Looking to find an RV campground or tent campsite near Beaver Island that allows dogs? Finding a place to camp in Michigan with your dog is easier than ever. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Beaver Island's most popular destinations.
Wilderness State Park, located just 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, 20-plus miles of trails, a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach and unique camping opportunities. The park is also a designated dark sky preserve offering stellar views of the sky and is just 9 miles from Headlands Dark Sky Park (an Emmet County park).
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
$22 - $42 / night
Nestled on six miles of immaculate Lake Michigan shoreline, Fisherman’s Island State Park is a 2,600+ acre camping haven, located just outside downtown Charlevoix, MI. Thanks to low lake levels the island from the park’s namesake no longer exists. Over the course of 25 years, water fluctuations lead to the natural formation of a tombolo which now connects the island to mainland Michigan. The park itself consists of 80 homey campsites, 15 of which are nestled right on the dunes dotting the shoreline. Luckily, the campsites have lots of amenities. Many offer private, secluding camping right on the shore of Lake Michigan. Additionally, fires are allowed here, with firewood available as well. Furthermore, pets are permitted if on leash. Even better, full hookups are available for RVers. There are also showers, bathrooms, WiFi, public trash, and more. As a result of its wet geography, this region is known for its lush wildflower population. Vibrant flocks of Cardinal Flower, Beach Pea, Broadleaf Arrowhead, and many more varieties can be found all over the park’s rolling dunes and under the aspen and birch trees found scattered throughout. Even though there aren't specified recreation areas here, you really don’t need them. That’s because the campsites themselves are extremely well maintained, private, and perfect for anyone looking for a short trip away from urban life. Rustic camping is $16/night, and there is a 15 day consecutive night limit. That being said, MI residents can save money by purchasing a recreation passport during license plate renewal, which grants access to all MI state parks for free. Campsite reservations can be made 24/7 up to 6 months in advance on the Michigan State Park Website.
$20 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
$20 / night
This rustic campground is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. Most campsites have direct access to the shoreline. Part of the shoreline is composed of large rocks, but could be hiked with caution. Near the picnic area, on the east side of the campground, there is access to the day-use beach. The beach is sandy and provides a nice area to swim and walk along the shore. There is parking for day-use visitors adjacent to the picnic area. The picnic area has tables, a fire ring and a charcoal grill.
There are 42 sites for tent and small trailer use. Campsites 7 and 32 are pull-through sites. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 7.7 miles east of Naubinway via US-2.Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$15 / night
Petoskey State Park began its service as a public recreation area in 1934 as the Petosky Bathing Beach. Prior to that, the area was privately owned by a local tanning company. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, Poetoskey camping is a 300-acre park is popular for its mile-long sand beach and forested campgrounds. Within the park are nearly 3.5 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails that wander among the park’s wooded dunes. Summer months bring out scores of sunbathers, swimmers, paddlers, boaters and water skiers. The nearby towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs offer a variety of local arts and crafts shops, cafes and charming Victorian architecture.
The two campgrounds at Petoskey State Park offer 180 tent and RV sites situated among shady woods near the lakeshore. The Dunes Campground, on the north end of the park, has 80 smaller sites suitable for tent campers, while the Tannery Creek Campground, on the south end of the park, has 100 larger sites ideal for RVs and trailers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and electrical hookups, and there are restrooms, showers and drinking water available in both campgrounds; a dump station is located near the park entrance. Other park amenities include a picnic area, beach house and concession stand. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsite rates range from $33–$37/night, plus park entrance fee.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Brevoort Lake Campground stretches along the western shore of its namesake in the Hiawatha National Forest. This popular fishing destination is situated on a peninsula that juts into the lake and Beodne Bay. Visitors to the campground enjoy the easy access to the pristine sandy beaches.
The 4,233-acre Brevoort Lake provides ample opportunities for recreation. Boat access is available from the center of the campground on Boedne Bay. In 1985, the Forest Service completed the construction of a walleye spawning reef in Brevoort Lake, providing plentiful fishing in the area. Anglers can also expect healthy populations of pike, bass, perch and a variety of other fish. Hiking is also a popular pastime of visitors to the campground. The Ridge, Sand Dunes Cross Country and North Country National Scenic trails pass near the campground. A 10-minute ferry ride to Mackinac Island makes for an interesting day trip. The 3.8-acre island offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and shopping, as well as access to historical sites and museums, among other activities.
Campsites are somewhat secluded, surrounded by huge pine, hemlock and oak trees and low, shrubby vegetation. Beach grass grows along the lake shore, sometimes buried in light sand.
For facility specific information, please call (906) 373-2272.
