116 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camp Petosega's pet-friendly sites along Pickerel Lake accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays with water and electric hookups at nearly every site. The park's campsites feature a carpet of pine needles and leaves that keeps feet and gear fairly clean while camping with dogs. Several campgrounds near Alanson allow pets, including Petoskey KOA, Wilderness State Park, and Maple Bay State Forest Campground. Maple Bay Campground maintains clean facilities with lakeside sites that provide excellent views of Burt Lake where campers can anchor their boats just feet from where they sleep. Petoskey KOA's grounds are spotless and family-oriented with full hookup sites, though they tend to be tight for larger rigs.
Wilderness State Park offers year-round camping with pets, providing access to hiking trails where dogs must remain on leashes no longer than six feet. Dog owners should note that Maple Bay State Forest Campground has rustic facilities with pit toilets and water pumps, making it better suited for weekend stays rather than week-long camping trips. The Petoskey area features several pet-friendly trails, including a paved biking path running from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. Local veterinary services are available in Petoskey, approximately 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds in the area. During summer months, campers should be aware of mayflies hatching at lakeside sites like Maple Bay, and leeches in the water can be problematic for dogs that enjoy swimming.
"The beach was convenient to walk to and we enjoyed the 3 amazing fire work shows you can see on the 4th of July from the beach."
"We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Dog park and beach area for dogs. Large, grassy recreation area and nice playground. Park hosts on site with daily activities for campers. Town is nearby with restaurants, shopping, etc."
"Staff was helpful, neighbors were friendly, bathrooms were clean, and it's right on the lake! Very pet-friendly, very busy. Reserve in advance."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"There is an off-leash dog park but it was pretty small for our lab to get a good run in. The laundry was nice and clean but a bit expensive $2.25 per load. "
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on!"
"Beaches are not dog-friendly (as is the case throughout Michigan, although dog beaches are starting to make headway). There is a dark sky park nearby - don't bother."
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"There were nice trails to walk and we could see a light house off in the distance. Our dog really enjoyed swimming. If we are ever in the area again we will be back."
"This park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. "
"The best place to camp in northern Michigan. Should be more well known."
"Then, for $15 a night, we found this beauty along the northwest shore of Burt Lake, one of the larger inland lakes in northern Michigan. "
"Pros: Location! 25 minutes from Mackinaw City, 10 Minutes from Pellston for supplies. Right on Burt Lake. Clean pit toilets. Generally not too crowded."
"Even with families and dogs it’s very peaceful and relaxing. The vibe is contagious and all the neighbors are friendly and considerate."
"Close to stores, tubing, able to ride atv/utv in and out."
from $50 - $95 / night
Check Availability"We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"
"The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."
from $36 - $80 / night
Check Availability"A lot of geese tho, and my dog did get skunked. Also the spaces are Packed in pretty tight. Buts it a great location and it’s all about the water anyways!"
"Right on Mullett Lake, close to town for easy access to food, but really enjoyed kayaking lake"
from $36 - $56 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThe owners were constantly driving around and correcting people. Rules are okay but they were over the top. They would even stop and just stare at our site while we sat outside.. it was very odd. Also not kept up at all. The playground was old and my 30 lb dog slipped out from under the “dog park” fence because it was so high off the ground where they were allowed to be unleashed, luckily we got her and she’s ok.
GuideLarge, level electric sites. Very large campground in general. Since we were there in September and mid week, it was quiet. Bath house clean, but a bit outdated. Nice beach and swimming area. Dog park and beach area for dogs. Large, grassy recreation area and nice playground. Park hosts on site with daily activities for campers. Town is nearby with restaurants, shopping, etc. Burt Lake is stunning. Bring your kayaks, boats, and fishing gear.
ScoutWe spent a 4th of July weekend up in Petosky with our family. It was a perfect mixture of rustic modern camping. The facilities are nice and clean and the campground is well kept. Even on a busy holiday weekend it was so enjoyable. The beach was convenient to walk to and we enjoyed the 3 amazing fire work shows you can see on the 4th of July from the beach. The only downside is that no dogs are allowed on the beach which is kind of a bummer. There is a great dog park however in Petosky nearby.
LegendThis is a great campground if you like to bring your boat along too. We were able to tie our boat up and use it all weekend. The campground is beautiful with an awesome dog park as well.
LegendWooden Shoe Campground in Ellsworth, Michigan is a small campground set on a hill above Ellsworth Lake. This park is great if you want to sometime explore Michigan’s waterways. When we visited the park, it was about 25% full which made it very quiet and relaxing. There are some great sites that overlook the lake that are inviting for an evening fire and enjoying a pleasant view.
