16 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Hartwick Pines State Park Campground welcomes pets at all campsites, offering wooded privacy for dogs and their owners. Campers can choose from tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, or pet-friendly cabins throughout the park. Most sites feature ample trees for seclusion, creating natural boundaries between campsites that help reduce pet-to-pet interactions. Bathrooms and shower facilities remain consistently clean throughout the camping season. Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground provides another pet-friendly option with sites directly on the water, though interior sites may become swampy after rainfall. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet at all Michigan state parks and forest campgrounds, and owners must clean up after their pets. Recreation passports are required for entry to state facilities.
The AuSable River provides excellent opportunities for pet owners to enjoy water activities, with multiple pet-friendly campgrounds positioned along its banks. Dogs can accompany their owners on canoe or kayak trips, with Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground and Upper Manistee River campground serving as popular access points. Both locations feature rustic amenities including vault toilets and drinking water, but no electric hookups or shower facilities. Hiking trails throughout the region allow leashed dogs, with Hartwick Pines offering several walking paths directly from the campground. The old growth forest trail provides a serene environment for dogs and owners to explore together. For campers seeking full hookups with their pets, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Grayling and Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA both welcome pets and offer more extensive amenities including showers, sanitary dump stations, and trash service. Dog-friendly campgrounds near Grayling span a wide range of settings, making it straightforward to find a pet-friendly campsite whether you prefer riverside access or a wooded site with full hookups.
"There are many walking trails and bike trails too. So much history to be shared and learned about through this area."
"A few trails walking distance from the campground. The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $100 / night
"It is in a nice location with lakeside swimming and picnic tables while having the camping site close by. Campers are respectful and it is nice and quiet at night. Terrific park!"
"Sites are ok sized, bathroom was clean, biggest issue was right next to a main road so expect alot of highway noise if you're on the outermost part of the circle"
Available this weekend
from $36 - $60 / night
"We love Michigan outdoors! We chose paddling and camping the Big Manistee River. As is the expectation when we camp…there will be rain…and this outing was no different."
"the sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. some biting flies, especially near river (late june). multiple vault toilets and one water pump. sites are spacious enough for small campers"
from $15 - $20 / night
"Pet friendly."
"Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities!"
from $37 - $68 / night
"Most of the sites overlook the lake. It appears the park is upgrading its restrooms with one new, one relatively new and one older one. We enjoy the central location to places we like to visit."
"The location of the connection point for our site 75 is on the left side of site 77 and our cable could not reach. (See photo)."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $80 / night
"One of my favorite parks in Michigan. Beautiful beaches and always a fun week during Harvest Fest!"
"Higgins lake is beautiful. The water is less than waist deep for about 100 yards out and then drops off to about 90' deep. The water color is amazing when the sun is out."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $80 / night
"Being right on the lake was wonderful."
"The campground is conveniently located but this means it’s a very busy place."
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
"This campground is rustic and mid way between Grayling and Lucerne. The campground is generally quiet and practically deserted during the week. "
"Access to the river was good and the sites were a decent size with privacy in between. We enjoyed walking some of the nearby trails"
from $15 / night
"It is a smaller KOA surrounded by dense woods. Some trails and very close to Higginss Lake state parjs."
"Some family activities and trails. Surrounded by nice mature trees. Site 61 did take some time to get all leveled out almost didn't have enough blocks. But very nice once set up."
"The views along the 15 mile trail are second to none. There are about 15 camp sites. I would try and stay at 7b, 4b or the site next to the waterfall."
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
ScoutGreat campsite. Nice spot with solid fire ring. There was also connection so we could watch football
TravelerBeautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
GuideI was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
ScoutWe went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
TravelerThe 2 good things about this campground was the full hook up & the large site size. However, my site & a few surrounding sites smelled like sewage from the moment I stepped out of my truck. I couldn't sit outside to enjoy the "fresh" air or open my windows. The picnic table was backed against utility boxes, & the fire pit was within a few feet of the camper behind me. Supposedly there are 3 dog beaches. I found 1 that was a tiny spot with a little bit of sand. I walked over a mile to the park's edge following signs for another dog beach. It didn't exist. Dog beaches are not marked on the map.
GuideNice camp on the Sturgeon. Also on Old 27 which is good if you like white noise, good for getting out. Best because with the bike trail following river you can spot yourself canoeing and save big bucks.
GuideAwesome campground many sites waterfront or views. Long Lake campground on same access rd. Secluded yet 2 mi from Lake City. Very nice
RangerWe really enjoyed our stay at Young State Park. Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night. The park is also a great base for exploring the area—we biked to Boyne Falls/Boyne Mountain and SkyBridge, rockhounded along Lake Michigan in Charlevoix, and canoed the beautiful Jordan River with nearby Jordan Valley Outfitters.
The sites are very close together. We stayed Sunday–Wednesday late in the summer season and had several open sites around us, which gave us plenty of breathing room. I’m not sure I’d love it during peak summer when the campground is full, as I imagine it could feel pretty crowded. The bathhouses and showers were very clean, and the water pressure and temperature were heavenly after a day outdoors.
