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Old US-131 State Forest Campground permits leashed pets at its eleven rustic sites situated along the Manistee River. This woodland campground provides primitive camping with access to the North Country Trail and the Fife Lake Loop for hiking with dogs. Spring Lake State Forest Campground similarly welcomes pets with spacious sites that overlook the lake, offering sufficient space between campsites to ensure privacy while camping with furry companions. Backpackers completing the Fife Lake Loop frequently use this location as an overnight stop. Both campgrounds feature vault toilets and potable water from hand pumps. Manton Trails RV Park accepts pets at their tent sites, RV spots, and cabin accommodations, providing more amenities for those seeking less rustic options.
The North Country Trail runs directly through several pet-friendly campgrounds in the area, creating excellent hiking opportunities with dogs. Many sites have river or lake access where pets can cool off after trail adventures. Old US-131 serves as an ideal base camp for kayaking or canoeing the Manistee River with pets, as visitors can put in upriver and exit right at the campground. Sand Lakes Quiet Area permits pets at its backcountry tent sites, offering a more secluded free camping option. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard leash requirements and request campers clean up after their pets. The area becomes particularly quiet and peaceful for camping with dogs during September and October when fewer visitors are present but weather remains favorable for outdoor activities.
"Pets are allowed in the campground. The sites are a little tight, but if you are looking to hang out in Traverse City, this is a convenient location. Bathhouse was always well maintained."
"300+ sites, pet friendly, sites for all shapes and sizes. Open year round, with heated cabins. It's a great location, just across from Traverse Bay with just across the road."
"This is also a pet friendly campground, so there are many dogs. Probably one of my favorite parts was dodgeball... and the multiple bike trails that connect to the VASA trail system."
"We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness. This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."
"great spots near lakeside hiking nearby
quiet, hardly saw anyone"
"The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other."
"it was cold and rainy so we passed on hiking. we decided instead to drive around and explore the traverse city area and some of the dog friendly parts of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. had a great"
"There is plenty of walking area to get some exercise for yourself and dogs. I would highly recommend making this campground one to park your camper at!!!👍"
"This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
"It’s situated on Arbutus Lake in Traverse City, MI (my hometown). It’s a calm lake with easy same-day registration for camping."
"Campground is beautiful with access to the very clean lake and sandy beach, my pups loved going swimming. There is potable water via an old school hand pump and vault toilets and a dumpster."
"Pretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish."
"However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability
GuideNice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful
GuidePretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish. The north country trail runs right through the campground and you can also hike the fife lake loop here
TravelerW.O.W. This is the CLEANEST campground I have ever been to. Seriously not 1 cigarette but or candy wrapper on my site when I arrived. Picnic tables are freshly washed. Sites around#40 are spacious and shaded all day which was awesome. No mats allowed but it was great as the grass is green and lush. Store has apparel, camping tools, and ice cream. Kids ran there every day and it is affordable and friendly. Pool is super clean as well as the bathrooms. Loved the online check in process so there was no delays and we just pulled right into our site. If you have pets there is a fenced in dog park with pick up bags and mowed trails for daily walking or biking. We will be back!!! WIFI too!
Scoutwe first passed by this campground on a canoe trip along the manistee river, and flagged it to return to stay another time. we finally went last fall with our pup and had a really nice, peaceful weekend trip. our site was spacious and wooded, gorgeous colors in the fall. there aren't very many sites and they are spaced out well. only two other sites occupied all weekend.
it was cold and rainy so we passed on hiking. we decided instead to drive around and explore the traverse city area and some of the dog friendly parts of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. had a great time and would definitely recommend it
we were hoping to come back this spring and backpack the fife lake loop, with one night camping here. seems like a great spot for that kind of trip. coronavirus got in the way, but we might try again in the fall.
TravelerThis is a first come, first serve campground. No reservations can be made. However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop. It's about 10ish miles north of the southern portion of the loop and is the perfect place to spend the night before continuing the loop the next day. The water is kept on all year long and there are pit toilets available. Many sites overlook Spring Lake and make for beautiful scenery. The fire pits are perfect for a nice evening fire to enjoy. You can drive in as well, including bringing an RV or camper. There is sufficient space between sites to ensure privacy and solitude.
LegendThe location of this campground is great and it's best feature in my opinion! This park is just two miles to downtown Traverse City (one of Michigan’s most popular resort towns), a quarter mile from a pretty beach and the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan, and it sits along the TART Trail which is a 10.5-mile bicycle trail running through the city.
While the park is small at just 47 acres, it holds pretty many campsites – approximately 350 (and two cabins). Campsites are set among tall pine trees so there is a bit of shade but that also means that they are sandy with little grass. Roads are paved and narrow if you are trying to maneuver with a large (40+ RV) and you may have difficulty backing into your site with the numerous trees lining the road. All sites are back-in with electric. Sites and patios are sandy with varying degrees of levelness. There is a dump station and water spigots are scattered throughout the campground. Picnic tables and fire pits are at each site. Sites are $31/night ($49/night for the cabins) and reserveable online.
This park is right on US-31/M-72 which means there is easy access in and out but it can be noisy if your campsite is close to the road. Expect the campground to be very busy on weekends and in the summer and tightly packed.
