Leelanau County offers several dog friendly campgrounds near Northport and throughout the peninsula. Located on the northwestern edge of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, this area features a mix of sandy beaches, hardwood forests, and elevations that reach 900 feet above sea level. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, while camping sites often fill by mid-afternoon during peak season.
What to do
Beach exploration: 3 miles south of Leelanau State Park Campground, the shoreline offers numerous public access points for pets and owners. As one camper notes at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground: "There are plenty of sites all along the shore of Lake Michigan! it gave the illusion of our own private beach and even though we had a camper at the site next to ours it was still very private because of all the trees in between."
Kayaking: Launch from multiple points around the peninsula, including Lake Leelanau. A visitor to Barnes County Park Campground shared: "Breathtaking views very close to torch lake. Does are very sandy but the rest makes up for that. Hiking trails, bike trails and just a mile to boat launch on torch lake."
Winery visits: 15+ locations throughout Leelanau Peninsula welcome leashed dogs at outdoor seating areas. According to a camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort: "We loved exploring the area, especially Sleeping Bear Dunes, Sutton's Bay, Leland and Northport. The bike paths from Sutton's Bay to Traverse City and from Pyramid Point to Empire were fantastic!"
What campers like
Lakeside camping sites: Many pet-friendly accommodations offer direct water access. At Platte River Campground, "The campground is huge and very spread out! There are trees on every campsite so you really have that camping feel...The trail from Loop 1 is 1.2 miles to Lake Michigan."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite rustic settings. According to a visitor at Whitewater Township Park: "They do a great job maintaining and improving site each year. Their bathrooms are very clean daily. Very happy with our stays at this campground."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The peninsula provides habitats for diverse bird species and mammals. At Fisherman's Island State Park, a camper observed: "Fall camped here. First time and it lived up to all the good reviews! Absolutely beautiful fall colors throughout the campground! Got a pull through Lake MI-front site (34). Got to hear waves day and night."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly sites require advance booking, especially for summer months. A camper at D.H. Day Campground advised: "Went at the end of August and lucked out to get one spot for a tent. The campground was full, so you could definitely see and hear your neighbours. There are a few spots that are more private, but you'll likely have to book in advance."
Local pet regulations: Each campground enforces specific leash requirements and designated pet areas. At Barnes County Park, one visitor mentioned: "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. Would def come back!!"
Seasonal weather considerations: Temperatures can vary significantly during camping season. A camper at Platte River Campground shared: "Went there in late October of 2022 and man was it a cold night to stay in a tent. We got there late, put tents up in the dark, ate dinner late from a local watering hole. But once we got situated, we went to the beach to skywatch and it was beautiful and worth every second."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds include play areas for children. A visitor to Leelanau Pines Campground observed: "We only stayed for two night during the week. It's quiet and lots of seasonal campers already here. The sites are very close to each other, but the view is so beautiful and my kids have fun at the playground, and the beach area. Our puppy had a great time, too."
Swimming beaches: Look for designated swimming areas that accommodate both children and pets. At Lake Leelanau RV Park, a camper noted: "Lake Leelanau is a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding."
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs and historic sites. A D.H. Day Campground visitor mentioned: "Great rustic campground with a short boardwalk to the beach. The amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for pets: Choose sites with adequate shade and proximity to pet relief areas. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, a camper advised: "Nice clean campground with a lot to do in that area. Full hookup only."
Limited hook-ups: Many pet-friendly campgrounds offer only partial connections. A visitor to Traverse City State Park Campground shared: "We love Traverse City and being able to camp somewhat near downtown. One of our favorite things is being connected to the bike paths so we can bike to downtown area while staying on bike trails!"
Water access considerations: Some sites provide better water access for RVs with pets. According to a Leelanau Pines camper: "The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake. All the sites were full hookup."
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