Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.37
43 reviews
Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Glidden Lake State Forest Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reported standard nightly fee $15 (per Google review); Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry/parking at state forest campgrounds. Sites are...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(906) 875-3324

What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 43 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"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."

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Fees & Passes at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

$15/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.


Best Time to Camp at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

Pack a warm fleece even in summer—classic U.P. weather means cool, comfortable nights perfect for campfire stories, though you'll want bug spray handy during late spring and summer when mosquitoes make their presence known. The beauty of this spot is its year-round appeal: warm-weather hikers and bikers give way to cross-country skiers and snowshoers once winter blankets the trails in white.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

    Tucked into the tall pines along Glidden Lake's eastern shore, this intimate Upper Peninsula gem offers the kind of peaceful, back-to-basics camping experience that feels increasingly rare. With just a handful of rustic sites, direct trail access, and nothing but forest sounds and lapping water to disturb your stay, it's the perfect escape for campers who value solitude over amenities.
    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.
    Historical SignificanceManaged by Bewabic State Park; no additional historical or cultural details provided in the sources.
    Weather and SeasonsPack a warm fleece even in summer—classic U.P. weather means cool, comfortable nights perfect for campfire stories, though you'll want bug spray handy during late spring and summer when mosquitoes make their presence known. The beauty of this spot is its year-round appeal: warm-weather hikers and bikers give way to cross-country skiers and snowshoers once winter blankets the trails in white.
    Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite sits beneath a cathedral of towering pines, just a short walk from Glidden Lake's inviting sandy shoreline. This quiet 29-acre lake is perfect for a morning paddle or an afternoon swim, with a gravel launch for small boats. When you're ready to explore beyond the lakeshore, the Lake Mary Plains Pathway beckons from your doorstep—over 9 miles of marked trails wind through the region's distinctive glaciated terrain, where rolling hills and dense forest create an ever-changing landscape whether you're hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or snowshoeing through the seasons.
    Geological RegionUpper Peninsula (Iron County); rolling, glaciated hills and mixed U.P. forest surrounding Glidden Lake
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsites23 campsites

    Best Campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Cell phone service
    Vault toilets

    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
    Trailhead for the Lake Mary Plains Pathway is adjacent to the campground — over 9 miles of marked trail for hiking through rolling U.P. terrain.
    Fishing
    Glidden Lake supports panfish and bass (largemouth and smallmouth); anglers fish from shore and from small boats.
    Swimming
    Sandy shoreline and small beach/day-use area at Glidden Lake provide spots for swimming and shore recreation.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • 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).

    Hazards

    General hazardsTypical 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.

    Weather at Glidden Lake State Forest Campground

    29
    °F
    Dec 26
    Friday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 74%
    Wind: 10.5 mph
    Overcast

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Common complaintsVery rustic facilities (vault toilets only, no showers or hookups), no on-site trash/dumpster (pack in/pack out), seasonal mosquitoes/flies/ticks, and occasional reports of noisy neighboring campers or temporary herbicide application.

    Campground Map

    Glidden Lake State Forest Campground
    Driving directionsLocated in Iron County: about 6 miles east of Crystal Falls and 1 mile south of Highway M-69 on Lake Mary Road (campground on the eastern shore of Glidden Lake).
    Approximately 1 mile south of M-69 on Lake Mary Road; 6 miles east of Crystal Falls.
    Nearby places
    Crystal Falls (6 miles)

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.4
    43 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Glidden Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 43 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...
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    Based on 43 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...
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    Based on 43 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 43 reviews

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    Last updated December 13, 2025
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