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Gaylord KOA
- 5101 Campfires Parkway
- Gaylord, MI 49735
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Get Directions
Directions
I-75 Exit 279, S on Old 27, 2 miles to blinker, left 1 mile on Charles Brink Road.
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Reserve(800) 562-4146
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Info(989) 939-8723
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Welcome Message
2011 President's Award
KOA President's Award
Awarded to KOAs that meet exceptional quality standards and are recognized by their guests for outstanding service.
Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner! Have you made your reservation yet?
Make the Gaylord KOA campground your base camp as you explore everything that Northern Michigan has to offer! Located on the 45th parallel, the Alpine Village of Gaylord has unique shops, wonderful restaurants and world class golf. There are many lakes in the area for fishing and trails for hiking and biking such as the North Central State Trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City. Take a day trip to Mackinaw City, Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve or the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. In season, go hunting for tasty morel mushrooms, raspberries and blackberries. Also, enjoy several festivals in the area including Alpenfest and the Traverse City Cherry Festival! After a great day of sightseeing, come back and relax! The kids can go swimming in the heated pool or play on the two playgrounds. Play mini golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, volleyball or rent banana bikes or 4 wheel pedal carts! Your furry friends will love our Camp K9 Bark Park! You will enjoy the cable TV and you can stay in touch using the FREE Wi-Fi. The Gaylord KOA is located in the heart of the Gaylord Golf Mecca with more than 20 golf courses to choose from. This KOA is big rig friendly and we welcome groups!
Meet Your Hosts
In their past lives, Georganne worked in the corporate world in customer service and Dave operated the dry cleaners that the couple owned. Their daughter Stacey helps out at the campground occasionally and is also completing her studies as a Veterinary Assistant. Their son Dan is a Customer Development Specialist for Gordon Food Service in Memphis, TN. They are looking forward to his 2012 marriage to his fiancée, Kristin.
The family-oriented park welcomes campers from all over the world, and the Hornaceks love to visit with people and hear their stories. “It’s all about our camping guests and the memories they are making with their families and friends.” Cable, full hook ups and wireless internet are just a few of the amenities that have been added to the campground. They have also remodeled and resided the store/office, resurfaced the pool as well as made tremendous improvements to the grounds. There are always improvements and upgrades being made.
In the off season, Georganne loves to cook and Dave does a lot of tinkering in his workshop and planning for the next set of projects. They also love to travel, camping of course!
Campground Amenities
- Fun Cycle Rentals (available with charge)
- Cable TV Available (on all full hook-up sites & a few water/electric pull-through sites)
- Planned Activities Available
Campground Activities
Ice Cream Socials ($)
Enjoy a bowl of ice cream with all of the fixings! ($)
Hay rides
Join us for a fun-filled ride through the woods and through the campground.
Candy Hunts
Kids have fun on holiday weekends at our candy hunts!
Mini Golf ($)
Have some fun on our 18-hole mini golf course!
Shuffleboard
Horseshoes
Volleyball
Fun Bike Rentals ($)
We have banana bikes and 4 wheeled bikes for rent!
2 Playgrounds
Arcade
Recreation Room
Pool Tables ($)
Arts and Crafts
Walking Trails
Local Attractions
Fishing
Catch the fun of fishing in one of our 90 plus small lakes and rivers. While here take some time to grab a tackle box and drop a line. The DNR website has all of the information you will need for licensing, etc. www.michigan.gov
Canoeing & Rafting
Enjoy a day of canoeing, rafting or tubing at one of the great outfitters in the area! Great for groups and families! Go to: www.gaylordmichigan.net/canoeing-77/ for information for outfitters in the area!
Hiking
Trails abound in Otsego County affording hikers and backpackers of every skill and age level an opportunity to see, hear, smell, touch and even taste nature in all its beauty. The area is lush with pathways for hiking enthusiasts, and all are free to use with no trail passes required. Several marked trails exist in the state forest areas of the county as well as within the city limits.
Aspen Park includes 1.8 miles of paved trails in mostly wooded and some open areas; a beaver pond rests along the trail, as well as elk and deer viewing in the elk park. Go to http://www.gaylordmichigan.net/hiking--38/ for more information on Hiking in the Otsego County area!
Biking
Bicycling enthusiasts - novices or veterans - can experience Northern Michigan along one of the many trails suited for mountain biking in Otsego County. Come and check out all of the trails at: http://www.gaylordmichigan.net/biking-94/
Off-Road & All Terrain Vehicle Trails
Otsego County and the surrounding area hold several off-road (ORV) and all-terrain (ATV) vehicle trails are open to licensed operators.
For specific maps and licensing requirements, contact the DNR at 1732 M-32 West in Gaylord; call 732-3541; or visit www.mi.gov/dnr.