The park has 45 RV sites with water, 30 amp electric, cable TV, and internet. There are seven designated tent sites in a heavily wooded area with some glimpses of the lake. Some sites have a nice amount of shade while those towards the front of the park are more open and have a better water view. Picnic tables and fire pits are at each site. The main road throughout the park is paved, in good condition, and easily navigable with even large RV. There is a dump station at the entrance of the park that is easy to get in and out of. A camp host is on site. The price per night to stay here is $25 and they offer a super inexpensive price of $125/week. Reservations can be made by emailing a reservation request or calling the city.
The town of Ellsworth is quite small with a couple of shops and restaurant or two. The quaint coastal town of Charlevoix is 10 minutes away where you will find plenty of shopping, restaurants, a pretty harbor, weekly live music (in the summer), a farmers market and really great library with a large room that has a great selection of books for sale for a few bucks. The towns of Boyne City and Boyne Falls are about 20 miles away and also worth visiting if you have the time. For dog owners, Boyne city has an off-leash dog park and Boyne Falls has a large ski resort that is perfect for walking dogs in the summer. The larger town of Petoskey is about a 45 minute drive but well worth a visit.
If you want to “get away” and enjoy water activities this is a good place to come. There is a canoe/kayak boat launch just down the hill from the park that puts you in a narrow stretch of water that connects Lakes Ellsworth and Saint Clair. A short (approximately 1 mile) paddle into Lake Saint Claire lands you in a beautiful nature preserve administered by the Little Traverse Conservancy. Be sure to visit Friske’s Orchard which has a fruit stand, bakery with pizza and sandwiches, general store and petting zoo and is only six miles away on Rt. 31.
The good things about this park are the price, access to pretty water for kayaking/canoeing/fishing and the view from some of the sites. You are not too far from some of northern Michigan’s most popular towns yet only paying $25 night. The small size of this park gives it a quieter feel than some of the nearby state parks that have hundreds of sites. When we were there about half the campers appeared to be seasonal who come to enjoy the boating and fishing. Many of these people were not there during the week which made the park super quiet.
A couple dings for this park are that many of the sites are not level and even pitching a tent can be difficult. The bathroom/shower facilities are old and run down. The main bathhouse is located in the front of the park with port-a-potty’s scattered about. Some of the sites are close together and give a crowded feeling.
Overall, I would say this is an average park which is why it gets three stars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vBh0Dej5Ro
ScoutMake reservations early! This is a beautiful state park with the best of pure Michigan woods and Lake Huron sandy dunes and beaches . Very family and pet friendly but also quiet and peaceful for couples who just wanna get away . Only drawback is low signal cell service but hey getting off the grid is what’s its all about. Unplug and recharge yourself. Electric hook up availability 20/30 amp . Hiking and biking paths , a cute play ground , sandy beach with volleyball area all walking distance from campsites! Friendly staff , we love this park !
ScoutFriendly staff very accommodating. Pet friendly has small dog enclosure at front as well as mini golf and playgrounds. Lots of trees and wooded areas to feel more remote without the driving. Very peaceful.
ScoutVery friendly staff and clean park. Family friendly and pet friendly, beach was close by and clean. Reservations were very easy to make online and allows you to pick your site.
GuideEdit: as of right now this listing is all jacked up. Coordinates are incorrect, "French Farm Lake Road" on Google Maps or 45.7621519, -84.7673995 will get you there. There is no water, trash services, or showers. Just 6 primitive sites with fire pits
We first came to French Farm Lake Rd to do a hike while staying with a local Boondockers Welcome host. We were excited to find our first real free camping in Michigan, and so close to Mackinaw City.
We showed up late Wednesday morning and just perfectly timed it when a couple had been packing up their camp, as there are only 6 or so sites and all were full. The sites back by the boat launch seem better for large groups.
We took site #1, which is one of the better sites IMO. Don't forget to grab a registration sheet on your way in (found near the camping sign before site #1). I had very little issue backing in our 24 ft class c with a utility trailer (37 ft total), though I had to maneuver the trailer into an opening off to the right of our driveway, as to find a more level spot. Only had to use one block under each front tire to level, with plenty of room to pull forward to unload my motorcycle. Plenty of wood around for a fire, though people had firewood for sale on the roadside when driving into the area.
Beware of sandy roads and make sure to scout before pulling in with your big rig. There is one opportunity to turn around via a parking lot of the right hand side when first entering French Lake Rd. The next spot would be what I think are sites 3 & 4, which is a big wide open lot also on the right, and also very sandy. The last would be the boat launch area at the end of the road, though that could prove impossible if there are a bunch of vehicles parked back there. So scout on foot first.
