Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Aune-Osborn Campground's pet-friendly sites offer direct access to the St. Mary's River for dog owners wanting to watch freighters pass by. Located in Sault Ste. Marie, this city-run park welcomes pets at all 100 water and electric sites, with both tent and RV camping available. Bay Mills Casino RV Campground also accommodates pets with full hookup sites for RVs and designated areas for tent camping. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash policies, requiring dogs to be kept on leads no longer than 6 feet when outside vehicles or camping units. Sherman Park and Brimley State Park Campground provide additional pet-friendly options with cabin accommodations that allow dogs. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance, making them suitable for extended stays with pets.

Hiawatha National Forest's Bay View Campground provides excellent pet exercise opportunities along its Lake Superior shoreline, where dogs can explore the sandy beach with owners. The large, shady campsites offer privacy with dense pine-maple-spruce-oak forest creating natural boundaries between neighbors. Pet owners should prepare for seasonal insects, as reviews note mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive during summer evenings despite bug spray applications. Most campgrounds require recreation passports for entry regardless of residency status, with additional fees applying to non-Michigan residents. Local veterinary services are available in Sault Ste. Marie for emergency care, approximately 20-30 minutes from most camping areas. Nearby trails in the Hiawatha National Forest system offer additional pet-friendly hiking opportunities, though owners should remain vigilant for wildlife encounters and carry sufficient water for pets during summer months.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (43)

    1. Brimley State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Brimley, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 248-3422

    "Close to beaches, Point Iriquois, Bay Mills Casino, Sault Ste. Marie. My most recent visit was over the weekend, it was very busy. I would recommend making reservations."

    "Our site backed up to a bay in Lake Superior. We were able to see a sunset from the beach the first night. The beach is just 30 feet from the back of our RV."

    2. Aune-Osborn Campground

    9 Reviews
    Sault Ste. Marie, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 632-3268

    "This campground is owned by the City of Sault Ste Marie and they do a beautiful job of keeping it clean and well maintained. Restrooms and showers are excellent."

    "This park pretty much lacks any character as it is an open area with a bunch of scattered campsites but it makes up for that with its location. Most people come to the town of **Sault Ste. **"

    3. Monocle Lake

    11 Reviews
    Brimley, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 203-9872

    $24 / night

    "This campground is a hidden gem, close to the small town of Brimley, Michigan where you can purchase forgotten items, visit the library, or visit local tourist attractions."

    "It was quiet, sites are far from each other, and it was only a short drive from where we wanted to go."

    4. Sherman Park

    5 Reviews
    Sault Ste. Marie, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 632-5768

    $5 - $8 / night

    "It’s next to or part of a municipal park with playgrounds, picnic tables and beach access. Bathrooms are shared with the municipal park."

    5. Bay Mills Casino RV Campground

    9 Reviews
    Brimley, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 422-9645

    "Close to food and fuel. Easy pull through sites. Check in is currently across the street at the hotel. Masks are required in the hotel/casino. Good sites. Decent park."

    "Close to the water and even closer to the casino. We used this as a base for seeing sites, mainly the locks. A bit wet while we were there but not to bad. The staff at the casino is nice and helpful."

    6. Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, MI)

    18 Reviews
    Brimley, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 203-9872

    $21 - $24 / night

    "Gorgeous Lake Superior shore experience! Fall asleep to the sound of waves. 

    Address of property:  19456 West Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, Michigan 49715

    There are no services nearby."

    "Best campground in Michigan. Sites aren’t too close together yet there are bathrooms in a reasonable walking distance from each site."

    7. Soo Locks Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sault Ste. Marie, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 632-3191

    "Close to town. It's not pretty, just functional."

    "What a awesome location. I have been visiting this place for over 15 years. I absolutely love it here. You get to see the ships go by day and night. The shower house are always clean."

    8. B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #552

    1 Review
    Sault Ste. Marie, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-1548

    $22 / night

    9. Kewadin Casino RV Park

    1 Review
    Sault Ste. Marie, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 632-0530

    "Trash dumpster near the entrance. Fresh water, bathrooms with showers, and laundry (free but inside the women's bathroom), located in the pavillon. First come, first serve, no reservations."

    10. Bay Mills Resort

    1 Review
    Sault Ste. Marie, MI
    3 miles
    Website

    $29 - $39 / night

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Sault Ste. Marie, MI

489 Reviews of 43 Sault Ste. Marie Campgrounds


  • Judy  B.
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Brimley State Park Campground

    Neat Local Spot

    I've visited Brimley State Park several times, always nice. Clean park, clean bathrooms. Close to beaches, Point Iriquois, Bay Mills Casino, Sault Ste. Marie. My most recent visit was over the weekend, it was very busy. I would recommend making reservations.