Amenities include: picnic area, beach, fishing, hiking/bicycling trail, three bathhouses, playground area, camp store, pet walk (no off-leash dog park).
Outside of the park there is a lot to do in Traverse City. Early July is the ever-popular Cherry Festival which lasts for a week. But you better book your campsite early if you want to enjoy all the festivities (which happen to be close to the park). The summer farmers market is great and held every Wednesday and Saturday. Early in the season, asparagus is plentiful and locally-grown asparagus is the best you will ever have being super sweet, tender, and inexpensive. For beer drinkers, consider paddling the beer trail that takes you from Boardman Lake to Lake Michigan and past numerous breweries where you pull over for a pint. If it's ice cream you want, you have come to the right place. There are multiple creameries with Moomer's being our favorite and for some reason eating it right at the farm stand was the best.
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.
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
GuideWe have spent six weeks at this park for the last 6 years. We attend a horse show circuit near by. It is the creme de la creme of RV parks. The sites are individually owned (and leased out) and many of the owners have made their lots very nice. The park is limited to Class A, Fifth Wheels and Class C only. This park is dominated by big, very nice class A's.
We have a 5th wheel and have appreciated the amenities very much. Great wifi, curbside garbage pickup, trails, dog park, and many others. You are limited to 2 dogs, and they are very strict about leashes and picking up poop. But, that keeps the place looking nice.
We enjoy it very much and it is so close to the horse show, it cannot be beat. Because they are such a popular place to stay during the show (July - mid August), they sites book up a year in advance.
Fife Lake camping options sit at approximately 1,280 feet elevation in the northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan. This forested area contains multiple lakes connected by the North Country Trail and features sandy soil terrain that drains well even after rainfall. Camping facilities range from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities like vault toilets and hand pump water access.
Kayaking and canoeing access points: Old US-131 State Forest Campground offers direct river access where visitors can stage paddling trips. "We put in upriver a ways where there was parking and got out right at the campground. It was close enough that we could follow the trail along the river back to our car since we only had one," notes reviewer Tee Jay M.
Fishing opportunities: Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground provides access to an undeveloped lake perfect for anglers. "The lake is completely uninhibited and great for kayaking and fishing," writes Tom B. The clear waters support various fish species and limited development keeps pressure low.
Hiking connections: Multiple trail systems intersect near Fife Lake. "The NCT and Fife Lake Loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing," explains Matt T. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground. Many dog friendly campgrounds near Fife Lake connect directly to these trail networks.
Quiet off-season camping: Several pet-welcoming camping areas around Fife Lake become exceptionally peaceful in fall. "I love going around September so quiet a few people there loads of trails to walk on and people are very respectful I keep going every year," shares Larry K. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
Spacious wooded campsites: Most camping areas near Fife Lake feature well-separated sites under tree cover. "Sites are small and pretty close together but shaded with electric at site (134) and centrally located bathhouse with hot water and well kept," reports Colleen S. about Traverse City State Park.
Lakefront access: Whitewater Township Park Campground offers elevated sites with views. "We had a lake view site, but the view was blocked by the RV next to us which sucked. Get site 7, 8, or 9 for an unobstructed view of the lake," advises Sarah L., identifying optimal spots for scenic camping.
Weather considerations: September and October provide optimal conditions with fewer insects and moderate temperatures. "The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears," writes Maddy T. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area, though she warns about difficulties locating the actual campsite areas.
Registration systems vary: Most campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis with self-registration payment boxes. "No reservations can be made. However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop," explains Mark M. about Spring Lake State Forest Campground.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies throughout the area. "There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through," notes Maddy T. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area. Most forest campgrounds have limited connectivity.
Tick awareness: Forested areas harbor ticks during warm months. "Be aware the tick population has exploded," warns Erin F. about Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground. Regular tick checks are essential when camping with pets.
Look for campgrounds with activities: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive recreation options near Fife Lake. "This campground is great for what it is, a resort type campground with tons of activities and opportunities for fun. It is not a typical campground for people looking to get lost in the woods," explains Jay J.
Consider bathroom quality: Restroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms were well kept and showers were clean, although we had a hard time keeping hot water," notes Stephanie about Traverse City State Park, indicating intermittent hot water issues even at established facilities.
Pack for variable temperatures: Even summer nights can be cool in northern Michigan. "The sites are beautiful and spacious. The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend," suggests Sarah S. about Whitewater Township Park, with higher sites typically experiencing less temperature fluctuation.
Budget for additional fees: Dog friendly campgrounds near Fife Lake often have supplemental charges. "There are lots of little fees and also the showers are quarter operated (7 min per 25cents)," explains Sarah L. about Whitewater Township Park Campground, noting additional charges for firewood, boat launch, and extra tents.
RV site selection: Manton Trails RV Park offers spacious sites with electrical hookups. "Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," writes Jen L.
Dump station access: Limited sewer facilities exist at forest campgrounds. "There is a water and dump station along with nice restroom facilities with separate pay showers that are cleaned often," Jennifer B. notes about Whitewater Township Park, one of the few locations offering these services.
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones. The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," reports Michelle S. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fife Lake, MI is Traverse City State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.
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