St. Ignace, Michigan, about 20 miles east of the campground, offers historical and tourist attractions as well as grocery and gas services.
Please cancel 7 days in advance if you need to cancel your reservation. Reservation sites cannot be traded for walk-up sites.
$26 / night
Mackinac Island is the most spectacular destination in Michigan, and this KOA is a perfect location to stay. KOA offers great camping near Mackinac Island and Free shuttles to island ferries available. Mackinaw Campgrounds nature trail connects to a paved trail into Mackinaw City, where you can explore Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Or continue on the North Western State Trail for miles of hiking/biking. Rent a bike from KOA or bring your own. Use this KOA as a base camp for an easy trip across the Mackinac Bridge to Tahquamenon Falls, Soo Locks and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Lake Superior. Take a scenic drive through Tunnel of Trees. You're less than 2 miles from a Lake Michigan beach. After sightseeing, head back to KOA to enjoy the heated pool and a campfire. There are sites for everyone: pull thrus/full hookups, pop-ups, tents and Cabins. Cable TV/Wi-Fi available at sites. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 70 feet.
Legend
amazing views of the straits of Mackinac and the mighty Mac bridge! Absolutely loved camping here despite the nearly hurricane like wind and rain experienced overnight that ended up soaking all of my bedding. Bathroom and shower facility was nice and clean.
But seriously, the best thing this campground has to offer are the amazing views of the bridge from many of the campsites. I had a waterfront tent site with the best view and it was so inexpensive.
Traveler
stayed at campsite #2 twice in October. Behind the site is a full-size mattress, clothes, shoes, and a remnant of a tent - it looks like it has been there for a while. On the second visit to the same site, I found two 5-gallon pails off to the left in the brush, more trash, and a bottle with liquid in it. Also, the stump that someone left to be used as an additional table was missing. I usually pick up trash and leave the site better than I found it, but I did not dare touch the buckets or the bottle with the suspicious liquid in it. French Farm Lake Road is a beautiful area with the North Country Trail running through it but it seems some folks don't appreciate it. The other sites might be better "kept" (site #3 is sandy and looks like an RV was dragged out). Might go again because it is a nice secluded area.
Traveler
We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note:
- The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready.
- Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation.
- Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us!
- You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.
- Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.)
The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging.
I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw!
Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.)
We had no issues at all with wildlife.
There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system.
Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI.
We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly.
Happy camping!
GuideMost sites are all grass, but well maintained. Brand new, clean bathrooms and showers. Views of the lake and bridge can't get any better.
GuideThis campground was OK. Just on the north side of the bridge. The site we had was really small and close to others. It was a short walk down to the lake and a great view of the bridge. It was pretty expensive, we paid $39 + $11 for a Michigan park pass. The place was clean and the restrooms and showers were nice.
I don't think I'd go back. There are better places to camp in the upper peninsula.
Lots of bugs.
GuideWe stayed in a tight site with some not so friendly neighbors. Great views and average campground.
Traveler
We’ve stayed at Mackinac Millcreek a few times. Awesome campground, definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you’re planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they’ll put you in a good spot. Our first time to the campground was pretty funny, the whole camp ground was sold out. But they squeezed us in by the rally building and apologized about it being by the maintenance area. Turn out to be one of the best spots we’ve camped. There was a lot of partying, so it was perfect for us. But the rest of the campground is pretty chill.
Traveler
This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.
Traveler
The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.
Scout
The cleanest friendliest campground ever. Lots of canoe, kayak, and tube action going on. So much fun!
Guide
Great camp ground , large sites right on the lake
ScoutCampground was quaint and bathrooms were well attended to. Campsites were very small; your neighbor's sewer tube was right underneath your picnic table. Neighbors were quiet and respectful, but the campground was right off the highway with a lot of traffic noise.
Traveler
Quiet campground with feeling of privacy due to sites being wooded and spread out. Access to lake and to rustic pit toilets close by. Good potable water. Easy self check in.
TravelerDon’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles
Scout
Campground is older and I understand it was purchased a year ago. Some of the spaces are a little tight but managable. Hostess was very polite and helpfull! The last day they had updated the wifii and it worked great! Every site is close to the lake. We were there for 8 days and would stay there again. Didn’t use the bathrooms or the showers but they looked clean when I checked them out.
TravelerVery clean and very well ran and organized! Great staff will probably come back to this one
Scout
First timers. Very pleased with our stay. Reservation system is awesome, and easy to follow. Bathhouse was clean and fresh smelling. Even with all the rain we had during the stay, the bathhouse never got overly soiled. Water has a very heavy sulphor smell, but that's the way it goes with Michigan well water. Our Tear drop camper had fresh water on-board, so we were good to go. We've stayed at Young State Park across the way. Given what I know now, Whiting Park will be our"go to" park in the future. Again, Very Pleased.
