Gaylord is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Michigan camping adventure.
"Michigan state parks can't be beat."
"There’s a ton of history on the logging industry of Michigan. Also there’s a wee church in the middle of the woods which is pretty cool."
"There are lots of beautiful rocks along the shore (know any rules before you take them: it is illegal to take more 25Ibs of rocks from a Michigan"
"The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
$20 / night
"Really enjoyed Fisherman’s Island on the shores of Lake Michigan!"
"Nearby towns of Gaylord and Boyne provided us with plenty to do, and only a couple hours to get to Sleeping Bear sand dunes."
"Lots of people, lots of dogs. People don't pick up the dog crap though which is unfortunate. Have great paths, boat launch, and beaches."
$15 - $20 / night
"We love Michigan outdoors! We chose paddling and camping the Big Manistee River."
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"Campground Review:** This very popular campground is a few miles from downtown Traverse City, on the edge of Grand Traverse East Bay, Lake Michigan"
GuideThis is a privately owned campground tucked away not far from Gaylord, MI. There are no laundry facilities onsite but the bathhouse is well maintained. It is located on a cool lake with a nice little beach.
LegendThis is a nice state park and campgrou nd on clear lake near Atlanta, MI. About 45 minutes from Gaylord. The lake was absolutely beautiful and super blue and clear. The beach at the state park was nice but not really a natural beach but the lake itself is naturally sandy.
GuideThis is a very pretty and well maintained family oriented State Park Campground that's situated on the southern shores of Lake Otsego. About 10 minutes from Gaylord. The lake has that touristy up north lake vibe. Campground is heavily used Memorial day through Labor day. No issues getting a data signal for my phone (T-mobile 5G).
If you're looking to get away from people, this isn't the campground for you. I personally prefer a more of a rustic, the less people the better, type campgrounds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Gaylord, Michigan, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gaylord, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gaylord, MI is Otsego Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gaylord, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 154 dog-friendly camping locations near Gaylord, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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