Hunting
Otsego County is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and hunters often pursue deer, bear, turkeys and numerous small game species. Licenses, as well as specific information on season dates, limits and rules are available from the Dept. of Natural Resources at its district office at 1732 M-32 West in Gaylord; 732-3541, and at numerous retailers where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Recreational Facilities
Otsego County Sportsplex - Located at 1250 Gornick Avenue off South Wisconsin Avenue, 731-3546. The building is generally open all week, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
During daylight hours, the facility's Energy Outlet Park and outdoor fitness and playground area are open.
Ramp park on Wisconsin Avenue - features ramps for inline skaters, skateboarders and BMX bikes; picnic tables, too.
Wah Wah Soo County Park, on the northeast side of Otsego Lake, off Old 27 South - grills and picnicking with a buoyed swim area.
Mackinac Bridge
We are located less than an hour from the impressive bridge connecting the upper and lower peninsulas. The bridge stretches 5 miles and provides a scenic drive to the upper peninsula.
Mackinaw Island
Spend the day on Mackinaw Island and enrich yourself and your family with history. You'll find it all; from Military to Commerce to the Who's Who of days gone by. Take a carriage ride around the Island or a bicycle tour. They also make some pretty good fudge on the Island too!
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Check out the place where Shipwreck Legends come to life! This is a "must see" on your list of things to do while in Northern Michigan. Take a wonderful look into the past with video theatre scenic overlooks and more! See the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit with the bell that was recovered and on display in remembrance of the crew that was lost. For more information log onto their website or call 888-492-3747.
Water Sports
Located only a short distance from the shops and streets of downtown Gaylord is Otsego Lake. The county's largest and most popular lake, it's enjoyed by visitors and local residents alike. Nearly five miles in length and about one mile across at its widest point, Otsego Lake has the added attractions of a concrete boat ramp for day use at the Otsego Lake County Park and two major shoreline campground parks: Otsego Lake State Park; 732-5485, and Otsego Lake County Park; 731-6448.
Otsego County's beaches are perfect locations to beat the heat. With literally miles of public waters for swimmers and boaters to cool off in, Otsego County can keep the fun going as the temperatures rise.
Wah-Wah-Soo - off Old 27 South on Otsego Lake is only 1/2 mile from the campground and a great place to spend your day!
Alpine Village
Enjoy the Alpine Village motif of Gaylord , sister city to Pontresina, Switzerland. Gaylord is located in Otsego County where there are numerous restaurants and unique shops in this quaint city. Gaylord has many events through the year, including the annual Alpenfest held in July. There is a lot to see and do in Otsego County.
Mushroom Picking
In May, the morel mushroom brings flocks of tourists to Northern Michigan forests each year. Black morels appear in early May, and are followed by the rarer white morels in mid- to late May. Morels grow best in warm, wet conditions.
They may be found near stumps of dead elms, oak trees, beech-maple forests and old orchards. Mushroom hunters are advised to learn the characteristics of true (nonpoisonous) and false (poisonous) morels. Pickers are reminded to respect private property. Any questions can be directed to the Dept. of Natural Resources at 732-3541.
Golf
The Gaylord Golf Mecca marked its 20th year in 2007, and the greens of 22 courses continue to beckon golfers of all playing levels to their links.
Boasting 22 championship courses, four resort destinations and numerous awards from golf magazines and organizations, the Gaylord Golf Mecca provides plenty of great quality golf to match every style of play. For further details, call the Gaylord Information Center at 732-4000.
Fall Color Tour
The rolling countryside of Otsego County is ablaze with color during Mother Nature's autumn color extravaganza. The area usually hits its peak of color in early to mid-October. Hikers, motorists, horseback riders and mountain bikers travel along many picturesque scenic pathways in the area. The Gaylord Information Center at 125 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord; 732-4000, can provide various maps and directions for many popular routes. The fall color tour is a must-see when visiting Gaylord in the fall!
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve
Share in the exploration and discovery of Thunder Bay's historic shipwrecks. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary contains hundreds of shipwrecks. This is something that would interest the whole family!
Elk Viewing
Elk viewing is a popular pastime in Gaylord! Gaylord's City Elk Park The city of Gaylord maintains an elk herd and provides viewing areas for the public to stop and watch the impressive herd. Under the city's care the roughly 70 elk can be viewed from near the Elk's Lodge off Grandview at Elk View Park. The herd is contained on 108 acres. City staff feed the animals corn, hay and sugar beets, plus vitamins. The herd started with three elk 14 years ago, when a local nature center closed. Currently, a few of the bulls weigh well over 800 pounds and stand roughly 6' tall. The bulls will don their massive horns during the fall and winter, dropping them in the spring.
Campground News
2012 SEASON!
We have monthly sites still available! Wouldn't it be nice to have your camper all set up when you got here? Make us your home away from home!
Don't forget that we offer storage for your camper! Think of all the money you would save by not having to haul your camper!
Hey Cabin Campers!
We have been busy rearranging cabins! We have moved most of them closer to the bath house to make it more convenient for you! We have also upgraded some of our one room cabins with air conditioning and TV! "Roughing" it just became more fun!