  • R
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Brimley State Park Campground

    Fair Weather Park

    Arrived here 9/27/30, leaving on 9/30/20. It rained off and on continuously. Our site backed up to a bay in Lake Superior. We were able to see a sunset from the beach the first night. The beach is just 30 feet from the back of our RV. Colors in the surrounding forests show the promise of magnificence but were muted due to the clouds and rain.

    Nearby Sault Ste Marie, MI is picturesque and has a lot of history for those who are interested.

    We would come back again but in warmer sunnier weather.

  • Jeff O.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Brimley State Park Campground

    Great State Campground right on Lake Superior

    Traveled here in August of 2020 with my family. (2 adults, 4 kids) Since there are a lot of us we got two joining sites so we could spread out a bit and we were glad we did. The sites aren't super tiny, but having two was worth the extra $$. The kids loved the beach and swimming in the clean Lake Superior water. 

    Close enough to Sault Ste. Marie  and Taquaminon Falls. 

    Very quiet but we were there mid-week so it wasn't too crowded either.

    Facilities were fine, especially for a state park.

  • Elizabeth C.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Aune-Osborn Campground

    I keep coming back

    It must be good because I keep coming back. This campground is owned by the City of Sault Ste Marie and they do a beautiful job of keeping it clean and well maintained. Restrooms and showers are excellent. Sites are mostly on a thin gravel base but are level and drain well. Electric and water are provided but no sewers. I had good Verizon cell service but their WiFi was spotty. I come here to watch the boats come and go to the locks. Those who require more active entertainment might not like it as much

  • Kristin G.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Soo Locks Campground

    Tiny sites in a gritty town

    The photos online were deceiving. This campground has tiny little sites in an industrial area of Sault Ste Marie. It was super quiet at night but it’s next door to a military base and 5 Chinook helicopters ran drills in the morning from 8:30 -11am and it felt like we were in a war zone.

    We came however to watch the ships go by and it was suitable for this. The bathrooms were old but clean. They sell ice and wood.

    There were some tentless kids sleeping by the river who are known to steal beer in the night. You’ve been warned.

    We planned to stay 2 nights but only stayed one. It was just a parking lot.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2017

    Aune-Osborn Campground

    Close to Soo Locks

    This park pretty much lacks any character as it is an open area with a bunch of scattered campsites but it makes up for that with its location. Most people come to the town of Sault Ste. Marie (called the “Soo”) to check out the famous Soo Locks and watch massive Great Lakes freighters pass through them on their way from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan.

    This is a city run park that is 20 acres right on the St. Mary’s River so you get a great view of the ships passing by. When we arrived it had been rainy during the day and there was lots of water in the roads and at people’s campsites. Luckily our site was dry but there were some pretty big puddles and lots of standing water. Some of the sites are right on the river which and have unobstructed views of the ships. Reservations are by phone only. I had to leave a message but got a call back within a few hours and it was pretty easy from there

    There are 100 sites with water and electric and all are pretty easy to get into with an RV. Tent camping is allowed but there is no separate section so you are mixed in with RVs.  Some of the hook-ups at sites are crazy. Our water was nearly 50 feet away and some are on the wrong side. Bathroom and shower facilities very nice and well maintained, with private lockable shower rooms. There is a laundry with book exchange but no camp store. The park has showers and restrooms that were very clean and modern. The showers are separate rooms that have privacy so you are not in the bathroom. They also have a laundry facility. The park wifi worked well at our site (#72) as did our Verizon phone and hotspot. Adjacent to the campground is a boat launch, playground (which looked like it was from the 1960’s), fish cleaning station, and an RV dump station.

    The campground is not very large so for walking our dog we went to the adjacent park and were able to throw a ball for her. Within walking distance of the campground is a convenient store and there is a casual restaurant with burgers/fried fish/hotdogs/etc. 

    A visit to the Soo Locks is definitely a must. The Visitor Center (operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) is free and well worth a visit. There are some short films, interpretive exhibits, and a board letting you know what time the ships are expected into the locks. Outside is a viewing platform where you get a great view of the ships in the locks watching them rise 20+feet as they make their transition.

    I wouldn't consider this an amazing park, but if you come to Sault Ste. Marie there are not a lot of choices and its fine. You are just a few miles from downtown and the Locks and get to watch freighters navigate the narrow stretch of the river. The downsides are there are not lots of trees or privacy and the drainage is really poor. 

    Tip 1: Site #9 is probably the best in the park as it is on the end, has a great view and more privacy.

    Tip 2: For a delicious hamburger head under the International Bridge to West Pier Drive-In. It is the kind of place where you sit in your car and eat the most delicious juicy hamburger that fills your belly all day.

  • Jay W.
    Jul. 18, 2018

    Straits State Park Campground

    Great Views, Clean, Close to Amenities.

