Gladstone Bay Campground Introduce
Looking for "camping near me" in the Gladstone, Michigan area? Gladstone Bay Campground, located at 37 Michigan Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA, offers a camping option situated by the bay. You can reach them at (906) 428-1211 or their mobile number, +1 906-428-1211, for inquiries and reservations.
Based on the available reviews, Gladstone Bay Campground presents a somewhat mixed experience. One user shared a frustrating experience regarding reservations for multiple sites for a family camping weekend. They reported trying for two years to reserve five sites for the third weekend in July. Following instructions to wait until after the new year, they were then told that five sites were available but not together. This lack of flexibility for a family group led to their decision not to book, expressing disappointment with the "run around" and stating they were unlikely to visit in the near future.
Conversely, another reviewer had a more positive experience, finding the campground "great for a quick weekend" while visiting friends. They noted a few environmental factors: the campsites didn't have many trees, resulting in limited shade, and it was "super windy by the bay," advising visitors to bring sweaters. A significant drawback mentioned was the proximity to the city/state road commission, which caused a "STRONGLY" noticeable smell of asphalt throughout their stay. Despite these issues, this reviewer highlighted positives such as the kids enjoying the water and the bathrooms being "immaculate." Ultimately, they indicated they "would stay again for a quick weekend getaway."
From these reviews, we can gather several points for local users considering "camping near me" at Gladstone Bay Campground. The environment is bayside, which offers water access and likely scenic views, although it can also be windy. Shade at campsites might be limited due to a lack of trees. A notable negative environmental factor is the strong smell of asphalt from the nearby road commission. On the positive side, the bathrooms are reported to be exceptionally clean, and the water is enjoyable for children.
Considering the environment in more detail, the location on Gladstone Bay suggests potential for water-related activities and views of the bay. The lack of trees at campsites means campers should be prepared for more sun exposure and less natural shade. The windiness by the bay is a factor to consider, especially for those with tents or who prefer calmer conditions. The asphalt smell from the adjacent road commission is a significant environmental drawback that could impact the overall enjoyment of being outdoors.
In terms of services and features, the campground offers campsites (the number and types are not specified, but it can accommodate at least five separate sites, albeit not necessarily together). A key feature mentioned is the "immaculate" condition of the bathrooms. Access to water that kids enjoyed is also implied, likely the bay itself. However, details about other amenities such as hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, or other recreational facilities are not provided in these reviews.
There is no explicit "promotional information" in the reviews. The positive aspects mentioned, such as the enjoyable water for kids and the cleanliness of the bathrooms, could be seen as reasons to choose this campground for a quick stay, despite the noted drawbacks. For local users looking for a bayside location with clean facilities for a short getaway, these points might be appealing.
For local residents in the Gladstone area seeking "camping near me," Gladstone Bay Campground offers a location right on the bay with very clean bathrooms. If you are planning a short trip and don't mind potentially windy conditions, limited shade, or the smell of asphalt, the water access for kids might be a significant draw. However, if you are looking for multiple adjacent sites for a family gathering or prefer a more natural setting with shade and no industrial odors, this campground might not be the best fit based on the experiences shared.
When considering this for your "camping near me" needs, weigh the positives (bayside location, clean bathrooms, enjoyable water for kids) against the negatives (difficulty in booking multiple adjacent sites, lack of trees/shade, windiness, asphalt smell). Depending on your priorities for a camping experience, Gladstone Bay Campground could be a suitable option, particularly for a short visit where the clean facilities and water access are the main considerations.
To summarize for those searching for "camping near me," Gladstone Bay Campground in Gladstone, MI, is located by the bay and features very clean bathrooms. It might be suitable for quick weekend getaways, especially for families with children who enjoy playing in the water. However, potential campers should be aware that the campsites may lack shade, the area can be windy, and there may be a noticeable smell of asphalt from a nearby road commission. Additionally, booking multiple adjacent sites for groups may be challenging. For local users, it's a conveniently located option with some appealing features but also some environmental drawbacks to consider.
In the context of "camping near me," Gladstone Bay Campground offers a bayside experience with the benefit of immaculate bathrooms. For short stays where these aspects are important, it could be a viable choice. However, the issues with booking group sites, the lack of shade, the wind, and the asphalt smell are significant factors that potential local campers should take into account when deciding if this campground meets their needs for a nearby outdoor experience. Further inquiries with the campground management might clarify the availability of shaded sites or any mitigation efforts regarding the asphalt odor.
Gladstone Bay Campground Photos










Gladstone Bay Campground Location
Gladstone Bay Campground
37 Michigan Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA
Gladstone Bay Campground37 Michigan Ave
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Gladstone Bay Campground Reviews
Just saying this, that I have tried for 2 years now to reserve 5 sites for my siblings and me to camp on the 3ed week end in July. I even went in last fall and was told that I had to wait tell after the being of the new year. So I did that and was told that I could get 5 sites but they would not be together. what good would that do if this is a family camping weekend? So hats off to you in not getting our business and I don't think that we well be there anytime soon. what a run around. Tell me wait and then tell me no can't help you. this was only 4 days ago and my daughter was with me when I was there and she heard the same as me. Have a great day.
Feb 28, 2025 · Mary OtradovecWentworthThis campground was great for a quick weekend while we visited friends. A few things to note- the camp sites don't have a ton of trees, so not much cover. It's super windy by the bay, so bring sweaters! Lastly, it's right next to the city/state road commission, so it smelled STRONGLY of asphalt the entire time. That being said, the kids enjoyed the water, the bathrooms were immaculate, and we'd stay again for a quick weekend getaway.
Aug 13, 2023 · Erin PaulGreat family orientated Campground. Nice clean restrooms and friendly staff. Great location for walking and riding bikes on trails. Also great access to the beach
Jul 17, 2024 · Vickie OnthegoNot much of a beach there, boardwalk was destroyed, too many rules as to even how you park your camper on your site. Power poles, water hookups, and firepits weren't in the right spots to use the site efficiently.
Jul 02, 2024 · Jeremy VandermissenBathrooms/showers were the cleanest I've seen at a campground.Nice size lots
Sep 30, 2024 · Char Williams
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