As stated in Reader's Digest On The Road USA, "Set in the midst of Central Michigan country, which is known for it's abundant lakes and rivers, Gladwin is a pleasant little town in which to stop and relax and is made all the more pleasant by this lovely city park along the Cedar River. The recreational facilities here are unusually complete; camping and picnic grounds are supplemented by tennis courts, basketball courts and a playground for children; river swimmers enjoy a sandy beach and a riverside path makes for scenic strolling."

Gladwin City Park provides opportunities for interesting and varied outdoor activities. The campground area, laced with maple, ash and beech trees, boasts grass camping sites. Electricity serves all of the 60 sites, along with individual fire rings. Near the 'lower' campground area is a delightful picnic area and play field that offers swings, monkey bars, slides and the many offerings of the modern 'Big Toy'. To compliment the play field, a Tot Lot has been added to provide some security for the toddler within a protected area. Within the Tot Lot, parents will find benches for relaxation, while the toddlers enjoy the giant sandbox, swings and riding toys. The 'upper' campground area provides a unique setting high above the Cedar River amid a series of foot trails. This area provides the quiet and natural setting that many campers seek. Tennis courts, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball and hiking trails round out the needs for the more active park users. A convenient sanitation station is located within the park and can be used by registered campers and travelers. Canoeing and tubing on the Cedar River are popular activities. Arrangements for canoe trips ranging from 8 miles to 26 miles can be made through nearby canoe liveries. Gladwin City Park is within easy walking distance of downtown Gladwin. You will find a variety of shopping and services,  in this business center of Gladwin County. Although the park is convenient to fine restaurants, shopping and service, the camping areas are quiet with that friendly and secure 'up north' atmosphere. The 'North Park', opened in 1994 and provides an additional opportunity for walkers and bikers. A hard surfaced trail, following the Cedar River amid a lovely woodland and wetland setting, provides an ideal opportunity for "staying fit". The 'North Park' can be accessed from the City Hall parking lot about three blocks west of the City Park entrance. Both parks are adjoined by a trail system that passes under the M-61, M-18 bridge over the Cedar River.

Special Features

The striking 500 capacity outdoor amphitheater, along with the Community Arts Building, are located within the park. The annual musical, by the Gladwin Council for the Arts, is performed in the amphitheater. The council also has a winter dinner theatre in the Community Building. This fine facility is also used for various civic, fraternal and school activities. The Annual Arts Festival, held in Conjunction with the musical, is also held in the City Park. Questions about the Arts Festival, the Council for the Arts or events at either the amphitheater or Community Building should be directed to Gladwin City Hall, 1000 W. Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 42624 or call (989) 426-9231.

Reservations

Campground reservations are taken by telephone or mail for the current year only. There is no fee for advanced reservations. So that we may continue this popular service, please remember to cancel your reservation if your camping plans are changed. Although not guaranteed, an effort will be made to have your favorite site reserved in your name if you specify. Write to Gladwin City Park, 1000 W. Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624, or call (989) 426-8126. Mail reservations are accepted after January 1st. Telephone reservations are taken at the park only after opening on May 1. Pavilion reservations are taken in the same manner. You may reserve a pavilion for dates in the current and next calendar year only.

*Camping, 60 sites *Modern toilets, hot showers *Sanitation station *Tot lot, for toddlers and parents *Canoeing, tubing *Hiking trails *Picnic area *Playground, Specially equipped *Beach, safe for youngsters *Golf, nearby *Pavilions *Reasonable rates *Free reservations *Special Fall rates *Amphitheater *Tennis, two courts *Volleyball *Horseshoe

Special Fall Rates

Special rates are offered to campers during the period of October 1-November 30. These rates make it affordable to leave your recreational unit unoccupied in the park, avoiding the considerable 'haul time' between weekends of hunting, color tours, etc.

