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Glidden Lake

Iron County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
30.1 acres30 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Glidden Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Glidden Lake
Glidden Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Bewabic State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 2 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Glidden Lake sits within the broader Iron County watershed system. The surrounding State Forest trail network connects to nearby Lake Mary, Peavey Pond, and the Michigamme Reservoir, though these are trail connections rather than direct waterway links.

Winter & Ice Safety

Glidden Lake is a small lake in the Upper Peninsula and likely freezes early and solidly each winter. Ice fishing is possible, though the lake is better known as a summer camping and paddling destination. Always check local ice conditions before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Glidden Lake?
Glidden Lake is in Iron County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, about 15 minutes from Crystal Falls and roughly 35 minutes from the Ford Airport in Kingsford.
Is there a boat launch on Glidden Lake?
Yes, there's one boat ramp at the State Forest campground. The lake sees essentially zero motorized boat traffic, so it's best suited for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.
Can you swim in Glidden Lake?
Yes. There's a small sandy beach at the State Forest campground day-use area. The lake is calm and quiet — a good spot for a low-key swim.
Is there camping at Glidden Lake?
Yes — Glidden Lake State Forest Campground has about 20 rustic sites with vault toilets, a hand water pump, fire rings, and picnic tables. Several sites sit right on the lake with direct water access. Cost is around $15/night (check current rates). It's first-come, first-served.
What fish are in Glidden Lake?
Reviewers mention good fishing, but specific species data is limited. Given the lake's location and character in Iron County, panfish and bass are likely. Check the Michigan DNR for current stocking and survey reports.
Are there hiking trails near Glidden Lake?
Yes — the campground connects to roughly 12 miles of hiking trails, including a boardwalk through marshland. The trail system also provides access to nearby Lake Mary, Peavey Pond, and Michigamme Reservoir. Bring bug spray — horseflies, mosquitoes, and ticks are heavy on the trails.
Is Glidden Lake crowded?
No. This is one of the quieter spots in the UP. The lake is completely undeveloped with no boat traffic to speak of. Reviewers consistently describe it as peaceful and private, with some families returning for decades.
Can you ice fish on Glidden Lake?
The lake likely freezes reliably given its small size and Upper Peninsula location, but there's limited specific information about ice fishing activity here. Check local conditions before heading out.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Glidden Lake is a small, totally undeveloped lake in Iron County — about 15 minutes from Crystal Falls and 35 minutes from the Kingsford airport. The lake sits within a State Forest campground that doubles as a trailhead for roughly 12 miles of hiking trails, including a boardwalk through marshland. The shoreline is natural and wild — reviewers report hearing wolves across the lake at 3 a.m. — and there's essentially zero boat traffic, making it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.

The campground offers about 20 rustic sites (vault toilets, hand pump water), with several sites right on the lake and a small sandy beach for swimming. Fishing is available, though specifics on species are limited. The real draw here is solitude and access to a broader trail system connecting to nearby Lake Mary, Peavey Pond, and Michigamme Reservoir. Come prepared for serious bugs — horseflies, mosquitoes, and ticks are part of the deal in this stretch of the UP.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

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