Escape to the Lake! Come Ready to Rest & Play at the Beautiful, Lakefront Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA

Discover your perfect lakefront escape at Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA Holiday—where private lake access, sandy beach activities, and summer Northern Michigan fun come together. Our scenic campground features spacious RV sites, cozy cabinslakeside tent sites, and a lake house, all just steps from the water. Spend the day on Big Bradford Lake—rent kayaks, paddle boards, and more from our camp store, or bring your own boat. With private lake access, campground marina, and parking for your trailer, we make lake life easy. After a day on the water, unwind on our private beach with lounge chairs, or keep those active members of your party moving on our playground, jumping pillow or at the beach volleyball net. Take a quick tour of our campground. 

Open from May through October, our RV park is the ideal base camp for exploring the best of Northern Michigan. Conveniently located between Grayling and Gaylord on Old Route 27, our campground puts you right in the heart of year-round adventure. Grayling is nationally recognized for world-class fly fishing on the AuSable River and is locally cherished for its charming downtown filled with unique shops, inviting restaurants, craft breweries, live music, and a thriving arts scene. Just minutes away to the north, Gaylord welcomes visitors with its storybook Alpine-inspired downtown. The city comes alive each summer during Alpenfest — so don your lederhosen and join the fun! Gaylord is also known for its "beautiful and bugling "elk herd, offering unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities. Looking to explore even more? Spend a day discovering the timeless charm of Mackinac Island or take in the breathtaking views from the iconic Mackinac Bridge — both just about an hour north. Whether you're here for outdoor adventure, small-town charm, or scenic day trips, the Bradford Lake KOA is the perfect place to start your Northern Michigan getaway.


WAYS TO STAY
At Bradford Lake KOA, we make it easy to camp your way. Whether you prefer a peaceful lakeside tent site, a spacious RV setup, a cozy camping cabin, or a fully furnished deluxe cabin, you'll find the perfect fit for your Northern Michigan getaway. All sites are steps away from our private beach, campground marina and camp store.

  • RV Sites - Our campground features a variety of RV sites to accommodate everything from big rigs to smaller campers. Choose from pull-through, back-in, and shorter sites — some offering patio spaces so you can relax and enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
  • Cabins - Looking for a little extra comfort? Our deluxe cabins are fully furnished and include a full bathroom, kitchenette, outdoor furniture, and a grill — perfect for a stress-free stay. Our camping cabins offer heat, air conditioning, and a refrigerator for added convenience. Nestled along the lake and just steps from our private beach, playground, and jumping pillow, tthey'reideal for families and anyone who wants to be close to the fun.
  • Tent Sites - For those who love traditional camping, our waterfront tent sites with water and electric are tucked among the trees, offering both shade and serenity. Though peacefully set apart from the main campground, they're still just a short walk from the bathhouse and all the amenities.
  • Lake House - Experience true lake life in our beautiful log Lake House. Just steps from the beach, this spacious retreat offers all the comforts of home — including a full kitchen, inviting living room, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a convenient washer and dryer. Unwind on the gorgeous screened-in porch, the perfect spot to relax and take in breathtaking sunset views over the water. However you choose to stay, Bradford Lake KOA offers comfort, convenience, and a beautiful lakeside setting.

GROUP CAMPING
Host your next group camping event at Bradford Lake KOA! With a wide variety of campsites, cabins, and accommodations, we can comfortably host groups of all sizes — from family reunions to weddings to corporate retreats and rally weekends. Our spacious pavilion provides the perfect gathering place for meals, meetings, games, and special events throughout your stay. Centrally located in the campground, the pavilion is steps away from the lake and our private beach. Whether you're planning a relaxed family getaway or an activity-filled group event, Bradford Lake KOA offers the ideal setting to bring everyone together. Call today at 1-989-731-0459 to connect with a KOA team member for more information.

