Looking for the best options for camping with dogs near Indian River? Find the best sites near Indian River where you bring your dog and enjoy a scenic view. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your Michigan camping excursion.
Wilderness State Park, located just 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, 20-plus miles of trails, a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach and unique camping opportunities. The park is also a designated dark sky preserve offering stellar views of the sky and is just 9 miles from Headlands Dark Sky Park (an Emmet County park).
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
$22 - $42 / night
Petoskey State Park began its service as a public recreation area in 1934 as the Petosky Bathing Beach. Prior to that, the area was privately owned by a local tanning company. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, Poetoskey camping is a 300-acre park is popular for its mile-long sand beach and forested campgrounds. Within the park are nearly 3.5 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails that wander among the park’s wooded dunes. Summer months bring out scores of sunbathers, swimmers, paddlers, boaters and water skiers. The nearby towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs offer a variety of local arts and crafts shops, cafes and charming Victorian architecture.
The two campgrounds at Petoskey State Park offer 180 tent and RV sites situated among shady woods near the lakeshore. The Dunes Campground, on the north end of the park, has 80 smaller sites suitable for tent campers, while the Tannery Creek Campground, on the south end of the park, has 100 larger sites ideal for RVs and trailers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and electrical hookups, and there are restrooms, showers and drinking water available in both campgrounds; a dump station is located near the park entrance. Other park amenities include a picnic area, beach house and concession stand. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsite rates range from $33–$37/night, plus park entrance fee.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
$30 - $34 / night
Mackinac Island is the most spectacular destination in Michigan, and this KOA is a perfect location to stay. KOA offers great camping near Mackinac Island and Free shuttles to island ferries available. Mackinaw Campgrounds nature trail connects to a paved trail into Mackinaw City, where you can explore Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Or continue on the North Western State Trail for miles of hiking/biking. Rent a bike from KOA or bring your own. Use this KOA as a base camp for an easy trip across the Mackinac Bridge to Tahquamenon Falls, Soo Locks and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Lake Superior. Take a scenic drive through Tunnel of Trees. You're less than 2 miles from a Lake Michigan beach. After sightseeing, head back to KOA to enjoy the heated pool and a campfire. There are sites for everyone: pull thrus/full hookups, pop-ups, tents and Cabins. Cable TV/Wi-Fi available at sites. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 70 feet.
Nestled on six miles of immaculate Lake Michigan shoreline, Fisherman’s Island State Park is a 2,600+ acre camping haven, located just outside downtown Charlevoix, MI. Thanks to low lake levels the island from the park’s namesake no longer exists. Over the course of 25 years, water fluctuations lead to the natural formation of a tombolo which now connects the island to mainland Michigan. The park itself consists of 80 homey campsites, 15 of which are nestled right on the dunes dotting the shoreline. Luckily, the campsites have lots of amenities. Many offer private, secluding camping right on the shore of Lake Michigan. Additionally, fires are allowed here, with firewood available as well. Furthermore, pets are permitted if on leash. Even better, full hookups are available for RVers. There are also showers, bathrooms, WiFi, public trash, and more. As a result of its wet geography, this region is known for its lush wildflower population. Vibrant flocks of Cardinal Flower, Beach Pea, Broadleaf Arrowhead, and many more varieties can be found all over the park’s rolling dunes and under the aspen and birch trees found scattered throughout. Even though there aren't specified recreation areas here, you really don’t need them. That’s because the campsites themselves are extremely well maintained, private, and perfect for anyone looking for a short trip away from urban life. Rustic camping is $16/night, and there is a 15 day consecutive night limit. That being said, MI residents can save money by purchasing a recreation passport during license plate renewal, which grants access to all MI state parks for free. Campsite reservations can be made 24/7 up to 6 months in advance on the Michigan State Park Website.
$20 / night
This spectacular KOA is located in beautiful Northwest Michigan. The park is rated #1 in Michigan by Trailer Life and it is among the highest rated RV Parks in North America. Lake Michigan and sand dunes are just minutes away and the refreshing breezes rustle through the cedar, pine and maple trees at the resort. The romantic "million dollar" sunsets will give you goose bumps as you watch the sun sink into the lake. The unique park layout weaves sites into the natural landscape. Flowers and landscaping adorn every corner of the tranquil 30 acre setting. Each of our spacious 160 RV sites has a level paved parking area and large, clean concrete patio for relaxing with your family. The resort's cozy log Camping cabins are nestled among the trees. We also offer deluxe camping cottages, lodges and studios, which include bathroom and kitchen amenities. We offer a full slate of activities including educational nature events, movies, bingo and Saturday breakfast in our Cafe. Within minutes lie local golf, restaurants, beaches, bike trails and shopping. Easy day trips include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lighthouse Museum, Mackinac Island and many more nearby destinations. Our outstanding staff takes pride in offering service to our visitors that is second to none. The Rose Family invites you to visit the Petoskey KOA. "For a place you will always remember and a vacation you will never forget."
