How much does camping cost at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground?

Camping fees at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Glidden Lake State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Glidden Lake State Forest Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground?

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground: Sites reported to include fire rings; carry-in, carry-out policy for trash. Follow posted fire danger and campground rules (no additional specific fire restrictions provided).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground?

Cell phone service at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Glidden Lake State Forest Campground have?

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground?

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

4.24

51 reviews

Top 25% in MIFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,348 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,348 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(906) 875-3324

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

46.0715, -88.2379

Nearby places

Crystal Falls (6 miles)

Weather at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. September and early October bring daytime highs in the 50s to 60s°F, nights in the 30s and 40s. Hardwoods around the lake turn color, bugs disappear, and campground traffic drops off. Summer is warm enough for swimming but brings mosquitoes, flies, and ticks that reviewers mention consistently. Spring and early summer are buggy. Cool nights year-round make a fleece necessary even in July.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Reviewers state fall is best: cooler temps, fall color, fewer bugs and very pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips

About Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground sits on the eastern shore of a small, quiet lake in Iron County's forested hills. Twenty-three first-come, first-served sites offer direct access to fishing, paddling, and the Lake Mary Plains Pathway trailhead. At $15 per night, the campground is rustic: vault toilets, no trash service, and occasional bugs, but reliably peaceful.

Rustic state forest campground with 23 first-come, first-served sites along the eastern shore of Glidden Lake; suited to tent campers and small trailers rather than developed RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. September and early October bring daytime highs in the 50s to 60s°F, nights in the 30s and 40s. Hardwoods around the lake turn color, bugs disappear, and campground traffic drops off. Summer is warm enough for swimming but brings mosquitoes, flies, and ticks that reviewers mention consistently. Spring and early summer are buggy. Cool nights year-round make a fleece necessary even in July.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a stand of tall pines along Glidden Lake, a 29-acre water body with a sandy shoreline and gravel boat launch. Sites sit close enough to hear the lake lapping at the shore. Beyond the campground, the Lake Mary Plains Pathway threads through rolling, glaciated terrain, nine-plus miles of trail cutting through mixed Upper Peninsula forest. Elevation here is 1,348 feet, and the landscape shows the work of old ice sheets in its undulating hills and scattered wetlands.

Geological RegionUpper Peninsula (Iron County); rolling, glaciated hills and mixed U.P. forest surrounding Glidden Lake

Scenic ViewsLakeside and near-lake sites offer direct water and beach views; interior sites are more secluded and forested.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites23 campsites

Best CampsitesLakeside sites fill first. Reviewers recommend arriving early to claim a spot with lake views and easy access to the sandy beach and boat launch. Interior sites trade water proximity for more shade and separation from neighbors.

Amenities available

Small, rustic state forest campground with basic services only: vault toilets, hand-pump well, picnic tables, and fire rings. No electricity or utility hookups; carry-in/carry-out (no trash barrels).

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Forest-and-lake setting offering hiking, paddling, fishing, and multi-season trail use via the adjacent Lake Mary Plains Pathway. Small, calm lake suitable for non-motorized and small-boat recreation; campground functions as a trailhead for a multi-use pathway.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTypical U.P. hazards: mosquitoes/insects in warmer months, spotty cellular coverage in some areas, and presence of wildlife (white-tailed deer, black bear and other fauna noted in regional descriptions). Surrounding state forest is open to hunting—observe season/safety rules.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.2

51 reviews

Satisfactory

Glidden Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently describe Glidden Lake State Forest Campground as peaceful, quiet, and scenic with a true rustic feel. Guests praise lakeside sites, good fishing and paddling, and direct access to the Lake Mary Plains Pathway; main drawbacks noted are basic facilities (vault toilets, no trash service) and seasonal insects or occasional noisy neighbors.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Calm, small lake ideal for canoeing/kayaking and fishing; many lakeside or near-lake sites with nice views; direct trailhead access to 9+ miles of multi-use trails; clean, well-kept rustic sites with...

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (23 sites are first-come, first-served) to secure a lakeside site; pack out all trash; bring bug spray and layers for cool nights; small boats, kayaks, or canoes are recommended; the...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the most peaceful campgrounds I've ever been to."; "No trash available so pack in, pack out."; "Peaceful lake, good hiking, calm water."

Based on 51 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Canoe and kayak campers who can arrive mid-week or early Friday will find a calm 29-acre lake, shore fishing for bass and panfish, and first-come lakeside sites that reviewers say are worth securing fast.

Skip if

No showers, no trash service, and vault toilets only; if pack-in/pack-out and seasonal mosquitoes heavy enough that multiple reviewers flag them as trip-shapers sound like deal-breakers, this place will wear on you.

Nearby Campgrounds

Bewabic Hike-in Camp offers seven primitive tent sites along Fortune Lake, each a short 100–200 yard walk from parking. The campground provides fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, and hot showers during summer. Sites run $17 per night.