Guide
Great location, right on the lake and awesome views. Also very convenient to North country Trail to ride or run up and down the Lakeshore on a paved path! Very close to town to walk in and see the sites. Stayed by the water treatment plant and I wouldn’t recommend the West End as you could smell the treatments. Bathrooms were clean and convenient location. Spaces were extremely close together! Many people stayed for the whole summer. It seemed like.
GuideLess than half full. Good non motorized boat launch. Nice forest, most sites well screened. 4 sites with great lake view, on little lake. kayaked around lake. No real navigable access to the larger Bevoort Lake or Lake Michigan. Quiet, no highway noise.
Guide
Only 60 to 75 percent full midweek in July. Most sites are first come first served. Most sites are separated by natural forest. Beautiful dunes and beach. Traffic noise from highway is an issue.
GuideSomewhere I read there might be lake views from the upper campground... Not with leaves on the trees. Follow the signs down a 500 foot trail to the surveyors lookout to see the bridge. Nice and wooded. You can hear the bridge and interstate traffic. Nice restrooms, showers. I will try lower campground next time.
Scout
Great spot very close to the lake and downtown Petoskey. Best of both worlds.
Scout
We really enjoyed this small, cozy campground. The sites are nicely spaced out for privacy. We stayed in site #15. It was very spacious and right near the bathrooms. Our only complaints are that there were some potholes in the road that could be filled in, and the mosquitoes were horrendous. No amount of bug spray or tiki candles helped. We will definitely be staying at this campground again the next time we visit the area.
Ranger
Our site was $99.89 night.
We were in Site# 98. We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep. The site was easy to level.
Our site was not shaded with limited trees (many were shaded though). This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.
This lot (a premium lot) comes with a concrete patio with a round table with four chairs, two Adirondack chairs and a fire pit and a charcoal box grill.
It is an easy access to the campground from highway -(approximately 1 mile from highway).
There is free WiFi. They offer Cable TV and there are many channels.
There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.
They sell wood for $7 a bundle.
They pickup your garbage at your site daily.
You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent regular bicycles and e-bikes. They do not provide golf cart rentals. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.
They do have a Swimming pool. There is a Playground. They also offer Gaga ball,horseshoe, and corn hole. There is a Reading lending library and board games to borrow.
They have a great general store. There is an electric car charging station. They sell propane.
There is not a snack bar/restaurant on site.
The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes.
There are great places to ride bikes outside of campground. From the campground, there is a nature trail that you can take your bike that leads you to the. North Western State Trail.
They have cabins for rent and tent areas.
They have one shower house. The shower house has individual showers. Toilets with sinks are in a shared bathroom. These are kept very clean.
There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility. There are approximately 5 washers and 5 dryers. It is approximately $2.50 to wash and $1.50 to dry a load.
They have a fenced in dog park.
Bugs (mosquitoes/flies)did not seem to be an issue.
There were trails to hike off of the campground.
Some fun things to do outside of the campground are go to the beach (1 mile away); visit Mackinac Island (both major ferries will transport you for free - this KOA provides you information for Shepler’s Ferry). Both ferries offer packages that include horse drawn carriage rides, Fort Mackinac admission, Island Hotel Admission, Butterfly House admission, Mystery Town admission, and Parking options). There is a Jack Pine Lumberjack show.
Guide
Certainly! Here’s a review for the campground:
I recently had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful campground next to Lake Huron, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The location is absolutely stunning, with beautiful lake views and easy beach access that made our stay truly memorable. The rates were very reasonable, providing great value for the exceptional amenities offered.
One of the highlights of our visit was the recreation and game area, which kept the whole family entertained. The facilities were well-maintained and offered a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.
What truly set this campground apart, though, was the staff. They were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. I was particularly touched by their kindness and attentiveness when my youngest daughter fell ill. They went above and beyond to ensure she was comfortable and that we had everything we needed.
Overall, I highly recommend this campground to anyone looking for a beautiful, affordable, and family-friendly place to stay by Lake Huron. We had a fantastic time and will definitely be returning!
LegendI love this state park. It is located right on beautiful lake charlevoix. The campground doesn't have any road noise. The beach is long and sandy and there are lots of hiking and biking trails.
GuideThe upper campground has new shower and restroom building
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Beaver Island, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Beaver Island, MI is Wilderness State Park Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 72 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Beaver Island, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 74 dog-friendly camping locations near Beaver Island, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
