Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Traverse City, MI
Traverse City State Park Campground permits pets with sites located conveniently near East Bay Beach, providing dog owners easy access to morning and evening walks along the waterfront. The campground features shaded sites with mature trees that offer some privacy for pets despite the relatively close spacing between campsites. Dogs must be leashed at all times while in the park, and pet waste stations are available throughout the grounds. All accommodation types—tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and select cabins—welcome pets with proper supervision. Both the D.H. Day Campground and Platte River Campground at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore maintain similar pet-friendly policies while providing more natural surroundings. Sites are generally clean and well-maintained even during busy periods when many campers bring pets.
The TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) accessible directly from Traverse City State Park offers excellent dog walking opportunities without crossing busy roads. This paved path provides safe exercise for pets while connecting to downtown Traverse City approximately three miles away. Pet owners should note the campground's proximity to US-31 and the municipal airport creates consistent noise that might disturb sensitive animals, particularly during peak summer months. Interior sites farther from the highway provide quieter options for pets that startle easily. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort presents a more secluded alternative with pet-friendly cabins, yurts, and RV sites away from major roads. The Sand Lakes Quiet Area permits dogs on backcountry campsites and offers serene hiking trails for pets that enjoy wilderness exploration, though owners must pack out all pet waste as no services are provided at these remote locations.
