11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
D.H. Day Campground's wooded sites accommodate tent and RV camping with pets throughout its operating season from April to November. The campground, located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, features picnic tables and fire rings at all sites, with drinking water available throughout the grounds. ['Each site has plenty of space and flat ground soft enough for tent pegs.'] Pets must be leashed at all times within the National Lakeshore boundaries. Platte River Campground also welcomes pets with similar accommodations but operates year-round. Both campgrounds require visitors to purchase a National Park Pass ($20 weekly or $40 annually) in addition to camping fees.
The Heritage Trail connects directly to D.H. Day Campground, providing 20 miles of paved pathway for walking dogs through the dunes area. A short boardwalk leads from the campground to Lake Michigan's sandy shoreline where pets can enjoy water access. Campers should be aware this is an active black bear area, requiring proper food storage and pet feeding practices. During peak summer months, the campgrounds fill quickly, though fall visits offer quieter experiences with spectacular autumn colors. The surrounding area includes pet-friendly towns like Glen Arbor and Empire where visitors can find supplies if needed. Poison ivy is prevalent throughout the camping areas, so keeping pets on established paths helps avoid exposure to both this and ticks that have been spotted in the region.
"The foliage helps create privacy but the campsites are close in proximity overall."
"Small rustic campground right on shores of Lake Michigan in Sleeping Bear Dunes. So beautiful-quick walk to the most beautiful beach. Expected to see sunsets but surprised with awesome sunrises!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 / night
"It seems to be easier to get a site here when the neighboring sleeping bear dunes campgrounds are full."
"Hiking to Lake Michigan, bike trails, Sleeping Bear Dunes just a short drive away. For those with dogs, Esch Beach, at the end of Esch Road, is about 10 minutes by car and dog friendly."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $50 / night
"The campground is close to Sleeping Bear Dunes (15 mins) and Traverse City (30 mins). We enjoyed traveling to the city for Cherry Festival and returning to a quiet campground."
"Located just a short drive away from many attractions."
"300+ sites, pet friendly, sites for all shapes and sizes. Open year round, with heated cabins. It's a great location, just across from Traverse Bay with just across the road."
"Sites are small and pretty close together but shaded with electric at site (134) and centrally located bathhouse with hot water and well kept. Dish washing station available."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $100 / night
"The campground is right on Duck Lake, and there was a canoe/kayak launch in the campground in addition to the main ramp in the center of the park."
"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $120 / night
"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."
"We were stationed near the boat ramp and had a beautiful shaded view of the lake. Our neighbors, most of whom were permanent campers, were nice."
from $56 - $194 / night
"The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes."
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
from $33 - $85 / night
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
from $35 - $60 / night
"Can walk to a small river about 200 yards away!"
"It is a beautiful campground with 4 loops and a walk-up camp area. There are handicap and group camp area. Abundant large trees offer shady campsites."
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
TravelerStayed in the non electric sites. Short paved driveways were nice, but if not in a tent your just in a driveway. Bathrooms were super nice, and bear proof trash and mixed recycling outside. Private outside entry showers, and a camp sink room in the shower house. Lots of trails thru out the camp to get to the shower house.
TravelerCamped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
TravelerWe came later Friday in October and every spot was occupied. It is very beautiful though. There is some places it says no camping. If you can't camp there it would be a nice place to find a secluded spot and hammock all day. Camp sites are not close to each other at all.
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
GuideI was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
LegendMy all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water. Beautiful lake front sites as well as some in trees. Beautiful lighthouse, playground (including horseshoes) and picnic area. Phenomenal hiking trails south of campground-one trail leads directly to a pristine remote beach. Dogs are allowed on trails w/ leash(but not on beach mid April thru August due to Piping Plover nesting). Campground is quiet and serene. My all time favorite. Only downside is if you are in the cabins or on South sites you can hear road noise during day. Not horrible but irritating.
ScoutEach site seems to be cased in with beautiful trees and the atmosphere is relaxing. Bsthrooms are clean but be sure to bring quaters to take showers.