There are a few sites that would accommodate big rigs, the only way to know is to come check. It's kinda frustrating to be in states without dispersed camping, because there are a few spots that I would deem worthy, but alas you must stick to the designated sites. There are plenty of spots for a quick night's sleep in a van or smaller RV, just beware of the ranger. I've only seen them out here in the afternoon so far though.
My review is mostly based off of what we've been able to find in the area, this campground would not score as high if it were in WA or somewhere with endless options.
And as per usual in the Midwest, bring plenty of mosquito and fly products. They weren't horrible at our campsite, but evening walks are definitely not happening again.
The lake isn't anything special by my books so we skipped paddling here, though there appeared to be people fishing if that's your gig. Tons of trails suitable for hiking or biking, again, nothing too exciting on that front.
Come check it out!
Pet-friendly campgrounds near Alanson offer access to Michigan's inland waterway system connecting Crooked Lake and Burt Lake to Lake Huron. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 80°F. Many campsites feature wooded areas alongside waterfront access, creating diverse options for travelers seeking both shade and lake activities.
Fossil hunting at Petoskey State Park: The beach features numerous Petoskey stones (fossilized coral) that visitors can collect along the shoreline. "We visited during summer, had a blast searching the shore for Petoskey Stones! The kids had a great time and we left with a good collection!" shares Becky P. from Petoskey State Park Campground.
Water exploration: The interconnected waterways near Alanson allow for extensive boating opportunities. At Aloha State Park Campground, Edmund P. notes, "Indian River is the best area to cruze on the water," making it ideal for kayaking and motorized water activities between the region's lakes.
Night sky viewing: The area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Wilderness State Park, visitors can experience Michigan's dark sky preserve. According to Tracie S., it's "the only dark park in Michigan. Beautiful expansive night views of the sky from the beach. Worth sleeping on the beach during meteor shows."
Biking the Little Traverse Wheelway: The paved trail runs 23.5 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix. Patrick S. describes the trail as easily accessible: "A short walk across the Little Traverse Wheelway bike trail that stretches 23.5 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix, put you on a small sandy beach begging you to find a few of the elusive Petoskey stones."
Lakeside camping sites: The region offers numerous spots where campers can stay directly near water. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, Kerry P. reports, "Lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Indian River RV Resort, Tracy K. observed, "We used the campground showers and they were clean and well maintained. Hosts were friendly and the store was stocked with most things you might need."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer ample room between sites. At Camp Petosega, Samantha D. noted, "The sites are beautiful! The site around Loop E are newer so there isn't much coverage but they're still really nice sizes and maintained well."
Fishing opportunities: The region's lakes provide good fishing options. Wesley R. from Burt Lake State Park mentions, "Many nice people to hang out with. I grew up in the area. The lakes and rivers are full of fish and the hunting is great!!"
Summer insects: Certain times of year bring higher insect activity. At Wilderness State Park Camping, Brittany B. warns, "Very buggy in June, come prepared." Similarly, Sarah B. at Maple Bay State Forest Campground reported, "Had a great time, except the mosquitos were horrible."
Variable site quality: Campground layouts and amenities vary widely. Brenda M. from Burt Lake State Park cautions, "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service. Bathrooms need updating."
Rustic facilities: Some state forest campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, Brittny B. explains, "This campground had some rustic features. The water pumps here did not drain well, the nearby dumpster did smell like a dead animal."
Water conditions: Lake conditions can affect swimming experience. Katie B. shares, "The water has leeches which was a pain with my 2 year old. She got one every time she went in the water," describing her experience at Maple Bay State Forest Campground.
Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Alanson feature play areas for children. Indian River RV Resort is described as "Very kid-friendly, including a large playground, a large heated swimming pool, plus volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, basketball and pickleball courts."
Beach safety considerations: Many lakefront sites have gradual entry. At Burt Lake State Park, Myron M. points out, "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too."
Seasonal activities: Look for campgrounds with organized events. According to Craig F. at Petoskey KOA, "We were here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest."
Pet-friendly beaches: Some campgrounds offer designated dog swimming areas. Chris M. from Burt Lake State Park notes they "Have a dog beach too," though cautions about "Lots of boats in that area of the beach not paying attention."
Varied hookup options: Sites range from primitive to full-service. Carol W. found Magnus Park Campground suitable for larger vehicles: "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping and a nice walk/bike trail along the bay."
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds have significantly different sections. At Aloha State Park Campground, one visitor explains, "There's 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly 'no camping pad' electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites."
Extension cord needs: Power locations may require planning. According to Brenda M., "Bring extension cords for the electric service" at Burt Lake State Park due to the unusual angled lot configurations.
Staff assistance: Some campgrounds provide parking support. Steve W. appreciated that at Indian River RV Resort "Staff escorts you to your site and lines you up with water/sewer. Will definitely return soon."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Alanson, MI is Petoskey State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.
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