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Legend
amazing views of the straits of Mackinac and the mighty Mac bridge! Absolutely loved camping here despite the nearly hurricane like wind and rain experienced overnight that ended up soaking all of my bedding. Bathroom and shower facility was nice and clean.
But seriously, the best thing this campground has to offer are the amazing views of the bridge from many of the campsites. I had a waterfront tent site with the best view and it was so inexpensive.
Scout
Visit Hoeft every year for group camping weekend. Perfect weather, nice spacing of sites, great access to the beach. Site 33 is not a favorite. Quite small, backed up to poison ivy and quite close to a neighbor site.
Traveler
stayed at campsite #2 twice in October. Behind the site is a full-size mattress, clothes, shoes, and a remnant of a tent - it looks like it has been there for a while. On the second visit to the same site, I found two 5-gallon pails off to the left in the brush, more trash, and a bottle with liquid in it. Also, the stump that someone left to be used as an additional table was missing. I usually pick up trash and leave the site better than I found it, but I did not dare touch the buckets or the bottle with the suspicious liquid in it. French Farm Lake Road is a beautiful area with the North Country Trail running through it but it seems some folks don't appreciate it. The other sites might be better "kept" (site #3 is sandy and looks like an RV was dragged out). Might go again because it is a nice secluded area.
Traveler
We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note:
- The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready.
- Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation.
- Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us!
- You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.
- Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.)
The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging.
I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw!
Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.)
We had no issues at all with wildlife.
There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system.
Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI.
We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly.
Happy camping!
Traveler
Camped off of the dirt bike/hiking trail. Found access off end of Black Hwy
GuideMost sites are all grass, but well maintained. Brand new, clean bathrooms and showers. Views of the lake and bridge can't get any better.
Traveler
Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍
GuideThis campground was OK. Just on the north side of the bridge. The site we had was really small and close to others. It was a short walk down to the lake and a great view of the bridge. It was pretty expensive, we paid $39 + $11 for a Michigan park pass. The place was clean and the restrooms and showers were nice.
I don't think I'd go back. There are better places to camp in the upper peninsula.
Lots of bugs.
Guide
Small campground with boat launch, shower house, and bathrooms. Connect’s to a park with playground and pickleball court. Easy to walk or ride your bicycle into town for ice cream. No swim beach but good fishing opportunities on the thunder river.
GuideWe stayed in a tight site with some not so friendly neighbors. Great views and average campground.
Traveler
We’ve stayed at Mackinac Millcreek a few times. Awesome campground, definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you’re planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they’ll put you in a good spot. Our first time to the campground was pretty funny, the whole camp ground was sold out. But they squeezed us in by the rally building and apologized about it being by the maintenance area. Turn out to be one of the best spots we’ve camped. There was a lot of partying, so it was perfect for us. But the rest of the campground is pretty chill.
Scout
This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access. However, it is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening. It did quiet down overnight. Being next to the road also gives easy access to nearby attractions like Indian River. If you're looking for a camp site to sit around and relax during the day, this is probably not the place for you.The camp sites are spread out and many offer complete privacy. Most are shaded. The campground is only 2 miles from I 75 and is an excellent spot if you need a campsite just to stop over.
Traveler
This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.
Traveler
The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.
Guide
Nice state park big sites on the lake
Traveler
Full hookup sites, cabins were nice. Many recent upgrades to the campground
Guide
Great camp ground , large sites right on the lake
ScoutStayed here Labor Day weekend. It was my first time staying at a State Forest campground; it has the basics like a hand pump for water, pit toilets and a dumpster. Site 12 had a spot for my hammock. Watch out for poison ivy. The only downside is that other campers don't know how to behave at night. They think karaoke and screaming at their domestic partner at 1:42 am is acceptable.
Scout
Waterfront campsite are very nice... Some are a bit small but overall very comfortable... Awesome friendly people run the place!
This is our 3rd time staying here and will be back.
Traveler
Quiet campground with feeling of privacy due to sites being wooded and spread out. Access to lake and to rustic pit toilets close by. Good potable water. Easy self check in.
TravelerDon’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles
TravelerAbsolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!
TravelerOur time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.
Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.
We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.
TravelerI rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description.
I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful.
I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug.
There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.
Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.
GuideI enjoyed this campsite. Maybe it was because of it being a Sunday night, but it didn’t feel very crowded and was fairly quiet. It’s close to the water (just a short walk over the dunes so you can’t actually see the lake from your site.) I had electric and the bathrooms had showers, though they definitely could use an update. The only thing that could have made this place better was if they allowed dogs on the beach! I was traveling alone and would have loved to have walked the beach with my pup.
TravelerVery clean and very well ran and organized! Great staff will probably come back to this one
TravelerAmazing rustic campground. First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets. Walk along the Ocqueoc River to the falls, walk the path through the campground or park at the site and take a short trip to the falls. Large and small sites, friendly staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Indian River, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Indian River, MI is Wilderness State Park Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 72 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Indian River, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 112 dog-friendly camping locations near Indian River, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
