Gleason's Landing Campground and River Access


Area Status: Open

Gleasons Landing is a very popular campground on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. With a selection of shaded and secluded spots, the campground is perfect for peaceful nature immersion. 

The Pere Marquette River was designated a National Scenic River in 1978, the first in Michigan, and it regularly attracts many canoeing, kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. The 66-mile stretch of river begins east of Baldwin and empties into Lake Michigan at Ludington.

Natural Features:

The campground sits on a bluff overlooking the picturesque Pere Marquette River. It is surrounded by a mix of white pine and oak trees. 

The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass a million acres throughout the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The forests provide recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry.

Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation.  To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Album

Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Salmon, Steelhead, Trout, Native Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; 

At a Glance

Reservations: Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov.  Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites and 12 months in advance for group sites.
Rentals & Guides: Canoe Rentals -
  • Baldwin
    • Baldwin Canoe Rental
Area Amenities: Boat ramp, Tent camping, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees: Camping (per night)
  • Single sites: $22.00
Day Use (per vehicle):
  • Per day: $7.00
  • Extra vehicle: $8.00
Permit Info: Watercraft Permit -
  • Required Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
Special Use Permit -
  • No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
  • Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
Open Season: May 3 - October 10
Usage: Medium
Busiest Season: Summer Weekends, Spring and Fall Fishing Seasons
Restrictions: As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
  • Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
  • Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03
  • Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-14
Highlights - Camping is prohibited, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
Closest Towns: Baldwin
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Vault
Information Center:
  1. Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station
  2. Phone: 231-745-4631
  3. Email: sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov

General Information

Directions:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
43.87111, -85.92028
43°52'16"N, 85°55'13"W

From Baldwin, take 7th street west 5 blocks to Cherry Street, then south 1.5 blocks to 52nd Street (Carr Road), go west 2 miles to Jenks Road and turn left. Drive 0.4 miles and turn right on Shortcut Road and drive 0.7 miles. Turn right at T junction onto 60th Street and take the first left at S Brooks Road. Follow the road to the campground.


General Notes:

Location - Pere Marquette National Scenic River

Nearby Recreation Areas -

  • Claybanks

County - Lake

Seasonal and Other Information -

  • This site is not gated during the off season.
  • This site is partially maintained in winter:
    • Access road and/or parking lot are plowed.
    • No water available.
    • Toilet facilities are available.

Pere Marquette National Scenic River


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Amenities -

  • Trash Can
  • Pedestal Grills  
  • Lantern Posts
No. of Sites Single: 4
Reservation Info Reservation recommended -
  • Mid-May to Mid-September
  • One time reservation fee of $9.00
  • Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit.
  • Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
 
Sleeping Shelter No

Group Camping

Amenities -

  • Trash Can
  • Pedestal Grills
  • Lantern Posts
No. of Sites Group: 2
Reservation Info Reservation recommended -
  • Mid-May to Mid-September 
  • One time reservation fee of $9.00
  • Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit.
  • Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Group Shelter No
Group Cooking Facilities No
Hookups - Electric No
Sleeping Shelter No
Difficulty Level: Easy

River and Stream Fishing

Amenities -

  • Fishing Line Recycling Box
Fish Species Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Special Designations National Scenic River
Fishing Mode Fly, Pole
Fishing Platform No
Water Temperature Cool to Cold
Fishing Method Boat, Shore, Wade

Picnicking

Amenities -

  • Trash Can
  • Pedestal Grill
No. of Sites 1

Boating - Non-Motorized

Type of Craft Canoes, Kayaks, Drift Boats
Size Restrictions None
Class of Rapids 0

Amenities

Parking: 28 vehicle capacity - with trailers
Boat ramp: Wood/Gravel
Drinking water: hand-pump
Woman wearing hiking gear holding a white and black dog on a leash while standing on a trail.

Calling all canine campers!

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
43.87111

  Longitude : 
-85.92028