Petoskey State Park Campground provides pet-friendly camping near Lake Michigan with access to hiking trails and beach areas. All campsites throughout the wooded setting accommodate pets, though dogs are not permitted on the designated swimming beaches. The park offers both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, plus modern restrooms and shower facilities. Wilderness State Park Camping, located north of Conway, also welcomes pets at their cabins and campsites while providing access to expansive shoreline areas for walking dogs on leash. Camp Petosega features pet-friendly cabin options for those seeking more sheltered accommodations. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to remain on leashes no longer than six feet at all times and expect owners to clean up after their animals.
The Little Traverse Wheelway provides an excellent 26-mile paved trail system for exercising dogs while staying at area campgrounds. Many campers note that while dogs aren't allowed on designated swimming beaches, numerous shoreline areas permit leashed dogs for stone hunting and water access. Maple Bay State Forest Campground offers more primitive camping options with pets in a less developed setting. The Petoskey KOA welcomes pets at their cabin, tent, and RV sites with designated pet exercise areas. When camping with dogs in the region, visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters and changing weather conditions, especially in shoulder seasons. Local veterinary services are available in Petoskey and Harbor Springs for emergency care. Bathroom and shower facilities at most campgrounds are kept clean despite the challenges of sand and high traffic during summer months.
"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. "
"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 park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"The location makes this campground. Stayed 6 nights as it was so relaxing."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
$20 / night
"Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
"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."
$22 - $42 / night
"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."
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.
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!
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.
Camping options near Conway, Michigan range from primitive rustic sites to full-service campgrounds along inland lakes and Lake Michigan shores. The region experiences average summer highs of 75-80°F with cooler nights dropping to the 50s. Morning fog is common near the water, particularly during spring and fall months when temperature variations between water and air are greatest.
Petoskey stone hunting at beaches: At Petoskey State Park Campground, the beach provides prime locations for finding the state's iconic fossil. "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils," notes John K.
Night sky viewing: Wilderness State Park Camping offers exceptional stargazing opportunities away from city light pollution. "If you want to explore some gorgeous dark night skies in Northern Michigan, I suggest checking it out," recommends Amy G. The park opened a dark sky viewing area and campers often report spectacular night sky experiences.
Beach swimming: The shorelines provide various swimming options depending on water conditions. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so)," explains Myron M. The gradual drop-offs make these lakes particularly suitable for families with children.
Modern bathroom facilities: Camp Petosega receives high marks for its well-maintained facilities. "The shower building in Loop E is new and one of the best showers I've had well camping, all concrete, nice vent fans, heater to keep you warm, detachable shower head and overhead one," shares Samantha D.
Spacious, level sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at certain campgrounds. "The sites were shaded but not very private. Firewood and ice are available, as are showers and toilets," notes Kristin G. about Petoskey State Park Campground. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, "Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake," according to Kerry P.
Lake access and views: Magnus Park Campground provides proximity to water that campers consistently mention. "The campground is by the water and is set up mostly for campers. I'd visit again but would also look for another campground with more to do," notes Chad K. Many lakefront sites throughout the region offer direct water access for boating and swimming.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "Book early—it fills up fast!" advises Laura B. about Petoskey State Park Campground. Most state park reservations can be made six months in advance through the Michigan DNR reservation system.
Site variations within campgrounds: Even within the same facility, site quality and privacy can vary significantly. At Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, "There are plenty of sites all along the shore of Lake Michigan! It gave the illusion of our own private beach and even though we had a camper at the site next to ours it was still very private because of all the trees in between," shares Magy C.
Dog-friendly options: Most campgrounds near Conway welcome pets with standard restrictions. "Great place to bike, hike, run, camp, and even spend the day at the beach," mentions Randall M. about Petoskey State Park Campground. However, campground policies regarding dogs on beaches vary—some have designated pet areas while others prohibit pets from swimming beaches entirely.
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Conway include play areas for children. "Nice facilities and camp store. Lake Charlevoix sunsets rival the Caribbean. Breathtaking," shares Tracie S. about Young State Park Campground.
Beach safety awareness: Inland lakes typically offer calmer swimming conditions than Lake Michigan. "You are really close by way of a walking trail to town and the marina for boating or just to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the historical town," reports John K. about Petoskey State Park Campground, noting the proximity to town amenities that families might need.
Bug preparation essential: Northern Michigan can experience heavy insect activity, particularly in early summer. "Beware of poison ivy—it is everywhere. Extremely disappointed to find it all over the campground and site—but our site was fantastic," warns Laura B. Pack appropriate repellent and be prepared to check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Hookup limitations: Many state forest campgrounds have limited or no hookups available. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, "For tent campers this is a fine weekend spot. Burt lake is beautiful... Just understand the bare necessities of this campground with a beautiful view," advises Brittny B.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present leveling difficulties for larger rigs. "Maple Bay State Forest Campground has tiny campsites that are very uneven. We camp in a tent so that was not ideal," reports Katie B. Consider bringing extra leveling blocks for state forest campgrounds.
Length limitations vary: Check specific site dimensions before booking. At Petoskey KOA, "We were not a fan of this park... All of the sites were tiny and crammed together. I've been to a number of KOA's and this was one of my least favorites," warns Allison H. For larger RVs, prioritize campgrounds with pull-through sites or specifically designated big-rig friendly locations.
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