Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Rutland? Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in Michigan is easier than ever. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
Located just 20 minutes north of Lansing, Sleepy Hollow State Park is an idyllic getaway for anyone needing some time away from the city. The 2,600 acre park is situation on Price Road off US-27 making it easily accessible to people passing through. That being the case, the park still maintains its charm and accommodates campers and visitors every day without issue. The Little Maple river can be found winding in and out of the forested geography, with Lake Ovid situated right in the heart, thanks to the clever placement of a dam. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the scenic landscapes, birdwatching opportunities, and Winter Snowshoeing.
During the Spring, camp rangers host the weekly Sleepy Hollow State Park Nature program, which educates campers about local wildlife and the history of the surrounding regions. This is a great opportunity for families to spend some time together, especially after a long day of hiking and camping.
Surprisingly, it’s during the winter that this park is most frequently attended. In fact, Sleepy Hollow is most recognized for the miles of snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails that run through the land. The trails are well-traveled, however there’s no shortage of privacy to get out and find peace and quiet within the confines of a forest muted by snow.
Camping here is easily accessible. Michigan Residents can utilize their State Park Recreation Passport to get in for free. Otherwise, entrance rates are $11 for residents, and $16 for non-residents. If camping, full-service campsites start at $25/night, while walk-in rustic sites are only $17/night. Furthermore, if camping in a tent doesn’t sound like your thing there are onsite cabins available for rent at $68 per night. If you want electricity and a full-service cabin, Deluxe Cabins can be rented for $101 a night.
$25 - $101 / night
Rolling hills, babbling brooks, open meadows, forested ridges, a lake nestled in the hills and a river winding its way through woods and fields -- that's Ionia Recreation Area. The 4,500 acres of flat to rolling terrain is a mixture of open field, mature hardwood forest and pine plantations. Four miles of Grand River floodplain follow the river course on the north border of the park. Dammed waterfowl floodings and other wetlands dot the park. Birding is excellent, with more than 199 species identified by the Audubon Society, and wildflowers abound.
$24 / night
Due to park enhancements (to update electrical, road, fishing pier and sewer), the beach house, picnic shelters and Gun Lake campground will close in 2024. The day-use area and boating access site will remain open except when construction work prohibits safe access, A proposed $5.5 million in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made these renovations possible.
78 sites at Deep Lake Rustic Campground are now site-standard reservable.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Fort Custer Campground at Fort Custer State Recreation Area is a 3,033-acre park located between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. The park features three lakes, the Kalamazoo River, a campground, a swimming beach, boat rentals, more than 25 miles of multi-use trails, paddling and fishing opportunities, second growth forests and remnant areas of prairie. The trail system is popular with mountain bikers, equestrians, hikers and dog sledders. Originally farmland, the area was acquired by the federal government to establish Camp Custer, an induction and military training center for the U.S. Army during WWII. The land was deeded to the State of Michigan under President Nixon's Legacy of Parks in 1971. No alcoholic beverages allowed in park April 1 through Labor Day.
Bertha Brock Park was founded in 1931 to be a public gathering place. With a host of facilities from rustic to refined, the park is a popular location for meetings, recreational events, weddings and receptions, family photos, and banquets.
A healthy trout stream runs through nearly 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills. Trails wind their way through the woods, rustic campsites are scattered along paved paths, and many playground and picnic areas can accommodate a quiet family outing or a major organized event.
$15 / night
$38 - $48 / night
$35 - $45 / night
$28 - $50 / night
Scout
This campground used to be all about family and friends. Camping friends that became family. 40+ years camping there, generation after generation. So many wonderful people. But the new owner has changed that camping experience for a lot of people. Seasonals and reoccurring weekenders. In fact over the last 2 years he has lost over 40+ seasonal families. Many who have been there 10,20 even 30yrs. He has done some much needed improvements but for what he is trying to charge people it’s ridiculous. Believe all the bad reviews. And the good reviews, well he pays for those by offering discounts for good reviews or free Wibit passes. The so called lake that he advertises is a nasty little pond that I’m sure is swimming with ecoli . , the Wibit is small and priced outrageously at more than $35 on most days and is riddled with holes and barely filled with air in most days. Which also makes it dangerous. The store does not have much to offer and what they do have is priced ridiculous. There is one bathhouse and a couple nasty outhouses. The owner also lies so much and thinks everyone else are fools. He doesn’t live in MI so you won’t ever see him either. Spend your money somewhere else. For what he is charging it is not worth it.