Upcoming Events
Pavilion on Court Downtown Gaylord
Check back with us in March for the Pavilion schedule.
May 11th & 12th: Come Camp & Care With Us Weekend
This is our major fundraising weekend for the Kids Care Camps sponsored by KOA. You stay Friday night and get Saturday night FREE! But the real reason we do this is for the kids with cancer, so all proceeds this weekend will be donated to the Care Camps. Please be generous! We take donations for this all year long.
This is also Mother's Day weekend! Take Mom out and let her relax!
May 11-12 Starker-Mann Duathlon
Gaylord 800-345-8621
Go to www.3disciplines.com/events/may/starkermann for more information on registration, etc
May 19 Gaylord Antiques & Collectibles Market
Under The Pavilion, downtown Gaylord 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine! 989-732-5392
May 27th -30st: Memorial Day Weekend
Hey, it's the official start to the summer season! Let's be patriotic! We want to remember all those who fought to keep us free, so wave those flags proudly. Pool opens this weekend! Hayride, ice cream social, and candy hunt this weekend, too!
Farmers Market!
This is the start of the Farmer's Market under the Pavilion in downtown Gaylord! It will be every Saturday in June and beginning in July it will be every Wednesday and Saturday!
June 6-10 Otsego Lake Fly-In
Gaylord 989-731-6448
Parade of Planes ~ Take Off Contests ~ Spot Landing Contests ~ Bomb Drops (winds and weather permitting)
www.seaplanes.org
June 9-10 Free Fishing Weekend in the State of Michigan
It's the annual free fishing weekend in the State of Michigan!
June 15-17 Wings Over Gaylord Air Fair
Gaylord Regional Airport 989-732-4218
Enjoy the wide variety of vintage warbirds, modern military aircraft, high speed passes, aerobatics, civilian general aviation aircraft, and military and emergency ground vehicles!
It all starts with Big Band Night on the 15th!
http://www.wingsovergaylord.org
June 17th Father's Day
Take Dad camping for Father's Day weekend! Let him relax and show him how much you care about him!
June 29 - July 1st: July 4th Celebration!
Join us in a bike parade! Bring decorations for your bike or just wave your flag as you walk. Everyone is welcome no matter what the age! Decorate your site and show everyone how much we love our country. Candy hunt this weekend also!
June 30 4th of July Boat Parade & Fireworks
Otsego Lake, Gaylord 989-732-4000
July 7-14 National Cherry Festival
Traverse City, 800-968-3380
July 7 Mark Mellon Memorial Triathlon
For information go to www.markmellontri.com
July 17-21 48th Annual Alpenfest
Downtown Gaylord 989-732-6333
Get in on the fun!
www.gaylordalpenfest.com/
July 24-29 AuSable River Canoe Marathon
Grayling 989-348-4425
http://www.ausablecanoemarathon.org
August 3-4 Gaylord Downtown Sidewalk Sales!
Enjoy old fashioned, outdoor shopping throughout downtown Gaylord. A great opportunity to support our unique local merchants, shop for great deals, and enjoy Downtown Gaylord!
August 10-11 Michaywe Arts & Crafts Fair
Michaywe Resort Grounds Gaylord 989-939-8919
www.michaywe.com
August 25-26 Alpine Soccer Stampede Tournament
www.gaylordsoccer.com
August 19-25 Otsego County Fair
Otsego County Fairgrounds, Gaylord 989-732-3811
www.otsegocountyfairgrounds.org
August 25-26 Annual R/C Model Splash In
Otsego County Park 9:00 to 4:00
989-732-6521
September 2 Thunder Over Waters
5k Run & Walk, Pancake & Sausage Breakfast, Arts & Crafts Show, Parade, Waterball at the Fire Hall, Thunder Throw, Fireworks and much much more!
August 31 -September 3 Labor Day Weekend
Let's all relax and take it easy before school starts and while the weather is still nice. This is the last weekend for hayrides, ice cream socials and the candy hunt, so take advantage of the fun! The pool closes this weekend also, so get your splashing in!
September 3 Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk
Mackinaw City, St. Ignace
Join thousands of people and walk the "Mighty Mac"! You can get all the information on their website. http://www.mackinacbridge.org
September 8 Gaylord Antiques & Collectibles Market
Downtown Gaylord under the Pavilion, 9 am to 4 pm rain or shine! 989-732-5392 Enjoy shopping for unique things and have fun doing it!
Oktoberfest!
Dates TBD
Check out the bands, food and of course the beer tent!
989-732-4060
October 3 Moonlight Madness!
Visit Downtown Gaylord to participate in Moonlight Madness Sales. Grab your coat, purse and a friend or two and head downtown to check out the discounts at participating stores!
Prizes, lots of prizes! Donut holes, coffee, hot chocolate and more! At fantastic Moonlight Madness sale prices, you may want to pick up early Christmas gifts! Or just pick out something for yourself! It'll be a fun-filled evening!