    The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace. This bridge conects Upper and Lower Michigan at the crossing of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This campground is clean, and well layed out with just about a campsite for the taste for everyone. From campsites on the shores of Lake Huron to open sites and wooded sites. Take the drive to the look outlook area in the park for awesome views of the Mackinaw Bridge and Mackinaw City which sits on the other side of the bridge. St. Ignace is a tourist town with lodging, restaurants, shopping and bed and breakfast inns and even a casino. There is a grocery store for your needs just before the entrance of the park. If you decide to take the 5 mile trip across the bridge to Mackinaw City, be prepared for a cost of $4 every time you cross and possibly heavy blowing winds across the bridge. There is a service at the entrance of the bridge that will drive your vehicle across for you if your feeling timid. Mackinaw City on the opposite side is definitely busy during the Summer months and more touristy feeling than St.Ignace. With plenty to do on either side quiet isn't hard to find. From visiting lighthouse's in downtown Mackinaw and another lighthouse just a short drive East of Mackinaw City at Headlands International Dark Sky Park sits McGulpin Lighthouse. You can travel North 45 mins and hit historic Sault Ste. Marie at the border of Canada and United States or visit the beautiful Tahquamenon Falls area for sights never to be forgotten.

  • S
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Brimley State Park Campground

    Nice campground, with the best swimming

    Brimley is in great proximity to Sault Ste Marie and Tahquamenon Falls, so there is plenty to do in the area. I especially recommend driving down the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway And also checking out the Bay Mills Farmers Market on Thursday evenings in the casino parking lot.

    Right across the road from the campground is a small IGA store where you can get many different food items. Also down the road is Superior Pizza and Subs which is a great place for a quick and easy dinner.

    In the campground itself, many of the sites are generously sized with electric access for those who need it. There are three bathhouses throughout the park, which is where Brimley loses a star. I am only familiar with the largest main bathhouse, but I imagine the other two are similar. The main bathroom is often dirty, and the showers (which are closed off little shower rooms) have no working ventilation and get super hot with mildew and mold growth on the walls.

    However the shining star of this campground is the beach. The swimming is some of the best with a nice sandy bottom and no rocks. The water is generally cold, as Lake Superior often is, but it’s nothing too cold for swimming in. The view is lovely, and you can often see the freighters that pass through The Soo.

    All in all, I highly recommend staying at Brimley State Park if you are in the area.

  • Jennifer  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Kinross RV Park East

    Full hook ups in the weeds

    Very cheap - 30 amps, water and sewer hookup on unlevel overgrown sites. Not exaggerating that weeds are a foot high covering all the sites and grounds like a pasture - unless you bring your own weedeater or mower. The ancient class c camper next to us doesn't appear to be movable and has no sewer hooked up. 2 cars park on either side of it, although that means one car comes and goes constantly and is parking on our site right outside our door. Across the highway is a large prison, just down the road from an airport. This is a very old, sad, and poor small town with no amenities, so plan on driving 30 minutes to Sault Sainte Marie for groceries, restaurants, and anything else you could possibly want to do. The rv park also has the township's memorial dog park. Guess what? Not mowed, and full of dog waste. We watched a man bring 5 dogs every weekday around 5pm, put them in the gated dog park and sit looking at his phone for 30 minutes. Then he calls them after they have all pooped, loads them into his SUV, and drives off. Just wanting you to get the whole honest picture - you cannot beat the $20 per night full 30 amp hook ups, and the power and water are good quality. There are good reasons why here in 2021 there are probably 35 unoccupied sites. Stopping for a night? Sure. Staying for a month - only if you know what you are getting into.


Guide to Sault Ste. Marie

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and natural beauty

  • At Brimley State Park Campground, families can enjoy sites along Lake Superior, perfect for swimming and relaxing with pets.
  • Monocle Lake offers a serene environment with large, wooded sites that provide privacy and a beautiful lake for swimming.
  • Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest) features a clean campground with beach access, making it a great choice for families with pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near Sault Ste. Marie

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at Aune-Osborn Campground to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet while enjoying the scenic views at Bay Mills Casino RV Campground, where amenities include electric hookups and nearby dining options.
  • Make sure to clean up after your pet at Kewadin Casino RV Park, which offers a friendly atmosphere and easy access to local attractions.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great amenities

  • Sherman Park provides a quiet setting with basic amenities, perfect for a peaceful getaway with your dog.
  • Enjoy the convenience of showers and laundry facilities at Kinross RV Park West, making it easy to keep your camping experience comfortable for both you and your pet.
  • Munuscong River State Forest Campground offers spacious sites and a boat launch, ideal for adventurous pet owners looking to explore the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sault Ste. Marie, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sault Ste. Marie, MI is Brimley State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sault Ste. Marie, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 43 dog-friendly camping locations near Sault Ste. Marie, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.