Fees

The 2006 fees are as follows:

Camping-$18 per night

Pavilion Reservation-$50

North Park Pavilion - $50/$75 Deposit

Park Entry, Annual-$10

Park, Daily-$2

Senior Park Entry, Annual-$5 (Gladwin County Residents Only)

The Location

Gladwin City Park can be reached easily via state highways and the interstate system. The park entrance is off M-61 and M-18 near downtown Gladwin. The turn from the highway takes you between the County Courthouse and the Sheriff Department . The road promptly enters the Cedar River flats and the wooded beauty of the park. The park is located 60 miles from Saginaw, 43 miles from Midland, 90 miles from Flint, 105 miles from Lansing and 146 miles from Detroit. It is truly in the heart of Lower Michigan. And, as one camper exclaimed after his first visit, This has got to be the best kept secret in Michigan!"

The Area

In addition to convenient shopping, dining and services of the Gladwin Community, the outlying county area is truly a sportsman's and vacationer's paradise. There are six lakes within a few miles of Gladwin City Park that have public access. There is nearly fifty miles of backwater ponds and 450 miles of waterways in the county. Four rivers; the Tobacco, Molasses, Sugar and Cedar, all provide sport for the stream fisherman. With some 80,000 acres of state land in Gladwin County, the hiker, hunter, bird watcher, watcher, photographer and other outdoor enthusiasts can always find a place to enjoy their activity. Gladwin County has long been known for its fine deer and partridge hunting. Several wildlife flooding within the vast state forest area also provide excellent waterfowl and small game hunting. Gladwin is served by a modern airport, equipped with a 4,700 foot paved runway, instrument approach, a low frequency beacon and is capable of handling small jets. Two 18-hole golf courses are within minutes of the Gladwin City Park.

Gladwin City Park And Campground Rules

• This is intended to be a guide only.  If specific terminology is needed, please refer to the City Park Ordinance as approved by the Gladwin City Council on May 6, 1991.

• All motor vehicles entering the park must come to a complete stop and proceed only when signaled to do so. This rule does not apply when the park office is closed.

• All motor vehicles must have a parks commission vehicle entry permit affixed to the vehicle windshield before entering the park. Registered campers will be provided with entry permits without charge.

• A person shall not operate a motor vehicle except on roads and parking lots constructed for the operation of licensed vehicles. Unlicensed vehicles shall not be operated in the park or campground.

• A person shall not engage in any violent, abusive, loud, boisterous, wanton, profane, obscene, or otherwise disorderly conduct; disturb or annoy others.

• A person shall not use a loudspeaker or sound-amplifying equipment of any kind without permission from park staff.

• A person shall not dump, place, throw, or leave litter on the grounds or waters, except in containers provided. It is unlawful to place or dispose of garbage or refuse in park receptacles or dispose of garbage or refuse in park receptacles or dumpsters if the material originates from outside.

• Dogs or other animals must be under immediate control on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length. Dogs or animals may not be in the bathing beach area.

• It is unlawful to possess glass containers in the bathing beach area.

• It is unlawful to ride or allow horses or other riding animals within the park or campground.

• A person shall not destroy, damage or remove city property, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses or vegetation.

• It is unlawful to possess a firearm or bow and arrow. This does not apply to registered campers who are legally transporting hunting weapons. It is unlawful to discharge any device that propels a projectile by gas, air, spring or rubber.

• It is unlawful to drive at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour, to drive in an unsafe manner or to disobey traffic or parking signs.

• It is unlawful to enter or remain in the park or campground between the hours of one-half  hour after sunset and 8 a.m. unless the person is a registered camper.

• It is unlawful to store or leave a boat, trailer, camper or other property in the park or campground without permission from park staff

• It it unlawful to build fires except in designated fire pits and stoves provided or grills approved by park staff.

• It is unlawful to enter the campground with a vehicle unless you are a registered camper. Legitimate visitors to a specific campsite must advise park staff of their intent when the park.

• Each campsite may be used by only one family or not more than four unrelated persons. Campers not part of a single family must be at least 18 years old to register or occupy a campsite unless part of a chaperoned group. (i.e. scouts, cyclists, etc.).

• Only two motor vehicles may be placed on one campsite.

Violation of any rule may result in revocation of camping permit or eviction from the park or both. Violation may also result in a criminal complaint being initiated.

Write to Gladwin City Park

1000 W. Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624

or Call (989) 426-8126

Off Season, Call Gladwin City Hall at (989) 426-9231