D.H. Day Campground sits at the base of Sleeping Bear Dunes, where the terrain transitions from towering 450-foot sand formations to wooded lowlands. The campground's surrounding forest consists primarily of maple, beech and hemlock trees, providing natural windbreaks during fall and spring camping seasons. Winter camping options remain limited near the dunes, with Platte River Campground being the only year-round facility in the immediate area.
Kayaking the Platte River: Access points near Platte River Campground connect directly to beginner-friendly paddling routes. "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" notes camper Nikki M. The river flows at a moderate pace toward Lake Michigan, with rental options available in nearby Beulah.
Beach access from campsites: The shoreline at D.H. Day Campground features a quiet section of Lake Michigan beach. "Nice wooded sites. Amazing beach access. Quiet," writes Rhonda D. The water remains shallow for approximately 50 feet offshore, making it suitable for wading.
Nighttime astronomy: Clear nights offer exceptional stargazing opportunities away from city light pollution. "We went to the beach to skywatch and it was beautiful and worth every second," reports Doug P. about his October camping experience at D.H. Day. The beach areas provide unobstructed western views over Lake Michigan.
Shoulder season solitude: Fall visits offer both color changes and fewer crowds. "Went there in late October of 2022 and man was it a cold night to stay in a tent... But once we got situated, we went to the beach to skywatch," shares Doug P. about D.H. Day Campground.
Ranger programs: Educational sessions focus on local wildlife and dune ecology. "The amphitheater with kid-focused programs was a great bonus," notes Jeffrey R. about his D.H. Day experience. Programs typically run from June through August on weekend evenings.
Multi-use trail connections: The paved Betsie Valley Trail connects directly to Betsie River Campsite, enabling car-free trips to nearby towns. "It's right on the local paved bike trail that goes into the town of Frankfort or out in the other direction. Easy for kids and adults alike," explains Allison H.
Bear activity requirements: Black bears frequent campgrounds throughout the dunes region. "I was told a black bear visits the campgrounds at least once a week, but is not much a nuisance as long as campers store their food in the car," reports Joyce B. about her stay at Platte River Campground. Staff may provide bear boxes upon request.
Site privacy variations: Campground layouts offer different levels of seclusion. "Wild camping...spacious sites. But we got one right next to an out house and ranger talk site which had lots of foot traffic through our site," explains Lauren W. about her D.H. Day experience. Corner sites typically provide more buffer zones.
Limited shower facilities: Bathhouse amenities vary significantly between locations. "The only thing I don't like are the pit toilets, but it's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water," notes Taylor D. about D.H. Day Campground. Empire Township Campground offers coin-operated showers at 50 cents for three minutes.
Rustic options with playground access: Several campgrounds combine natural settings with play areas. "There is a (long) walking trail to the beach, and many areas to hike, fish or tube down a river nearby. My only 'complaint' is that once we had children there wasn't a playground for easy access to entertainment," shares Andrea B. about Traverse City State Park.
Beach-oriented campsites: Lake access provides natural entertainment for children. "This place is awesome for rustic camping. There are stunning views of the lake which is just a short hike from the campsites," notes Halie C. about D.H. Day. The small boardwalk between campground and beach crosses over dune grass areas.
Educational wildlife opportunities: Several campgrounds feature interpretive programs. "Staff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly... Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September," shares Kevin D. about D.H. Day.
Electric hookup limitations: Power availability varies widely between campgrounds. "We were stationed near the boat ramp and had a beautiful shaded view of the lake. Our neighbors, most of whom were permanent campers, were nice," explains Kimberly C. about her experience at Leelanau Pines Campground, which offers full hookups on premium sites.
Parking surface considerations: Site conditions impact leveling requirements. "The sites are nice and very level," notes Chris R. about Leelanau Pines. Some campgrounds require additional equipment, as "they had levels they brought & put under one side of the travel trailer to level us."
Campsite size constraints: RV sites vary significantly in dimensions. "You are literally camping with everyone near you," explains Natalie S. about her experience at Green Lake Rustic South. For larger rigs, Traverse City State Park offers designated big-rig sites, though they "are small and pretty close together but shaded with electric."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sleeping Bear Dunes?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes is D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4.6-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes?
TheDyrt.com has all 111 dog-friendly camping locations near Sleeping Bear Dunes, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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