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Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground provides waterfront sites where dogs can remain with their owners throughout their stay. This rustic campground near Johannesburg features sites directly on the water, offering pet owners an ideal setup for accessing the lake and nearby trails. Pet waste disposal is expected, with trash collection available on-site. The campground's basic amenities include drinking water and toilets but lacks showers or electric hookups. Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground similarly welcomes pets with its quiet, lake-adjacent campsites. Both campgrounds maintain Michigan's standard pet policies requiring leashes no longer than six feet when outside vehicles or tents. Most sites are well-spaced from each other, providing adequate room for camping with dogs without disturbing neighbors.
Multiple hiking trails surrounding the Johannesburg area accommodate leashed dogs, creating excellent exercise opportunities during pet-friendly camping trips. The nearby Pigeon River State Forest offers additional pet-friendly hiking options with more extensive trail systems. Dogs swimming in Big Bear Lake should be supervised due to the four-foot breakwall between campsites and water. The coyote population near Town Corner Lake becomes particularly vocal at night, requiring pet owners to maintain close supervision of smaller dogs. Nearby Gaylord provides emergency veterinary services approximately 15 miles from these campgrounds. Campers report the area's tick population can be significant, especially during warmer months, making regular tick checks essential for dogs exploring the wooded environment around these rustic campgrounds.
"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)."
"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."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Bait and convenience store across from entrance. Good hub for local hiking and activities around the area."
"Ramps to walk down to water. Amazing sunsets"
"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."
from $41 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Beautiful location with a perfect kayaking lake. The coyotes were very loud and close at night keeping us awake but the experience was exiting. Highly recommend"
"Looking for something off the beaten path? Well, here it is (if you can find it)."
"Had a site next to the woods. Nice walking paths. Lots of orv's in other sites."
"The Guest Host is a character and extremely friendly and will be happy you chose Clear Lake State Park. He has plenty of games from cornhole to frisbee to playing cards, etc..."
from $27 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Some sites are at the lake, little beach, (no pets allowed at the beach). We had a great relaxing stay. Good for stopping, on your way to the UP or else."
"Sites are spaced out, several trails, and a beach to swim at. Only 15-20 minutes form Lake Huron and the lighthouse. Site 1 only has one neighbor but there is a good distance between."
"It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available."
"The lake is amazing with several islands to explore and one of the islands has a campsite. No busy roads near by so you really feel like you’re deep in the woods."
from $15 / night
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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
ScoutBeautiful 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.
GuideThis is a beautiful park, with waterfront sites as well as wooded areas. Vault toilets, and pump for water, quiet and great rock beach.
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.
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.
Johannesburg sits within the Pigeon River Country State Forest at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. This northern Michigan region experiences warm summers with temperatures typically ranging between 65-80°F and cold winters with substantial snowfall averaging 120 inches annually. Rustic camping options dominate the area, with most sites providing basic amenities and access to numerous inland lakes and hiking trails.
Fishing opportunities: Round Lake State Forest Campground offers access to both the small on-site lake and nearby waterways. "The kids were able to ride their bikes around without a worry, cement pad... Back by site 10 is a path that leads to the beach area," reports Melissa M.
Elk viewing: The Pigeon River State Forest region contains Michigan's only free-ranging elk herd. As Ron F. notes about Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground: "Saw an elk while driving around the area." Many campers report early morning and dusk as prime elk spotting times.
Kayaking on small lakes: The clear, shallow waters around Johannesburg are perfect for paddling. Kate K. describes Round Lake State Forest Campground: "So quiet and peaceful, tons of trails, and little lakes all tucked around... About half of them have a nice lake view."
Biking trails: The paved trails and roads around Johannesburg work well for family cycling. At Pigeon River State Forest Campground, Halie C. mentions: "The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs right through the campgrounds which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking."
Natural swimming areas: The region's clear lakes provide excellent swimming options. Jason N. says of Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground: "Lake is small but beautiful. Great for swimming and kayaking."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes the area perfect for night sky viewing. Kate K. notes at Round Lake State Forest Campground: "At night the sky was incredible and there is even areas along the trails for elk viewing."
Rustic, quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. Paul C. writes about Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground: "Beautiful location with a perfect kayaking lake. The coyotes were very loud and close at night keeping us awake but the experience was exciting."
Budget-friendly options: State forest campgrounds offer affordable camping. Jeff P. shares about Pickerel Lake: "As others have said, it's hard to beat $15 a night at a campground as nice and well located as this."
Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds have minimal to no connectivity. Aaron T. cautions about Pigeon River: "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away. Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service."
Sandy sites can be challenging: Several campgrounds have sandy terrain that becomes problematic in wet weather. Nick W. notes about Otsego Lake State Park Campground: "The downside is the sites are all sand. This is a problem when it rains. No matter how hard you try to clean your shoes, you end up tracking in wet, dirty sand."
Tick prevention: In addition to the tick population mentioned in the existing description, campers should apply repellent and perform regular checks. Ian R. emphasizes: "The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks."
Drinking water access: Most rustic sites have hand pumps for water. Emily V. notes about Pickerel Lake: "Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. Edmund P. shares about Otsego Lake County Park: "We love this park, great lake, small comfortable park and safe! Great bike riding park for little ones."
Wildlife education: The area provides excellent opportunities to teach children about forest ecosystems. Paul C. mentions an unexpected wildlife encounter at Town Corner Lake: "The coyotes were very loud and close at night keeping us awake but the experience was exciting."
Swimming safety: Lake depths and conditions vary widely. Kate K. notes about Pickerel Lake: "The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim."
Site selection for privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options for families. Lydia T. observes about Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground: "A rustic campground right on Bear Lake. Most sites are directly on the water. There is a 4 foot breakwall between the sites and the lake."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. Patrick from Otsego Lake State Park warns: "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."
Size limitations: Many rustic campgrounds can accommodate smaller RVs but might be challenging for larger rigs. Jason N. notes about Pickerel Lake: "40 first come first serve rustic sites. No problem getting smaller trailers back there."
Electric hookup availability: Most rustic sites lack electrical connections. Emily V. explains: "Great state forest campground. $15 per night can't be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity."
Water access planning: Without hookups, campers must plan accordingly. Emily adds: "Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Johannesburg, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Johannesburg, MI is Otsego Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 25 reviews.
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