Dog-Friendly Camping near Onsted, MI

104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    W. J. Hayes State Park Campground and Lake Hudson Recreation Area accommodate pets at all campsites, offering options for tent, RV, and cabin camping near Onsted. Both parks maintain standard leash requirements, typically six feet or less, with enforcement varying by location. Waterloo Recreation Area provides designated pet-friendly trails and swimming areas where dogs can access the water, though not on the main beach areas. Camp Sequoia features a dedicated dog park that receives positive mentions from campers with larger breeds. Most campgrounds in the region require pet owners to show proof of current vaccinations upon check-in and maintain strict waste cleanup policies with potential removal for non-compliance.

    The paved paths at Bishop Lake Campground provide excellent walking routes for leashed pets, while Harrison Lake State Park Campground includes a designated dog beach area separate from the main swimming locations. Several campgrounds in the area enforce quiet hours that apply to barking dogs, with repeated disturbances potentially resulting in being asked to leave. Seasonal considerations include limited shade at some locations during summer months, making morning or evening walks more comfortable for pets. The well-groomed trails at Camp Sequoia offer multiple walking options through wooded areas. Wildlife encounters are possible throughout the region, particularly at dawn and dusk, requiring pets to remain secured at all times for their safety and the protection of local fauna.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Onsted (104)

      1. W. J. Hayes State Park Campground

      4.2(11)5mi from OnstedRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Most sites around the outside are decently wooded. There’s a nice little mile nature trail through one of those loops. There’s a nice dog run that we took advantage of."

      "It has access to Wamplers Lake and there are several other lakes near by. The area is quiet and clean."

      2. Lake Hudson Recreation Area

      4.1(16)13mi from OnstedRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This small campground (about 40 sites) is well off the beaten path, but still easy to access by road. This is the perfect campground to get back to nature."

      "My site has a path right out to the lake. My 2p tent could easily fit on this lakeside spot but it is sadly much too windy on the lake today."

      from $20 - $150 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Ted Ranch Campground

      4.0(6)5mi from OnstedRVs, Tents

      "campground though, MIS started a new music night this year at the M50 Creekside campground within the track and the music was so loud that we heard the bass and every lyric at Ted Ranch (which is a mile away from"

      "This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds!"

      from $25 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Ja Do Park Campground

      5.0(2)6mi from OnstedRVs, Tents

      "Very friendly and family oriented the do activities right down the street from the lake and they make you feel like one big family :)"

      5. Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center

      4.3(6)17mi from OnstedRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "I was right next to a cow field. The cows did not moo all night and there was no foul order. I needed no amenities so I can't vouch for that"

      "not close to any stores if your forgot something

      • gravel roads

      Pros:

      • family owned and operated
      • small campground kid friendly
      • free kid activities
      • everyone was very nice"

      from $38 - $60 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Apple Creek Campground & RV Park

      4.3(3)13mi from OnstedRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There is also nice walking/hiking trails connected right to the property. Our visit was for 2 days/3 nights.  Over half the sites are seasonal, so despite a lot of RVs, we saw very few people."

      "The group area is circular and surrounded by trees which helped to keep it cool. Each site had electric hook-up and some had water."

      7. Portage Lake Modern — Waterloo Recreation Area

      3.8(16)23mi from OnstedRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We purchased our new rPod 193 late in the fall and have been dying to give it a test camp and Michigan Winter Weather gave us a great opportunity the week after Christmas (2021)."

      "It is a bit of a walk to get to but is handicap accessible.
      There are two bathrooms throughout the loop and one at the beach."

      8. Camp Sequoia

      3.5(2)12mi from OnstedRVs, Tents

      "Lots of shade trees, beautiful well groomed trails for walking. Even a dog park, which our Golden Retriever really enjoyed."

      from $65 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area

      4.1(14)23mi from OnstedRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
      There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."

      "There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night."

      10. Somerset Beach Campground & Retreat Center

      5.0(1)13mi from OnstedRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "A great campground with its own private lake for fishing and kayaking. Has an impressive indoor gym and climbing wall with many weekend activities for the family."

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Onsted, MI

    608 Reviews of 104 Onsted Campgrounds


    • Ron M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 18, 2025

      Camp Sequoia

      Great people nice for short stay

      A mostly seasonal campground that can be had to find. Super amenities with huge pool and large field with dog park, baseball field, bags, basketball and sand volleyball. Many trails to walk.

    • A
      Oct. 3, 2021

      Camp Sequoia

      Quiet, Friendly Campground

      We really enjoyed our stay. The hosts were very welcoming and helpful. Delivered our firewood right to our site. Lots of shade trees, beautiful well groomed trails for walking. Even a dog park, which our Golden Retriever really enjoyed.

    • S
      Oct. 15, 2021

      Holiday RV Campground

      Nice Park

      Nice park for full timers. Large spots to accommodate big rigs and kids. Full hook ups. Cell service great with Verizon hotspot (22u, 20d, 38ms and AT&T cell(27d, 20u, 27ms). Playgrounds everywhere for the kids. Giant dog park and ponds. Pool was closed. Just needs more grass. Our spot was really patchy and resulted in a lot of mud.

      Great campground with polite and helpful staff. Don’t pass this one up.

    • S
      Oct. 20, 2021

      Holiday RV Campground

      Large RV Park

      Nice Park Nice park for full timers. Large spots to accommodate big rigs and kids. Full hook ups. Cell service great with Verizon hotspot(22u, 20d, 38ms and AT&T cell(27d, 20u, 27ms). Playgrounds everywhere for the kids. Giant dog park and ponds. Pool was closed. Just needs more grass. Our spot was really patchy and resulted in a lot of mud. Great campground with polite and helpful staff. Don’t pass this one up.

