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Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness near Custer offers numerous pet-friendly camping options with varying amenities and accessibility. Dogs must remain on leash throughout the wilderness area, with several sites featuring picnic tables and established fire rings for overnight stays. Both the main campground and the dispersed camping areas along Green Road welcome pets without additional fees. The fenced area spans two acres for off-leash play and exercise. Riverside Park Campground provides water and electric hookups for pet owners, with primitive walk-in sites available for those seeking a more rustic experience with their animals. Campers report the staff is welcoming and helpful when it comes to accommodating pets.
Nearby Lake Michigan Recreation Area allows pets at all campsites with picnic tables and established fire pits, providing easy water access for dogs that enjoy swimming. Trails through the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness are particularly popular with dog owners, offering miles of pet-friendly hiking through varied terrain. During summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid hot sand that can burn paws. Seasonal campgrounds like Poncho's Pond RV Park maintain well-groomed pet exercise areas and enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances. Veterinary services are available in Ludington, approximately 15 minutes from most area campgrounds. The Pere Marquette River provides excellent cooling opportunities for pets during hot weather, with multiple access points from riverside campsites.
"It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes."
"You have easy access to Lake Hamlin and Lake Michigan for great swimming. Float down the creek to Lake Michigan or go hiking to the light house."
from $43 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The dunes provide moderate difficulty levels, despite being a relatively small park there are so many hidden trails one can take. Dispersed camping is allowed and pets are welcomed."
"Lake Michigan rec area is adjacent with beach access and trails to walk. Hamlin Lake at Ludington State Park is not far and has an interpretive canoe trail."
from $14 - $27 / night
Check Availability"Awesome beach and/or forest locations for camping! Spots near the parking are but also some spots you can hike to. Beautiful all around. And pet friendly!"
"A short walk from the camping loops, the dunes open to the amazing shore of Lake Michigan. Take a stroll on the sandy beaches or wade into the sandy-bottom cool waters of the lake."
from $40 - $115 / night
Check Availability"Great campsite with trails nearby and amazing fishing opportunities! Close to Baldwin!"
"Short 5-10 min walk from the river where we were able to see a ton of spawning salmon. Just be careful walking on the road, locals fly down it."
"Spent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road heading south."
"This was our first time trying out dispersed camping and this location was perfect! We loved being a short drive away from Lake Michigan and plenty of hiking trails."
"Close to Lake Michigan and very clean! Will definitely come back"
"Locally there is a few lighthouses, parks, views of Lake Michigan. Ludington Bay Brewing was an excellent place for dinner and a drink."
from $40 - $160 / night
Check Availability"There are a few trees among the tent sites but they are not very private and located near the garbage dumpsters/recycle bins and on a main exit thoroughfare. "
"Perfect to bring your pets. Nice pools and close enough to the state park to go tubing or a beach day at Lake Michigan. Everything is close so you are not missing anything."
"It also has a nice general store close by as well as a nice Bathroom area with large clean restrooms and showers."
"We could walk right from our campsite up the sandy hills to see Lake Michigan in the distance. We went paddle boarding and biking, hiking and swimming. There is just so much to do there."
from $48 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground, very close to Ludington and Lake Michigan Beaches. Well maintained and friendly staff too."
"There is a designated paved trail that runs right through the campground. You can easily ride bikes downtown where there is a large variety of restaurants and/or brewery. "
"Clean facilities and closely located to Lake Michigan. Only drawback was how close the sites were to each other."
"Awesome location for camping, and is right on Lake Michigan. However, there is no grass and is pretty much all sand. As long as that doesn’t bother you, you will have a great time camping here."
from $48 - $236 / night
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ScoutVery nice campground, Clean and well maintained and friendly office staff. Nice wooded trail (about 3/4 mile loop around the pond) for walking the pooches. There is a nice sized fenced dog park with potable water right there. Great little playground and bounce house for the kiddos.
LegendThis park is a very nice RV park. All 257 sites are full hook-up (with cable), level, and have paved patios and for a $2 up charge you can get a paved site. Our site was super long (over 100’) and had a nice view of the large pond. There is pretty good separation between sites and on one side of us were large bushes that added privacy from our neighbors and the adjacent pathway. There are tent sites set off along one area of the park near the bathrooms. There are a few trees among the tent sites but they are not very private and located near the garbage dumpsters/recycle bins and on a main exit thoroughfare. There are also three “haciendas” for rent.
One of my favorite features of the campground was the fitness center. Poncho and his wife are triathletes so the facility is top notch with weight machines, free weights, cycles, treadmills, elliptical, medicine balls, and lots of bands. There are three heated pool on the property – two outdoor and one indoor with and two spas. Since we were there in mid-October the outdoor pools were closed but the indoor hot tub and pool were open (albeit, super crowded on the weekend with kids). There are two laundry rooms and three bathrooms that are very modern and clean. One of the cable television stations displays security camera footage around the property which was nice because I could see how full the laundry was before carrying all my stuff there. There is a game room for kids, playground, shuffleboard, and a clubhouse. There is a stocked pond on the property but it is only for kids (17 and under) to fish in. Cable television yielded 55 channels and WiFi was available at our site with a decent signal. The campground is very well-maintained with nicely mowed grass. The grounds crew was always working but they were not annoying with constant loud machines. There is a railroad track that runs behind the park but it does not get a lot of use so the noise was not too bad. If you don’t want to be near the tracks, ask for a site away from the south side of the park. There is an off-leash dog park but it really is too small and narrow for big dogs.
The campground is very convenient to lots of shopping and restaurants and within walking distance of a McDonalds, fruit market, drug store and grocery. Downtown Ludington is only about five minutes away which has a cute downtown with shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Ludington State Park is about 15 minutes away and has miles and miles of hiking trails and beach access. There is also a city park downtown which is along Lake Michigan with beach access and lots of room for a nice walk (but dogs are not allowed). The office staff was super helpful pointed out places to hike and things to do for the weekend. Also loved that they gave us a choice of sites and let us drive around the campground (in their golf cart) and pick out the one we wanted.
We camped here in an RV and really couldn’t find anything we didn’t like about it. New customers get a 10% discount and during our stay we fell into low season and nightly rates were discounted 50%. So for $28/night we got a really nice site with lots of amenities in a great location. If you are looking for a nice RV park at a great price near a nice coastal Michigan town, give this place a try.
GuideThis place is FUN!!!
The campground in itself is a blast. The waterpark, playground, hammock area, swings, biggest sand box ever, all the activities, and can’t forget the ice cream shop!!!
Then add in ATV access from the campground, waterfront sites to park your jet skis, and horse rides onsite!!
We never really wanted to leave! The staff were awesome! The grounds are well maintained and they have the best grass. Lol
My only suggestion would be to put in a fenced in dog park, but other than that, this is a must stop if ever in the Silver Lake area.
ScoutThe Layout of the campground is great. Perfect to bring your pets. Nice pools and close enough to the state park to go tubing or a beach day at Lake Michigan. Everything is close so you are not missing anything.
GuideGreat little campground just on the outskirts of Cadillac. Great rates especially for full hookups. This was our first time at this park, we originally had a site next to the pool, but quickly realized our TT would not fit due to the trees. The front desk quickly changed our site and we were good to go. All sites were well maintained, they had a petting zoo (goats) and a store with a little game room in it. I would definitely come back.
LegendSilver lake is one of the most beautiful areas you can go in all of Michigan. With dunes of it's own, & a perfect, calm crystal lake - it's great for swimming, kayaking and photography. Holiday Park campground was on the south shore of the lake, had a swim area, boat launch, and was immaculate. Pets were allowed and sites were very level for trailers. All sites had electric hook ups and they are sectioned out by environment, like woods, lakeside, up on the ridge line, and there's even island sites. I prefer the lake and island sites if you can get them. There's something about waking up to that lake that is dreamy!
TravelerThis is a great little camp ground right on Lake Michigan. Pretty open so not a ton of privacy but a nice set up to meet new friends. The campground sits above the lake so be ready to trek up and and down a large set of stairs but the beach and views are worth it! Water, outhouses, ice and firewood available. No showers. Pet and family friendly.
TravelerAwesome beach and/or forest locations for camping! Spots near the parking are but also some spots you can hike to. Beautiful all around. And pet friendly!
TravelerPretty standard Michigan State Park campground. Nice staff. Park maintenance is currently building a wood fence to keep folks away from steep bluff edge. Views of Lake Michigan fairly limited. If these were improved, this would be a much more popular park. I was very disappointed that their stairs to beach had been eroded near its base so you could no longer access beach but had to drive to one of two local beaches. I stayed one night and unfortunately had to camp next to a group who had a very barky, anxious large dog. Some folks need to leave their poorly trained dogs at home.
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness camping sites provide diverse terrain for backpackers and tent campers in the Manistee National Forest. Located at approximately 900 feet elevation, the area features a unique ecosystem where forest meets shoreline dunes. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day while dropping into the 50s at night, creating comfortable camping conditions despite occasional high humidity.
Hiking through sand dunes: Access miles of unmarked trails through Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. "The dunes provide moderate difficulty levels, despite being a relatively small park there are so many hidden trails one can take. Dispersed camping is allowed and pets are welcomed," notes a visitor to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness.
Fishing in local waterways: Cast a line at Sulak Campground for walleye, pike, and bass. "Fishing access could not have been better. Was amazing to connect from the site directly to the North Country Trail," reports a camper at Sulak Campground. Sites are approximately 50 yards apart, offering privacy while maintaining river access.
Beach exploration: Lake Michigan's shoreline offers swimming and beachcombing opportunities. "A beautiful hidden gem. This was my first backpacking adventure and a wonderful experience. The hike from the parking lot is about a mile through some hilly sand so it was a nice little workout," shares a camper from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness.
Privacy and seclusion: Dispersed camping along Green Road offers quieter alternatives to established campgrounds. "Years ago I used to hike out to Nordhouse Dunes from the Nurnberg trailhead and it was amazing. Now when I go, I camp here and hike to the surrounding areas without having to listen to drunken ramblings of 9 other groups directly next to us," explains a camper at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road.
Convenient beach access: Lake Michigan Recreation Area provides direct pathways to shorelines. "Very short walk to the beach and very nice bathrooms. Also very close to Nordhouse Dunes but the beach accessed by the trail in this campground is very beautiful with dunes," shares a visitor at Lake Michigan Recreation Area.
Natural surroundings: Rustic sites offer immersion in woodland settings with minimal development. "Great, rustic sites that back up to the north country trail. Very spacious and more than 50 yards in between some of them," notes a camper at Sulak Campground. Most primitive sites have fire rings and vault toilets nearby.
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Prepare for self-sufficient camping when choosing non-developed areas. "This is a dispersed camping beginners and long-time backpackers can all enjoy. It's roughly a mile hike in to where the campsites begin, and there's a ton to choose from," reports a Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness camper.
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping often means fewer crowds but muddier conditions on access roads. "We went in mid september only stayed in this spot for a night. We took the 3rd open space i think. It was close to others but not too close. It is definitely around hunting land so wear bright colors if going during season," advises a visitor at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically between campgrounds and wilderness areas. "This area is the most conservative place I've camped (worse than Oconee River, GA), but as long as you keep to yourself at the campground, others will do the same," notes a Sulak Campground visitor. Cell service typically improves at higher elevation points.
Proximity to amenities: Choose campgrounds with bathroom facilities for easier trips with children. "There are rustic tent sites, tent sites with water/electric, water/electric for campers/RVs, and even a few cabins. There are plenty of activities for adults & children as well," reports a visitor at Kibby Creek Campground, which features two basketball courts, a volleyball court, and a pool.
Beach-friendly locations: Look for sites with gradual water access for safer swimming. "Beach is big and beautiful but you had to drive to get to it unless you love walking with a bunch of beach stuff in a bathing suit. Hamlin lake is close by and is a good spot for fishing," shares a camper at Pines Campground — Ludington State Park.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled events for children. "They had all kinds of activities going on including haunted hayrides, trick-or-treating, and site decorating contest. They offer golf cart rentals so you can cruise around the campground," notes a visitor at Poncho's Pond RV Park.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Many campgrounds have limited space for big rigs. "We vowed to return in a month and driving there now for a long Labor Day weekend. Quiet, though our site was adjacent to a trailhead. The forest is stunning and mesmerizing! 5 min hike to dunes/beach," reports a visitor to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road.
Access road conditions: Some dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. "This was our first time boondocking in this area. It was beautiful, especially in the fall. Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far," notes another Green Road camper.
Hookup availability: Determine your power and water needs before booking. "Not bad. Only 3 people here week of Memorial Day. Sites aren't bad. All will accommodate at 25ft RV and some a 30. Sites have picnic table and fire ring with cooking (rusty) thing over it," shares a Sulak Campground visitor about the pet friendly camping near Custer, Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Custer, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Custer, MI is Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Custer, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 186 dog-friendly camping locations near Custer, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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