Scout
I lay here, in my hammock listening to the sounds of the evening putting me to sleep as I write this. What a wonderful little campground. Beautiful lake to fish, kayak or canoe. Spacious and shaded site to return to. What more could a dad ask for out of a weekend with their boy.
Scout
ThisThis was the first time we've we had some guests come in for a couple hours and they were charging them $5 per person to get in and I had my aunt come in and she was handicap she parked close up to my camper it was on the grass a little bit and they yelled at her for it these people are rude and they watch you like a hawk every little thing you do they know what you're doing they kept charging my husband's credit card $5 per person I feel if you pay for your campsite you shouldn't have to pay for your guest they should check in at the office but they shouldn't have to pay I would never go back there again
ScoutHas gotten increasingly expensive over the past few years with nothing added in for the increases. No longer allowed to bring in local firewood. Must purchase from them. Many lots have flooding and you’re expected to camp in it.
Also beware if you have plans to buy a wristband for the water bounce attraction that it is not for a day that they have contracted to have bus loads of kids coming in to also use it. Your kids will get knocked off and be afraid and you won’t get your $$ back.
They charge high for everything here. I’m actually surprised the showers are still free. But maybe next year they will charge for that too.
Ranger
Nice and cozy little campground in the middle of beautiful rolling farmlands. First time passing through and found it conveniently located within 40 mins of Holland and Saugatuck without needing to get on the highway. The woman at check in was extremely courteous and helpful. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. Most people here are seasonal, occupying almost all the lakefront sites. We may have seen one lakefront available for renters. Everyone was polite, friendly and quiet after quiet hours. The sites are very small, not much privacy, but well kept. There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop. Well kept grounds throughout with beautiful flowers. The bathrooms were wonderful with great hot water and water pressure. Pretty lake with swimming beach and playground lovely for day use. We would stay again. We stayed with 34’ camper inner lakefront. I did share a picture of waterfront sites, the one vacant spot is the only site available to rent right now. The rest are seasonal.
Traveler
Spaces were too tight , even with a small camper. Work People were parked half in the road , leaving us with no way to pull in or out of campsite
Scout
Enjoyed our stay!
Outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet were unexpected amenities.
Not to mention the chickens keeping us company!
Will definitely stay there again when we’re in the area!
Traveler
We just camped at the park this weekend, which was the opening weekend after the rebuild of the bath houses and some other improvements. First, we loved how wooded and beautiful the campground was. The spots were nice and secluded, and the whole place was very beautiful. There were a few things that we didn't enjoy. First, it was EXTREMELY buggy. If you weren't covered in Deep Woods bug spray the whole time, you were getting bit. Second, I don't feel that there were enough showers. There were 5 showers in each bathhouse, making 10 showers total for the entire campground. I found myself waiting in a line every time I wanted a shower. Lastly, I wish there was a walking trail that was more accessible from the campground itself.
Traveler
We just got done with a 3 night stay at Sleepy Hallow. The campsite itself was great, nice a roomy while also being wooded. The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped. They are working on the natural gas pipeline nearby, so there was lots of construction noise. Verizon service was basically non existent other than at the beach. The dog beach was small and full of algae.
Guide
First let me say the rustic area is walk-in only. I was unaware of this until we arrived. Luckily our site was in the front and not a terrible walk. 3 sites in the middle, grouped together, would be nice for a group to book together. Rustic side is right next to the boat ramp. Inside of the state park is a nice beach for swimming, with concessions. A lot of fishing spots, even if you are bank fishing. Check in window is in the back of the park. Wood and ice available.
Guide
Bertha Brock is a great place for families. Brining our kids here from Grand Rapids is quick and easy. It is generally quiet, especially on non holiday weekends. Occasionally there is chopped firewood up front, you get a goof amount for your money. Relatively close to town if you need to purchase food or other gear. Bugs (mosquitoes) can get pretty bad, bring lots of bug spray! Near ionia state park with a nice beach for swimming or boating (no wake). Campground manager is very nice and helpful if needed.
