campground make it a sought-after location. For Michigan residents, it represents a quintessential Upper Peninsula getaway – a place where natural beauty meets practical comfort, offering a perfect base to explore local attractions, relax by the bay, and create lasting memories with family and friends, all within a convenient distance from home.

Gladstone Bay Campground

37 Michigan Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA