Ely Lake Campground's rustic sites welcome pets year-round across its scenic waterfront and wooded areas. Tent and RV campers with dogs can access sites along the lake or in more secluded forested sections, with most offering direct trail access. TriPonds Family Camp Resort and Campit Outdoor Resort also accommodate pets at their cabin sites, providing options beyond traditional camping. Both locations feature designated pet exercise areas where dogs can socialize off-leash during daytime hours. Pet owners must maintain control of their animals at all times on campground property, and most locations limit pets to 2-3 per site. The county-operated Ely Lake enforces standard leash policies except in designated areas, with the benefit of miles of pet-friendly hiking trails encircling the lake. The campground attracts equestrian campers, creating a unique mixed-use environment for visitors with different animal interests.
The trail system connecting Ely Lake to surrounding Allegan State Game Area provides extensive dog walking opportunities with minimal restrictions. Dogs can access the small beach areas and swimming spots at most campgrounds, though each has specific boundaries for pet water access. Most campground reviews indicate consistent pet-friendly experiences with minimal complaints about noise or animal behavior. Seasonal campers note the low mosquito populations make evening dog walks particularly pleasant. The Fennville area supports camping with pets through accessible veterinary services in nearby Allegan and Holland, both within 30 minutes of most campgrounds. For supplies, South Haven and Saugatuck offer pet stores with camping-specific pet gear. Weather considerations include humid summer conditions requiring adequate pet hydration and cool spring/fall temperatures that may necessitate pet bedding for overnight comfort.
"What we liked: We loved that fact that this campground was so close to water and the nice paved path for walking and hiking trails in the main part of the campground. "
"The Lake Macatawa campground is across the street from a small beach on the Macatawa Lake. This is a wooded campground. The sites are pretty tight as is usual for a Michigan State Park."
$18 / night
"No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails."
"Lived in Michigan for most of my life and frequently visited and camped here as a youth. This is primarily a primitive campground with porto- pottys. Usually pretty clean."
"They also have a pool, jump pad, playground, climbing wall, mini golf and petting zoo. We stayed on their Halloween weekend and it was packed full of activities for the kids."
"The roads around the campground are paved and great for bike riding, skateboarding, scooters, or just taking a walk. They deliver firewood to your site, which is a plus."
"The beach and local walks are great. The pier is beautiful, lots of Fisher man. Very cute town. Camping was great, we were pretty close to the people next to us. It was all good though."
"Not only is it a short distance from our home but it is a short walk to Lake Michigan! The campground has tree-lined lots and some of the loops are very wooded."
$22 - $68 / night
"They have a dog park and trails on the property with a longer bike trail that runs alongside the campground. They had a band one night and an ice cream truck come through the next. Would recommend!"
"It had grass for our dog and beautiful star gazing. The cabins were in their own section. The RVS and campers circled around the bathroom house."
$75 - $145 / night
"It’s close to the river but set back far enough so that during a downpour you won’t be worrying and the drive to get to the site is quaint and peaceful. Will come back!"
"It also has great trails for walking. It had air mattresses made up with sheets and blankets, all the firewood provided, a grill full of charcoal. A great way to enjoy the outdoors!!!"
$10 - $395 / night
"The location was so nice for beach going. We had a short bike ride to Lake Michigan. There are places to eat along the way and a well sweet little general store."
"Family of 5 (3 kids under 6) looking for a reasonably close place to Lake Michigan. Oak Grove was the perfect stay for us!"
$48 - $52 / night
"Campsites are easy to get into with plenty of room to get situated. Close to town and fairly short drive to Lake Michigan."
"Searching for a 1 night space on the michigan lake we had to look more around and find this wonderful campground. Just 10 minutes away to downtown Holland and only 20 minutes away of the beach."
"Very typical of Michigan state parks. Tight sites with a nice fire ring. Great location with a walking path to Lake Michigan. Close to downtown Holland. Nice bathrooms and clean showers."
"This campground is close to Lake Michigan and lake Mac . Also convent access to town by car. Not my favorite sites(where are stayed) on the west end are small."
TravelerDefinitely the best camp ground in West Michigan! Clean sites, friendly staff, and many amenities. Camp store, laundry, showers and bathrooms, huge pool, hot tub, pickle ball courts, kids play ground, bikes, scooters, and kayaks for rent (with a kayak launch) and boat slips on the water. They have access to a dog park as well. Home away from home!
LegendHolland State Park is popular for its expansive sandy beach along Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa where swimming, sun bathing, fishing, and boating are popular activities. Holland SP has two campgrounds – the Lake Macatawa Unit and the Beach Campground (which is where we stayed and the focus of this review). The Beach Campground is essentially a parking lot as the sites, patios and roads are paved with little grass among them. It is nestled between dunes which adds to the scenic value and blocks the strong winds coming off of Lake Michigan. The Lake Unit campground is much larger (211 campsites) than the Beach Campground and has more of a state park feel with trees, grass, and fire pits.
Site description:
The Beach Campground has 98 RV sites of which 31 are 50 amp full hook-up and two camper cabins. Some sites towards the northern section of the park have great views of Lake Michigan but be warned that strong winds can come off the lake and really shake your RV. When we were there in early May the winds were very strong with blowing sand which made us really glad we were not near the water.
Campsites are plenty wide to fit your RV with slide outs and car next to it without feeling cramped. Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose. All sites were level. Every site has a picnic table. There are no fire pits at individual sites but community ones are located near the beach and you are permitted to use your own fire pit if you have one.
We were able to get nearly two dozen television stations with our antenna and had no problem locking into a satellite with our roof-mounted dish. Verizon phone and hotspot worked well.
So is this park big rig-friendly? In general, yes. Our site was certainly long (and wide) enough to fit our RV and the tow car next to it. However, we did have the back five feet overhanging the sand at the back of the site. This was no problem for us because our stabilizing jacks are in between our back tires. We were also there at a time when the park was fairly empty so backing in and pulling out was no problem. The sites are all set at an angle to the main road which makes backing easier.
Campground amenities:
By far the beach is the biggest draw to the campground. The wide beach lures sunbathers out in warm weather and is popular for a walk at sunset. There is a playground, picnic area, community fire pits, dump station, boat launch and concession stand. There is one restroom/shower house that was very clean but no laundry facilities.
What we liked:
We loved that fact that this campground was so close to water and the nice paved path for walking and hiking trails in the main part of the campground. Within 50 yards from our site we could be walking along Lake Macatawa or along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. The beach is wide and expansive and is the place to be for awesome sunsets. When we were there the beach was not crowded because it was cold and windy but it would be a great place to enjoy a good book under an umbrella. Definitely liked the fact that this was a full hook-up state park with level sites.
What we didn’t like:
The park is essentially a parking lot with little grass and trees. What really surprised us was how many cars drove through the campground that were not staying there. There apparently are no restrictions on who drives through the park so many day-use visitors came by just for a look resulting in unnecessary traffic.
Be advised there is a “no alcohol” policy in the park and campground and you have to sign a piece of paper saying you will abide by that rule. The rule states that “Possessing or consuming alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park throughout the entire year” even inside your RV.
In order to enter the state park you must have a Michigan Recreation Passport which costs $32 for an annual non-resident OR you have to pay $11/day to enter the park even if you are camped there.
Pet:
There are plenty of places to walk dogs here and access points to water if your dog likes to swim. Unfortunately, they are not allowed on the beach but there is a long walking path and within the main part of the park are miles of hiking trails and a nice overlook. This park does not have an unleashed dog park; however, there is one within five miles at the fairgrounds.
ScoutClean and nice little park with a cool "trading post" with nice merchandise, snacks and food. They have a dog park and trails on the property with a longer bike trail that runs alongside the campground. They had a band one night and an ice cream truck come through the next. Would recommend!
GuideI grew up coming here and they had expanded a lot on it in the last few years. You will never be bored and it is a true resort feeling, you will forget your camping! They have themed weekends filled with activities for both adults and children and have a pool, pizza and ice cream, jumping pillow, clubhouse, fishing, playground, dog park, and so much more!
ScoutThe staff is very friendly and helpful. There are activities for young and old and everyone in between. The showers are clean and spacious. They have campsites to meet everyone's desires. Pets are welcome here with two fenced dog runs and trails to keep the owners exercised. I love this place and have made it a regular stop.
GuideGreat family campground - Paired with the area offers many options!
With mostly modern sites situated in hardwoods, pines, or a mixture, we stayed in the hardwoods area; however, my kids would have enjoyed the pines better for it appeared to have hammock hanging at almost every site. Well-maintained and clean restrooms had soda vending machines.
Children's play area with equipment and activity field, where several kites were hoisted high into the air, were great. Gillette Visitor Center in the State Park area about 1/4 mile away offers Explorer and interpretive programs Tuesday through Saturday, with topics ranging from nature history/preservation to information on wildlife. We enjoyed the spider and bear presentations most, but maybe that is because I have all boys! The campground beach, only a 5 - 10 minute walk from any site, was awesome! While there wasn't a lifeguard, I appreciated the "flag system" advising how safe the water is each day. Unfortunately, a red flag was flying on our visit, so we only waded at the water's edge- but - still cool to lay out on the sugar-like sand and walk its 3 mile length! I do regret not making it back to the beach for sunset as our camping neighbors RAVED about it the following morning!
My favorite part of this campground was the trails. In addition to several trails within the campground (the one along the creek was especially loved!), many more can be accessed in the state park, which contains over ten miles of trails in its 1,200 acres. Trails to dunes, beach, and other parks as well as dune preserve: all well-marked and vary in difficulty, weaving through pine and hardwood forests nestled among dunes. Plus, the adjoining North Ottawa Dune Preserve offers an additional ten miles of trails! OMG - what a phenomenal place for a walk in the woods or trail running! One of our walks was up a 5-story staircase near the nature center, leading to an observation platform with expansive views of majestic dunes and Lake Michigan. I was impressed that a portion was barrier-free.
Some family ventured into nearby towns of Muskegon, Spring Lake, and Grand Haven to experience what they had to offer: shops, museums, World War II boats, piers to walk, and several craft breweries - all 15 minutes away! Our dogs enjoyed the visit to the unleashed dog park at Coast Guard Park that is a ten-minute drive or a five-mile walk through the trails.
Logistics to note: Campground sells ice - $2/7# bag and wood/$5.50 a bundle. We quickly realized that residences outside the park sold it at $5 for larger bundles. Area grocery stores include a Meijer superstore and Leppinks grocery. We preferred Leppinks for the quick trip and Meijer for items beyond groceries, such as that forgotten bathing suit or a propane tank for the grill. While we don't have a big rig, I did notice the backup of campers at the two campground dump stations Sunday before 1pm checkout. Being a state park, Hoffmaster requires vehicles have a recreation passport to enter ($11/year -residents and $32/year -non-residents or a daily rate of $9). No alcoholic beverages between April 15 and Labor Day.
I talked to a ranger about coming back later this year, and he told me it is best to book months ahead for weekends because they fill up at the beginning of summer; however, cancellations are not uncommon, so watch the DNR site for openings. Weekdays usually have availability, especially the first half of the summer. He added that a great time to visit would be the weekend before Halloween as they encourage people to decorate their sites, wear costumes, and participate in trick or treating on Saturday night.
ScoutThis is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!
Guide29 campsites pretty close together with old growth trees interspersed around the campground. Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach. No longer has primitive camping. Some hiking trails...short. is next to a busy road, so traffic all night. Staff was great! Showers and bathrooms cleaned multiple times a day. Pet friendly. Would stay here again!
ScoutEnjoyed the fall, clean open camping. Level site, fire ring and pets welcome.
Camping options near Fennville, Michigan center around the Allegan State Game Area, which encompasses over 50,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest and wetlands. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that produces warm summers and cold winters with lake effect snow. Most campgrounds in this region operate from April through October, though several rustic sites remain open year-round with limited services during winter months.
Fishing in multiple ponds: TriPonds Family Camp Resort offers excellent fishing opportunities with catch-and-release bass fishing. "Fishing pond has a lot of bass. My son has caught one every time we've been here. Catch and release only," reports Clint in a January 2022 review.
Bike the Kal-Haven Trail: Accessible directly from Kal-Haven Outpost, this 33-mile trail runs between South Haven and Kalamazoo. "We brought our bikes and use the trail for several miles. It was so peaceful and relaxing, and a great way to get away," according to James W.
Kayak the Kalamazoo River: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite offers river access sites. "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for," notes Jeremy K., highlighting the abundant wildlife viewing along the river.
Equestrian trails exploration: Many trails throughout the Allegan Forest accommodate horses. Dutch Treat Camping has gravel access roads connecting to nearby riding areas where campers can bring their own horses to explore the network of sandy trails that wind through the oak-hickory forest.
Clean shower facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a major plus at many locations. "The showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded," writes Olivia S. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park near South Haven.
Affordable rustic camping: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the year-round rustic options. "Been coming here since 1969 when I was 4 yrs. old. Nothing changed, just good ole wilderness camping!" James C. wrote about Ely Lake Campground, highlighting its unchanged rustic appeal.
Lakefront sites: Beach access ranks high for summer visitors. "We enjoyed this quiet, secluded campground in South Haven. Our site was on a corner lot and couldn't have been more perfect for our stay," says Heather Q. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Pet exercise areas: Most campgrounds accommodate pets with specific areas for walking and exercise. The trail systems connecting to surrounding public lands provide extensive dog-walking networks with minimal restrictions on leashed pets.
Campground reservations timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is a tough park to get into in the warm months. The back up to get in is crazy," notes Cynthia K. about Beach Campground at Holland State Park.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
Varying water access: Lake and pond access differs by campground. Some offer swimming beaches while others only permit fishing. Water levels can fluctuate seasonally affecting shorelines and swimming areas.
Noise levels vary dramatically: Weekends often bring larger crowds and more activity. "Unfortunately, tents have to be on pavement and weighted down because stakes can't be put in. Sites don't have fire pits either," reports Aakifah A. about Beach Campground, noting important site limitations.
Planned activities: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Fennville offer scheduled events. "We stayed on their Halloween weekend and it was packed full of activities for the kids. Many people in the campground decorated their sites Halloween themed," reports Clint about TriPonds Family Camp Resort.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas. "Swim options are a swimming pool and ponds (big dipper & small dipper). There is a putt-putt course, farm animals to feed, and a little store that serves ice cream," lisa B. shares about TriPonds.
Site selection for privacy: Wooded sites offer more separation between neighbors. "The tent camping (where we stayed) had the largest campsite I've ever camped on for tents. You can choose between no shade, some shade, or deep woods," notes a reviewer about Kal-Haven Outpost.
Pet-friendly trails: Most campgrounds connect to trail networks suitable for family hikes with leashed dogs. Allegan Forest trails typically allow pets but may have seasonal restrictions during hunting seasons.
Site surface considerations: Oak Grove Resort & Campground receives high marks for level sites. "Nice sites. The location was so nice for beach going. We had a short bike ride to Lake Michigan," Melissa S. explains about the convenient location and quality sites.
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer complete utility connections. "Sites are plenty wide to fit your RV with slide outs and car next to it without feeling cramped. Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose," notes one experienced RVer.
Seasonal site availability: Several campgrounds offer seasonal options for longer stays. Ask about monthly rates which can provide substantial savings for extended visits during summer months.
Park layout navigation: "All spots are pull through. And all spots are close to the bathrooms," explains Kit S. about Kal-Haven Outpost, highlighting the convenience of the campground layout for easy RV access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Fennville, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fennville, MI is Beach Campground — Holland State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Fennville, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Fennville, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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