Reserving online was easy, and the staff at check-in were friendly and helpful. Firewood at the campground was pricey, but we found a nearby home selling various-sized loads for much less. We’d definitely camp here again—especially outside the busiest part of the summer season.
Grayling, Michigan sits at the intersection of two major rivers, the AuSable and Manistee, in the northern Lower Peninsula at an elevation of approximately 1,150 feet. The area's sandy soil and pine forests create ideal conditions for rustic camping, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F during peak camping season. Fall brings vibrant color changes to the region's hardwood forests alongside cooler nights that require warmer sleeping gear.
Hiking the Mason Tract: Access this 4,493-acre special management area from Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground, which connects directly to hiking trails. "There are a lot of fly-fisherman at this campground. Buy firewood from a stand on M-72 near the road to the campground. The dirt road from the hwy to the campground is really-really rough.. drive slow," notes Jessica V.
Fishing the South Branch: Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground provides direct river access for anglers. "This has been out camp for fishing on the South Branch for 20 years now. The access to the river is fantastic, with multiple trails and access points easily accessible with a short walk," shares Jeff P.
Swimming at Lake Margrethe: Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground offers clear water swimming options. "We like this place because they have a killer beach for swimming and wading. A good amount of the sites are water sites and some are up on a hill with really nice views," explains Kate K.
Off-road vehicle trails: Access nearby ORV trails directly from Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA. "Nice Campground, pretty well maintained. close enough to the ORV trails that you can ride to them from the park which is a huge bonus as many parks won't let you unload or ride out of the park," says Megan K.
Privacy between sites: Hartwick Pines State Park Campground offers spacious, well-separated camping spots. "Large wooded campground with nice sized sites, picnic table, fire ring, electric hook up, flush toilets, and year round activities," reports Rachel K.
Educational programs: Several campgrounds provide nature activities. "Hartwick Pines features old growth forest on the hiking trails, multiple ranger programs each week, hosts that give you coffee or hot chocolate in the morning, a beautiful visitor center and main trails," shares Lisa B.
Water recreation access: North Higgins Lake State Park Campground provides direct beach access. "The beach was nice, water is crystal clear. we will return in the future," notes Jay T.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds feature paved paths suitable for cycling. "Paved roads good for bike riding. Nice and level site. Well maintained grounds, with a fire pit and picnic table," says Joe S. about Hartwick Pines.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds. "Don't expect to make phone calls, the cell service (AT&T) was very spotty," warns Amy D. about North Higgins Lake. At Hartwick Pines, "State park, so no WiFi. AT&T is 1 bar," according to Joe S.
Noise considerations: Otsego Lake State Park Campground has road noise on certain sites. "The only drawback to this park is that it abuts a very busy road and can have a fair amount of road noise if you're on that side," notes Allison H.
Uneven terrain: Some sites require significant leveling. "Site 52 and sites in immediate area was over 12" out of level from front to back. Looked like our camper was doing a wheelie," warns Patrick about Otsego Lake State Park.
Water contamination alerts: Check current water quality before swimming. "On top of that, there is a health advisory about swallowing any of the foam in the water because of PFAS contamination," cautions a visitor to Lake Margrethe.
Look for themed weekends: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers special events. "I love going to the Halloween themed weekends with trick-or-treating at the campground. People decorate their sites, dress up, and hand out candy," shares Amanda L.
Seek out kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds cater specifically to families. "There is a pool, outdoor movies, horseshoes, inflatable blob (kids love the blob), putt putt, sand box, small bikes to rent and a nice store and lodge on site," recommends Brittny B. about Jellystone.
Choose campgrounds with biking paths: "Nice paved path through the campground, great for kids riding bikes around camp. They also have a playground with a cool old fashion slide," notes Amy K. about Otsego Lake State Park.
Scout beach access: "The beach is great, soft sand bottom, water was clear & cold! Sites can get messy since ground is a dirt/sand mix," warns Heather M. about North Higgins Lake State Park.
Book full hookup sites early: South Higgins Lake State Park Campground has limited full-service options. "Try to get a full hook up site if you can.....no line to dump on your way out!" advises Jessica.
Check site grades before reserving: "Several can be uneven. Bathrooms are new on the smaller side of the park," notes Andrea B. about Otsego Lake State Park.
Prepare for water access challenges: "Nice campground. Only thing that makes it 4 rather than 5 for me is lake access, required a drive or carrying everything on a lengthy hike," shares Stephanie about Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA.
Consider pet-friendly campgrounds year-round: Hartwick Pines offers pet-friendly camping in all seasons. "Open all year, nice park, big rig friendly, has full hookups. We enjoy hiking here," shares Cindy C., making it ideal for those seeking pet friendly camping near Grayling, Michigan during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Grayling, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Grayling, MI is Hartwick Pines State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Grayling, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 194 dog-friendly camping locations near Grayling, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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