TravelerWe just got back from Ionia State Campground, and we had the most lovely time! First of all, I did some research ahead of time to find a more private camping spot, and ours did not disappoint. After looking around the campground, there were numerous spots that were very secluded and private. There were beautiful walking trails all around, and the lake was very pretty.
I had read other reviews saying that the bathrooms were terrible. I did not find them to be all that bad. They were certainly dated, but I found the bathrooms and showers to be kept as clean as they could be. I have also read that the bathrooms will be completely replaced at the end of this year.
The one downside I did find was the beach. I thought that the infrastructure at the beach needed work, particularly the rinse off station and the benches. We only went over to the beach for ice cream, so this didn't bother me personally.
We loved it and plan to come back!
ScoutPer michigan laws;
STATE LAND RULE – GAME AREAS – EXCERPT(S) 926 On state game or wildlife areas it is unlawful to: • Camp between May 15 and September 10, except in areas specifically designated for camping.
I don’t see any camping spots specifically on the official map of this place.
Scout
Campground and pool is nice. Owners are unapologetically rude to guests when there is any issues. Had a minor parking issue with a neighbor when I moved my vehicle onto their parking spot on sunday for 20 minutes because they weren't there all wkend and I was spraying weed killer. The neighbor showed up and complained at the club house. The owner came to my lot and started yelling at me about how i have no right to do that. I apologized while he was yelling at me and he slammed his buggie door and drove off. As soon as I moved my vehicles I went to that neighbor.to apologized and she said no big deal. I gave the owners a bad review on line and now I am being kicked out. How is that right?! I follow the rules and keep my lot clean. I don't deserve to be yelled at and treated in such a rude manner. IF you decide to camp there don't speak to the owners unless you have to... this has happened to other guests too. Many have moved to other places because of the way they talk to people.
ScoutOwner is rude and unapologetic for being so.
Poisonous plants and creatures are usually pretty to look at. So is tyler creek until you speak to the owners for any reason and then they are rude and venomous. If I were you I would spend my hard earned money somewhere else.
ScoutMy husband and I had a wonderful experience the website was well informed; pull in and pick your own site and the site manager will come by and collect your money for night stayed. In fact, we enjoyed it so much we called to ask for another night, without hesitation, and any disruption to our camping they came by later that evening, and collected for an additional night ( just as the website advised), Charlotte is a wonderful town with wonderful events. This fairground camp area very clean and well organized. Well done Eaton county, see you in May 2024. 💯
ScoutWe was able to get a site last minute for the week prior and weekend of Labor Day. Also a river site, lots and lots for kids to enjoy they really loved the dance party on Saturday and Sunday night. The bounce thingy on the pond. We also brought our kayaks and spent a couple days on the river. Really enjoyed and will return
GuideThis was our second trip to this property (1st was Sept 2021), and it was really nice. We went Aug 25 - 27th (Friday - Sunday). The property has something like 219 campsites, and that weekend every single one of them was full. Noisy during the day with a few large groups and a LOT of kids, but they were quiet at night and it was not a problem. Some of the campsites are very close together and it's hard to determine that from the map or choosing ahead of time. The showers and bathrooms are fine, and I think they're being upgraded this season so I expect them to be quite nice for 2024 and beyond. We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground. We also took a trip into Battle Creek for a quick stop by CVS, so it's close and convenient for lost or forgotten items. No problems with bugs or mosquitos, other than the normal for being a forested property.
On Saturday morning the camp host had coffee and donuts for a $1 donation. And firewood was easily accessible on site.
Would not hesitate to stay here again.
Traveler
Host was nice. Check in was easy as was making the reservation. Stayed at 113 on the small lake. Narrow spot but behind is a fire pit and small dock to drop in a canoe/kayak. Bathrooms and shower was spotless. Sites not along the lake did have a bit more room and shade. We Would stay again.
ScoutI took a day hike back about a mile to site “F”. It was pretty private with a day site about 75 feet away so if anyone hiked in to use the day site, you might have to contend with close neighbors. Otherwise, a great spot with water access.
Scout$10 for clean drinking water they provide the the dump hoses. Always clean and well kept
Guide
Beautiful
ScoutHuge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy. Needs extra access to the Kalamazoo River for kayakers. Make a campground near the beach. Gas is too expensive to be driving two and a quarter miles one way to the beach. The dump station needed a serious update.
ScoutAnother great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great walking trail.
Scout
Other reviews cover it well and the details are still relevant. Great 1 or 2 night stop-over! First come first served.
Max 3 nights, the only odd thing is registering at the police department (about a half mile away) but they make it simple and easy once you are there.
ScoutThis is a campground as well as a place for people to join with a seasonal trailer. My family and I purchased a seasonal spot in 2020 and recently sold it. My hope is that by sharing my experience, I will save others from going in without a clear vision of Sandy Pines. Although the amenities and recreational choices are amazing, the management of this campground is some of the worst that I've ever experienced. There are SO many rules, however these rules are not consistently enforced leaving you often confused. Communication is lacking and you will not hear back when you reach out regarding permits, questions, or even when your trailer sells. Here are some examples of my experience: 1. My close friend hired a company(Bos Built) to put a deck on her trailer. The company entered the park 7 days in a row with multiple vehicles and built her deck without her present. On the 8th day this same company was going to come in to put vinyl plank in a room in my trailer. When I called to get them a guest pass to enter the park, I was told they wouldn't allow the company to enter without me being present. I explained my confusion by this and they were not willing to listen and in fact told me that I was wrong about my friend not being there(I was on vacation with her in North Carolina when they were building the deck). I reached out to the park president about the inconsistency and was given no resolution. 2. I joined the rules committee after my flooring experience to hopefully understand how the rules are developed and discussed. The handbook(rules, regulations, bylaws) is 79 pages long. There is not a chance that these rules will ever be less with the current board and committee. Every concern regarding a rule brought to the committee in my time serving was met with immediate resistance to any change. Reasoning always fell back on liability. Some examples of rules discussed- the contractors in the park without member present(liability, safety), a pontoon boat with a See-Doo switch engine(liability, way to dangerous), electric bikes/scooters/etc(need to add a rule to eliminate due to liability), lot clean up(SERIOUS discussion with zero tolerance for even a fist size amount of mildew due to it taking away neighbor's ability to be happy). There will be no change so be aware of rules before buying a seasonal lot. 3. While serving on the rules committee, we as committee members were asked to drive around on our golf carts and look for those that didn't clean up their lot and text/email security so they could write tickets. Yes. They wanted us to spend our time on vacation tattling on others. Everyone on the committee happily did this except me. 4. I got a site cleanup citation for having extra patio blocks stacked beside my deck($100 fine). I really was unaware of this being“trashy.” The patio blocks were there when I bought in 2020(it was not mentioned at closing/inspection) and I did not get cited in 2021 or 2022. This year I did. Inconsistency continues, as my neighbor across the street had patio blocks in the driveway. They did not receive a citation.They mail you a paper to your home address telling you that you have a citation, but it doesn't include a date. Like snail mail it. You have 2 weeks to clean it up or they fine you again.($200 and 2 points, 6 points gets your card access removed). While I called immediately upon receiving the citation in the mail to determine the date of citation, it had already been 2 weeks. 5. We knew it was time to go. We listed our trailer using Kent from sales to help us. On Thursday, July 27 I got a call from Kent with an offer. We did counter offer, but didn’t hear back from Kent. I assumed the potential buyer didn't take my counter. On Monday, July 31 I was at a public event downtown where we live. I was approached by a friend who told me my trailer sold(she knew someone who knew the buyer). Another person also approached me telling me it sold. Kent didn't tell me. I emailed him that night and he confirmed that yes it sold(offer accepted on Saturday, July 29 and money put down/contract signed the morning of July 31), he's just been busy. When I expressed the unprofessionalism of finding out through the grapevine, he accused me of just being emotional. I emailed the president, Jeff on August 1, but he didn't even respond. I emailed him again on August 14 and he responded without an apology but stating that Kent was extremely professional and did nothing wrong. Kent will receive 6% of my sale, even if he is not professional and doesn’t communicate the actual sale with me. I am not alone in my feelings. The facebook group for members is full of people sharing similar experiences to mine. Perhaps join that group if able before purchasing a seasonal lot.
GuideAbsolutely perfect weekend to stay at the park. As always, everyone was very pleasant. Very quiet and beautiful night!
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Rutland, Michigan, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rutland, MI is Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.
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