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.
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.
Take Exit 270 from I-75. Turn left onto Marlette Road toward Waters. At the stop sign, turn left on North Old US-27 South. Drive South for 1.8 miles then turn right onto Headwaters Court. After a quarter-mile, turn right into the campground, just past Precision Motorsports and Marine.
Get Google DirectionsNestled on the shores of Big Bradford Lake, Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA makes the ideal base camp for discovering the wonders of Northern Michigan. If love the great outdoors, you can spend your days boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking or riding your OTV or bike. Explore state parks, certified dark sky areas, or the majestic Lake Michigan. The campground is a short drive to so many unique outdoor activities. If you prefer more leisurely pursuits, bring your golf clubs, visit local attractions, or enjoy a day of shopping. Cap off your day with a delicious meal or visit one of our local breweries.
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.
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
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.
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.
Crawford County and the surrounding area hold several off-road (ORV) and all-terrain (ATV) vehicle trails that are open to licensed operators. The North Frederic Connector adjoings the campground. Ride this trail to Gaylord for a meal, a beer, or shopping. The campground sits due east of the Kalkaska trail system, which boasts over 100 miles available to riders, some of which goes through the Pere Marquette State Forest. ORV's can also ride on the shoulder of many county roads. For specific maps and licensing requirements visit www.mi.gov/dnr and more trail information visit www.crawfordcoatv.com/route%20maps .
Please note: ORV's and ATV's are not to be ridden in and out of the park. You may trailer your vehicles.
200 West Michigan Ave
Gray, MI 49738
Some of the best trout fishing east of the Mississippi River are on the AuSable River and Manistee River. Each river offers brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Hatch activity generally begins in early March and culminates with the Hex hatch, which is the big Michigan mayfly. The sunny days of August bring grasshoppers, ants, and crickets. Come enjoy the warm days and cool nights of Up North Michigan fishing. Click for the MI Fishing Regulations.
AuSable River
Manistee River
Crawford County, MI 49738
Bradford Lake KOA sits adjacent to miles upon miles of ORV trails. 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. ORV's can also ride on the shoulder of many Crawford County roads. Parking for your trailer available on-site. ORV license required, click for Handbook for MI Off-Road Vehicle Laws for more information.
Crawford County ORV Trail System
Crawford County, MI 49738
Gaylord is known as "Golf Mecca" and for good reason! With 17 courses, and 297 holes, the golf lover is sure to find themselves in paradise.
Gaylord, MI 49735
Check out Gaylord's very own elk herd right from the comfort of your car! The city of Gaylord maintains a herd of about 40 elk, which roam 108 acres.
Challenging disc golf courses are just a few miles away at the Hanson Hills Recreational Area. They have a 18-hole course, the Pine Knoll Course, that is relatively flat and has a walking distance of 1.25 miles and a 24-hole course, the PDGA Course or Hill Course, where the terrain is a little hilly and it has a walking distance of 2 miles. A suggested donation of $2 is requested.
7601 Old Lake Road
Grayling, MI 49738
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