Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Gaylord, MI

Otsego Lake State Park Campground permits pets throughout its family-oriented sites situated on the southern shores of Lake Otsego, approximately 10 minutes from Gaylord. The park maintains clean facilities with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections for RVs, while also accommodating tent campers and offering pet-friendly cabins. Gaylord KOA welcomes pets at its 100 campsites with designated pet areas and maintains a strict leash policy throughout the grounds. The campground is heavily used from Memorial Day through Labor Day, creating a busy atmosphere that may not appeal to campers seeking solitude with their pets. Both campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to modern restrooms with showers. Beaver Creek Resort and Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA also accept pets, with the latter featuring a clean, privately-owned campground on Bradford Lake with a nice beach area.

Nearby Pigeon River State Forest Campground offers more rustic pet-friendly camping options with vault toilets and drinking water but no electrical hookups, ideal for tent campers seeking a quieter experience with their dogs. The campground connects to hiking trails suitable for leashed pets. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground provides additional pet-friendly options with access to hiking paths through old-growth forest. The bike trail starting near Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA extends into Gaylord and offers excellent exercise opportunities for active dogs and their owners. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard pet policies requiring leashes no longer than six feet, proper waste disposal, and restrictions on leaving pets unattended. Campers report the Gaylord area campgrounds are generally well-maintained with clean facilities, though summer weekends can become crowded, potentially creating challenges for reactive dogs.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Gaylord, Michigan (158)

    1. Otsego Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-5485

    "Otsego Lake is a great campground. It's quiet for a state park, and the sites are roomy. The sites on the outer perimeter have large trees and some have water views."

    "A great campground about 20 min south of gaylord, on otsego lake, as with most michigan state parks they have nicely taken care of campsites and easy access to bathrooms, the beach from our site was a"

    2. Gaylord KOA

    10 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 939-8723

    $61 - $95 / night

    "While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."

    "The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."

    3. Otsego Lake County Park

    5 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 731-6448

    "This is a great campground South of Gaylord on Otsego Lake. I believe all sites have electric. The park is beautiful with a many sites having lake views."

    4. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-7068

    "A few trails walking distance from the campground.

    The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."

    "Some full hookups, unusual for Michigan state parks that I’ve seen."

    5. Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA

    4 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 731-0459

    $64 - $94 / night

    "This is a privately owned campground tucked away not far from Gaylord, MI. There are no laundry facilities onsite but the bathhouse is well maintained."

    "Sits on the shores of Big Bradford Lake which appears to be an all sports lake. The beach is very clean! Close to the ORV trails for those that enjoy off-roading."

    6. Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Vanderbilt, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The campground is right on a small but very pretty lake in the middle of Michigan’s elk country."

    "The sites are large but only a few are close to the lake and even those require taking a trail down to the water. The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim."

    7. Young State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Boyne City, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 582-7523

    "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."

    8. Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort

    2 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 470-7070

    $105 - $328 / night

    "Get ready, Gaylord! Alpen Bluffs is shaping up to be an incredible new resort destination in Otsego County, set to open its doors in May 2025."

    9. Beaver Creek Resort

    2 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-2459

    10. Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."

    "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."

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Showing results 1-10 of 158 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Gaylord, MI

805 Reviews of 158 Gaylord Campgrounds



Guide to Gaylord

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Gaylord, Michigan, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include spacious sites and amenities

Pet owners like the variety of activities available

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Gaylord

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 158 dog-friendly camping locations near Gaylord, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.