14 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Starlight Campground and RV Park provides designated pet areas for dogs while maintaining clean grounds throughout the campground. Pets are allowed on all sites with standard leash rules enforced to ensure safety for all guests. Chain-O-Lakes Campground and Antrim Meadows Campground both welcome pets with similar policies, offering full hookup sites for RV camping with dogs. Campers report the grounds are exceptionally well-maintained with plenty of space for walking dogs along the property edges. Most campgrounds in the Mancelona area require pets to be supervised at all times and limit the number to two pets per site, though some may accommodate more upon request.
Hiking trails surrounding Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground offer excellent opportunities for pet exercise with direct access to the North Country Trail. The camp host at Starlight maintains a bulletin board with maps of nearby dog-friendly walking paths. Summer temperatures in the region typically range from 70-85°F, making morning or evening walks more comfortable for dogs during peak season. Several campgrounds provide water stations near common areas, though campers should carry portable bowls when exploring trails. The nearby town of Bellaire, just 8 minutes from Chain-O-Lakes, offers a veterinary clinic for emergency services and a small pet supply section at the local market. Camping sites near water access points like Torch Lake provide cooling opportunities for dogs after hikes, particularly welcome during July and August visits.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $80 / night
"Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers."
"They made us feel like family the minute we walked through the door. We would defiantly visit again!"
Campground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
"Chain O'Lakes Park has it all: trails to hike, horses to ride, boats to row, and fish to catch! After an adventure- packed day, you can return to your nearby campsite for some rest and relaxation."
"Rooms: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Location: 5/5 Nearby activities Super close to torch lake and lots of great small towns."
from $29 - $44 / night
"Pets are allowed in the campground. The sites are a little tight, but if you are looking to hang out in Traverse City, this is a convenient location. Bathhouse was always well maintained."
"300+ sites, pet friendly, sites for all shapes and sizes. Open year round, with heated cabins. It's a great location, just across from Traverse Bay with just across the road."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $100 / night
"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"
"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."
from $15 - $20 / night
"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
from $45 - $60 / night
"Traveling along the western border Michigan on our motorcycle over the 4th of July, we were in in the Traverse City area and finding a hard time finding an open campsite."
from $25 / night
"Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."
"Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"
"This campground is located on a small lake with beautiful scenery and is located across the road from an ATV trail. The North County Hiking Trail also runs through this camp."
"Lake with boat ramp, fishing areas off the beach, lots of wildlife, north country trail and campground trail to hike on, and ORV trail across the road"
from $13 - $15 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $100 / night
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
TravelerCamped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
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!
LegendMy all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water. Beautiful lake front sites as well as some in trees. Beautiful lighthouse, playground (including horseshoes) and picnic area. Phenomenal hiking trails south of campground-one trail leads directly to a pristine remote beach. Dogs are allowed on trails w/ leash(but not on beach mid April thru August due to Piping Plover nesting). Campground is quiet and serene. My all time favorite. Only downside is if you are in the cabins or on South sites you can hear road noise during day. Not horrible but irritating.
Mancelona, Michigan sits at the heart of Antrim County's woodland region with elevations averaging 1,200 feet. Temperatures during prime camping season typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity levels in July and August. Camping options span from state forest sites with direct trail access to full-service RV parks with modern amenities within a 15-mile radius of town.
Hiking access: Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground offers excellent trail opportunities with the North Country Trail running directly through the campground. "The North Country Trail and campground trail provide hiking options, with loads of wildlife viewing opportunities right from camp," notes Nicole V., who visited in summer 2023.
Water sports on multiple lakes: Chain-O-Lakes Campground provides access to both Elk Lake and nearby Torch Lake. "Super close to Torch Lake and lots of great small towns. Only an hour away from Sleeping Bear Dunes and like 30 minutes from Traverse City," shares Hailey C., highlighting the strategic location for water-based activities.
Old-growth forest exploration: Hartwick Pines State Park Campground features ancient pines and educational exhibits about the logging history of Michigan. "There are lots of trails for biking and hiking, a day use/mucc logging museum that's kinda throughout this one area of woods. Beautiful new and old growth, a couple of nearby lakes," shares Rachel K.
Clean, modern facilities: Starlight Campground and RV Park receives consistent praise for their upkeep. "This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers. Park is all shorter pines so if your looking for a wooded/forest feel this might not be your park," explains Jaime, who visited with family.
Well-spaced sites: Whitewater Township Park offers privacy not always found at busier campgrounds. "If you are looking for a no-frills secluded campground with spaced out campsites and beautiful views this is the place for you. It does not have a lot of extras but for a peaceful camping trip it has everything you need," says Cheyanne P.
Dog-friendly beaches and trails: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Mancelona offer water access. Barnes County Park Campground has beach paths connecting directly to campsites. "Super quiet, right on the beach with a path beside our site. Dogs welcome here but the bummer was that they aren't allowed on their beach at all," notes Erin, highlighting the partial pet restrictions.
Off-road vehicle activity: Many campgrounds in the Mancelona area connect to ORV trails which affects noise levels. At Pickerel Lake, "This campground is located on a small lake with beautiful scenery and is located across the road from an ATV trail... Noisy and quite busy on weekends with all the off road vehicles coming in," reports Becky K.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At Otsego Lake State Park Campground, "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... Never had a camp site so out of level," warns Patrick.
Variable cell coverage: Reception varies significantly between pet-friendly campgrounds around Mancelona. At Hartwick Pines, recent visitors report "State park, so no WiFi. AT&T is 1 bar," while Starlight Campground notes "Cellphone service with Verizon was great and WiFi was available at the campground."
Playground access: Upper Manistee River provides a more rustic experience for families wanting to disconnect. "The sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. Some biting flies, especially near river (late June)," warns R.B., suggesting bug protection for young campers.
Recreation variety: Pet-friendly camping options with diverse activities keep children engaged. "They have an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends. They kept my kids busy while still allowing for relaxing time," shares Victoria S. about Starlight Campground.
Biking opportunities: Otsego Lake State Park offers safe cycling for children. "Nice paved path through the campground, great for kids riding bikes around camp. They also have a playground with a cool old fashion slide," reports Amy K., highlighting family-friendly amenities.
Full hookup availability: Antrim Meadows Campground provides full-service sites near Mancelona. "Traveling along the western border Michigan on our motorcycle over the 4th of July, we were in the Traverse City area and finding a hard time finding an open campsite... From the minute we pulled in, we were welcomed by the owner and the other campers," reports Uncle D.
Trailer size limitations: When seeking dog-friendly campgrounds near Mancelona, consider size restrictions. At Pickerel Lake, "Trailers much larger than 20' have camped here successfully," notes Becky K., though the official designation is for smaller units.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds in the region offer sanitary stations, but availability varies. Barnes County Park provides complete services that RVers appreciate: "Just steps to the lake from any campsite, this campground is wonderful! Our site was easy access in and out. Clean bathrooms super close," shares Meara H.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mancelona, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mancelona, MI is Otsego Lake State Park Campground with a 4.0-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mancelona, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 176 dog-friendly camping locations near Mancelona, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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