Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Portage, MI

Fort Custer Recreation Area offers spacious campsites with old-growth trees that provide natural separation between sites, creating privacy for campers with pets. The pet-friendly campground features multiple accommodation options including tent sites and RV spots with electric hookups. All sites include fire rings and picnic tables where pets can rest nearby while families enjoy meals outdoors. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet throughout the camping area. The campground maintains clean facilities with modern bathrooms and showers that are serviced multiple times daily, making extended stays with pets more comfortable. Markin Glen County Park provides full hookup sites with paved parking pads and grass areas between campsites where leashed pets can relax with their owners.

Numerous hiking and biking trails throughout Fort Custer Recreation Area welcome leashed dogs, allowing pets and owners to explore the natural surroundings together. The recreation area includes two lakes accessible for kayaking and fishing, though pets should be monitored around water areas. Most campers report minimal issues with insects when visiting with pets during summer months, though bringing insect repellent is recommended. Cold Brook County Park features fishing piers, a swimming beach, and playground equipment for families, making it suitable for campers with children and pets. The county parks require recreation passes that grant access to multiple park facilities throughout Kalamazoo County. Campgrounds in the area maintain family-friendly atmospheres with quiet hours enforced, ensuring peaceful nights for all campers including those with pets who might be sensitive to noise.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Portage, Michigan (130)

    1. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "Love going there to ride the trails or walk my dogs the lakes are awesome great beach Great fishing awesome picnic areas nice boat launch. Most campsites are big with trees in between."

    "Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"

    2. Markin Glen County Park

    6 Reviews
    Nazareth, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 381-7570

    $35 - $40 / night

    "There are three roads in the campground and the two roads on the outside have no one behind them which adds privacy. "

    "Despite having lived near Kalamazoo for seven years, we had never visited this park previously. The site are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups."

    3. Cold Brook County Park

    4 Reviews
    Galesburg, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 746-4270

    "29 campsites pretty close together with old growth trees interspersed around the campground. Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach. No longer has primitive camping."

    "Out in the country, but close enough that getting to Kzoo and Portage is a breeze.

    Paying for a pass gets you in other nice county parks."

    4. Kalamazoo County Expo Center

    1 Review
    Kalamazoo, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 383-8778

    "It’s not as big as some of the expo centers in Michigan, but it does the job. If you plan to camp here they offer 220 campsites over 5 small campgrounds."

    5. Oak Shores Resort Campground

    2 Reviews
    Vicksburg, MI
    7 miles
    +1 (269) 649-4689

    6. Buikema Farm

    1 Review
    Vicksburg, MI
    9 miles

    $40 / night

    8. Brookside City Park

    6 Reviews
    Allegan, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 692-3391

    $5 - $10 / night

    "The camping spots are in a park right off the main road, however they are tucked all the way around back offering surprisingly private camping."

    "The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. "

    9. Melville 7 Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Marcellus, MI
    17 miles

    $25 / night

    "Access to several lakes including all sports"

    "Lake for boating and fishing. Has a small swimming area, playground."

    10. Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."

    "This is a campground in Yankee Spring Recreational Area in Mid-Michigan. This is a nice rustic campground near the NCT(North Country Trail)."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Portage, MI

632 Reviews of 130 Portage Campgrounds


  • deb K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Elkhart Campground

    3 1/2 star campground

    It is a very large older CG with a few upgrades. Clean, with decent amenities. We were placed in the rear section, which was just ok. Site needed leveling, had no shade at all and was close to major hwy. The front and side sites seemed nicer and had ample shade with some concrete sites. Laundry room, pool and bathrooms were very clean. Large dog park, but was far from our site. Was only 25 min from Notre Dame and about an hour from lake Michigan WiFi was great, no cable, but good antenna reception

  • M
    May. 13, 2019

    Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

    Nice campground

    I stayed at this place when it was B&B and it is now a KOA. Several new sites were added and the park appears to be much cleaner. The restrooms are nice and the camp personnel are friendly. There is a dog park for walking the dog but with so much driveway I just walk the dog around the park. They have several dog bag stations around the park to make clean up easy. There are 3 playgrounds and boat area on the lake. I believe you can rent boats to fish even though I never have. I will definitely stay here again.

  • A
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

    First Trip of the season

    We enjoyed the stay at this campground. They have all of the KOA amenities pool, lazy river, jump pillow, playground and dog park. Entire campground was clean and well maintained. This campground also sits on the shores of Hogback Lake which is an all sports lake. Many things to do in the area Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, Pokagon State Park(hiking, biking and horseback riding), Amish communities close by, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Angola, IN many shopping and dining experiences.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2023

    Elkhart Campground

    Elkhart, IN….Nice campground

    We stayed here to pick up a new RV. It’s a huge campground with lots of space. Some sites are cement ours was gravel. Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!

  • R
    Sep. 15, 2020

    Ebys Pines

    Very nice and friendly

    Stayed for a weekend. The campground was clean sites were all very nice and pool was really clean. The dog park was a nice added bonus. It could very possibly become our new weekend getaway

  • Sky
    Sep. 20, 2021

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Good location and friendly staff

    Clean and nice little park with a cool "trading post" with nice merchandise, snacks and food. They have a dog park and trails on the property with a longer bike trail that runs alongside the campground. They had a band one night and an ice cream truck come through the next. Would recommend!

  • K
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney

    Great campground!

    Great campground in the heart of Amish country. Near Elkhart and the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum. Great place to visit, really interesting. Also, near Shipshewana. Campground has lots of activities: pool, miniature golf, volley ball, fishing pond, big chess set, bike rental, mining area, playground, and rec. hall w/ video games, pool, ping pong, air hockey, and juke box. Nice little store. Dog park. Clean restrooms. Friendly owner and employees. Lots of mature shed trees.

  • cheyanne P.
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Hidden Ridge RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    Glamping at its finest

    I grew up coming here and they had expanded a lot on it in the last few years. You will never be bored and it is a true resort feeling, you will forget your camping! They have themed weekends filled with activities for both adults and children and have a pool, pizza and ice cream, jumping pillow, clubhouse, fishing, playground, dog park, and so much more!

  • debe K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Cold Brook County Park

    Nice little county park!

    29 campsites pretty close together with old growth trees interspersed around the campground. Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach. No longer has primitive camping. Some hiking trails...short. is next to a busy road, so traffic all night. Staff was great! Showers and bathrooms cleaned multiple times a day. Pet friendly. Would stay here again!


Guide to Portage

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Portage, Michigan, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds that welcome pets, you can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet owners like the variety of amenities available

  • At Fort Custer Recreation Area, you’ll find electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • Markin Glen County Park offers full hookups and a lovely park area, perfect for leisurely walks with your dog.
  • Cold Brook County Park features a playground and fishing pier, ensuring fun for the whole family, including your four-legged companions.

Dog owners appreciate the spacious sites

  • Brookside City Park has a small number of sites that provide a surprisingly private camping experience, ideal for letting your pet roam.
  • Shady Point Campground is known for its spacious sites and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for pet owners.
  • Cranberry Lake Campground offers a variety of accommodations, including tent and RV sites, allowing you to choose what suits your needs best.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Portage

  • Enjoy hiking and biking trails at Fort Custer Recreation Area, where you can explore the beautiful wooded areas with your dog.
  • Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort provides plenty of activities for all ages, including fishing and swimming, perfect for a fun day out with your pet.
  • At Camelot Campground, you can enjoy a beautiful swimming beach and various outdoor activities, ensuring your dog has a great time too.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Portage, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 130 dog-friendly camping locations near Portage, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.