EXTENDED STAYS
Looking to stay a little longer? Bradford Lake KOA also has long-term RV sites and offers flexible extended-stay options to fit your plans — from convenient monthly rates to full seasonal sites. Whether you're working remotely, exploring Northern Michigan for an extended vacation, or settling in for the summer, our spacious sites provide a comfortable home base with access to all campground amenities, including the lake, private beach, and marina. Relax, unwind, and enjoy the best of the season at your own pace.

BRING YOUR TOYS!
Adventure starts the moment you arrive! Bring your boats, bikes, and ATVs and make the most of everything our campground has to offer. Enjoy private access to Big Bradford Lake from our on-site marina, complete with a convenient boat launch and slips available to rent by the day or for the season. Love to ride? Jump on your ATV and head to the Frederic Trail system, a 37.2 mile loop that ties to the Kalkaska system that boasts over 140 miles of trails.  And great news - we offer convenient parking for your boat and ATV trailers, so bringing your toys is easy and hassle-free.

Campground Amenities

  • 50 Max Amp
  • 85' Max Length
  • Wi-Fi
  • Fishing
  • Firewood ($)
  • Pavilion
  • Dog Park
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Ways to Stay

KOA Mobile App for Android and iOS

Download our free mobile app to plan your next camping trip and make your reservations right from your smart phone or other mobile device!

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KOA Holiday

KOA Holiday Campgrounds

Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.

KOA Holidays Feature:

  • RV Sites with a KOA Patio®
  • Deluxe Cabins with full baths
  • Premium Tent Sites
  • Group meeting facilities

Latest Hot Deal

Care Camps Weekend

Join Us for Care Camps Weekend May 7-8, 2027 

Valid: May 7–8, 2027 
Discount Code: CCW
Stay at a participating KOA campground on Friday, May 7, and receive 50%* off your Saturday, May 8 stay. KOA will then donate 50% of the funds raised from Saturday night's stays to the Care Camps Foundation.  

Care Camps Foundation is a national non-profit organization that funds 100+ medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the US and Canada. Their mission is to give joy, hope, and the healing power of the outdoors to children with cancer and their families. KOA has been a foundational partner to Care Camps since 1984.  You can learn more at carecamps.org. 
 *Offer valid only at participating KOA locations. Discount applies to one site for two consecutive nights (Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8) at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. Only KOA Rewards discounts apply. 

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Local Area

Otsego Lake State Park

Home to 62 acres of lakeside recreation, Otsego Lake State Park is a popular family destination located between Big Bradford Lake and downtown Gaylord. The park is known for its beautiful, half-mile sandy beach, and the popular boat launch provides excellent access for motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.The park is heavily shaded with large oak, maple and pine trees and is home to large campsites near or within lake views. The day-use area features an accessible swimming beach, fishing pier, quarter-mile pathway and picnic area with tables and grills.

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Elk Viewing

The City of Gaylord maintains an elk herd and provides viewing areas for the public to stop and watch the 40 elk, which wander about on 108 acres of land.

E. Grandview

Gaylord, MI 49735

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Mackinac Bridge

At 5 miles long and 200 feet high, the Mackinac (pronounced mack-in-aw) bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Dividing the Upper Peninsula from the "upper-lower" portion of the state, "the mighty mac" is certainly a sight to see!

The bridge connects the city of St. Ignace to the north with the village of Mackinaw City to the south. Envisioned since the 1880s, the bridge has since become an iconic symbol of the state of Michigan.

While the bridge can be driven 364 days a year (weather permitting) on each Labor Day visitors can walk the bridge, opting to walk half (5-mile round trip) or the whole (10-mile round trip) bridge while it's closed to traffic.

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Mackinac Island

Taking a day trip to Mackinac Island is a great way to experience the beauty of Michigan. The island is just a short ferry ride away from Mackinaw City, and offers a unique combination of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Once you arrive, you can explore the historical sites, enjoy the natural beauty of the island, indulge in some world famous fudge, or check out the festivals throughout the year, including the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival and the Mackinac Island Music Festival.

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Campground Awards and Programs