    • A
      Aug. 14, 2018

      Harrison Lake State Park Campground

      Quiet place to get away

      We have been here a few times. Really enjoy the secluded sites and the lake. It’s a small campground but it’s clean and quiet. Most sites don’t have water hookups but they do have electric. There isn’t much to do outside of the campground but there is a nice lake with canoe and kayak rentals. Very pet friendly and even has a dog beach.

    • Tara T.
      Sep. 7, 2021

      Camp Dearborn

      HUGH MUNICIPAL CAMPGROUND

      They offer campsites full hookups pet friendly

      They offer electric only no pets they offer campsites no pets.

      They have a tent only section.

      They have a beach, tennis courts, children's playground,rustic cabins, they have a recreation field Kids Activities arts and crafts!!! They have 16 resort cabins, this place is HUGH

      Bathrooms were dated and we arrived Monday after Labor Day so I can't judge them. They had a FULL HOUSE on Labor Day per the front gate. I was very impressed there was no garbage at campsites and picked up very well.

      GREAT biking trails you can catch on premise and bike over to Kensington and to the charming town of Milford

    • K
      Aug. 11, 2018

      Waffle Farm Campground

      Great campground. Clean. Great people. Stocked camp store. Entertainment.

      Pet friendly. Great camp store. Clean campground. Nice beach. Beautiful!!

    • Jake V.
      May. 3, 2021

      Sterling State Park Campground

      Nice beach, fishing, and paved trails.

      The camping area is nice. It is a little open for our like but there good activities you can do with the kids or pets.


    Guide to Onsted

    The Irish Hills region near Onsted includes several small lakes nestled in rolling countryside within southeastern Michigan. The area sits at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level, creating an elevation pattern of hills and valleys that explains the region's nickname. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, making water activities popular during peak camping season from May through September.

    What to Do

    Fishing opportunities: W. J. Hayes State Park Campground offers multiple fishing options with access to both Round Lake and Wamplers Lake. "Take the kids there and they love it. Nice little fishing pier and access to Round lake and Wamplers lake," notes Gary R., who visited with his family.

    Star gazing sessions: Lake Hudson Recreation Area provides exceptional night sky viewing as a designated dark sky preserve. "DARK SKY PARK designation so enjoy the amazing night star views! They do ask you to keep blinds & drapes closed and exterior lights off or to a minimum," explains Cheryl M., who camped there in 2018.

    Hiking trails: The campgrounds in the region offer various trail options of different difficulty levels. "There is a nice little mile nature trail through one of those loops," mentions Alex H. about W. J. Hayes State Park, while also noting they "enjoyed the dog run" available at the park.

    What Campers Like

    Private lake access: Several campsites at Lake Hudson Recreation Area offer direct lake access for boaters. "I saw 3 spots with private lake front where they had moored their fishing boats for easy access. The lake itself is incredibly quiet without the buzz of people tubing or jet skiing," shares Meghan R.

    Secluded sites: While some campgrounds have tightly packed sites, others offer more privacy. "Each site is separated from the next by young forest, so it lends to a very private and secluded atmosphere," notes Meghan R. about Lake Hudson Recreation Area, making it suitable for those seeking quieter camping experiences.

    Nearby attractions: W. J. Hayes State Park Campground serves as a good base for exploring regional attractions. "Very nice, lots to do in surrounding area. Lake is pretty. Nearby MIS. Hidden Lake Gardens are absolutely beautiful to wander around," recommends Dan D., highlighting options beyond the campground itself.

    What You Should Know

    Site spacing varies: Campgrounds in the region have significant differences in site spacing. "The sites in the east loop, while a little more spaced out than the west loop, are still real close together," notes Emma W. about W. J. Hayes State Park, advising campers to choose sites carefully.

    Limited amenities at rustic locations: Camp Sequoia offers rustic camping with basic facilities. "A mostly seasonal campground that can be hard to find. Super amenities with huge pool and large field with dog park, baseball field, bags, basketball and sand volleyball. Many trails to walk," reports Ron M.

    Water conditions: Lake quality varies across the region. At Waterloo Portage Lake Modern, Gary G. notes that "the 6-foot leash rules are very clearly stated" but observes issues with enforcement, mentioning that "my leashed dog has been threatened by vicious larger unleashed dogs as I walk my dog more than once this month."

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Activity options: Ja Do Park Campground provides numerous organized activities for children. "Lots of fun activities for the kids, hayrides, slip and slide, playground and a whole rustic area to explore while you search for leprechauns. Lots of fun for the kiddos and very friendly people," shares Jenny H.

    Beach considerations: When seeking dog friendly campgrounds near Onsted, note that most waterfront areas have specific pet rules. "Harrison Lake State Park Campground includes a designated dog beach area separate from the main swimming locations," allowing both families and their pets to enjoy water activities.

    Space requirements: Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern offers family-friendly campsites with adequate space. "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," shares Kim S., highlighting features that appeal to families.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection advice: When looking for pet-friendly camping options for RVs near Onsted, site selection matters. "If your longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you here, they do have some but the wood line, privacy and nature is great," advises Mano P. about W. J. Hayes State Park Campground.

    Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds have limited hookups. "The campground is great, but the beach area is very mucky and dirty. Seaweed just flats around and gets tangled around your legs and arms all the time," notes Martin W. about Waterloo Portage Lake Modern, which offers electric hookups but no water at sites.

    Rustic options for self-contained units: Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center works well for RVers with self-contained systems. "Our camper is self contained so this campground was a test of just how well all the systems work," shares Steven S., noting that while rustic, the campground offers enough privacy to feel "secluded from others."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Onsted, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Onsted, MI is W. J. Hayes State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Onsted, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 104 dog-friendly camping locations near Onsted, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.