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Pigeon River State Forest Campground allows pets at all 15 rustic campsites situated along the Pigeon River. Located in Vanderbilt, the campground provides pet owners access to numerous hiking trails within Michigan's elk country. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with vault toilets and hand-pump wells for water access. Haakwood State Forest Campground offers similar pet-friendly accommodations with sites nestled among trees providing good separation and privacy between campers. Both campgrounds maintain a standard leash policy, requiring pets to be kept on a 6-foot leash when not confined to camping units. Neither location charges additional pet fees, though owners must clean up after their animals and cannot leave them unattended. The camping area's isolation creates a remarkably quiet environment where pets and owners can enjoy natural surroundings without the noise typically found at more developed campgrounds.
Dog-friendly hiking trails connect directly to both forest campgrounds, with the Shingle Mill Pathway and High Country Pathway offering excellent options for exercising pets while exploring the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Many campsites at Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground feature direct water access where dogs can swim and cool off during summer months. Local wildlife considerations include potential elk encounters, especially during fall bugling season when dogs should be kept under tight control to avoid disturbances. The closest veterinary services are located in Gaylord, approximately 15 miles south of Vanderbilt. Winter camping with pets requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months. Most campground reviewers note the remarkable quiet of these locations makes them perfect for nervous dogs that might be disturbed by the typical noise of larger, more developed campgrounds.
"The location of the connection point for our site 75 is on the left side of site 77 and our cable could not reach. (See photo)."
"Otsego Lake is a great campground. It's quiet for a state park, and the sites are roomy. The sites on the outer perimeter have large trees and some have water views."
"Dog park and beach area for dogs. Large, grassy recreation area and nice playground. Park hosts on site with daily activities for campers. Town is nearby with restaurants, shopping, etc."
"Staff was helpful, neighbors were friendly, bathrooms were clean, and it's right on the lake! Very pet-friendly, very busy. Reserve in advance."
"The beach was convenient to walk to and we enjoyed the 3 amazing fire work shows you can see on the 4th of July from the beach."
"We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "
"This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access."
"You can’t beat $15 a night, each rustic site is fairly secluded with privacy, and you’re right by Michigan’s only area to view free roaming wild elk!"
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"The campground is right on a small but very pretty lake in the middle of Michigan’s elk country."
"The sites are large but only a few are close to the lake and even those require taking a trail down to the water. The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim."
"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."
"The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."
"Family friendly and pet friendly, beach was close by and clean. Reservations were very easy to make online and allows you to pick your site."
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
TravelerThe owners were constantly driving around and correcting people. Rules are okay but they were over the top. They would even stop and just stare at our site while we sat outside.. it was very odd. Also not kept up at all. The playground was old and my 30 lb dog slipped out from under the “dog park” fence because it was so high off the ground where they were allowed to be unleashed, luckily we got her and she’s ok.
GuideLarge, level electric sites. Very large campground in general. Since we were there in September and mid week, it was quiet. Bath house clean, but a bit outdated. Nice beach and swimming area. Dog park and beach area for dogs. Large, grassy recreation area and nice playground. Park hosts on site with daily activities for campers. Town is nearby with restaurants, shopping, etc. Burt Lake is stunning. Bring your kayaks, boats, and fishing gear.
ScoutWe spent a 4th of July weekend up in Petosky with our family. It was a perfect mixture of rustic modern camping. The facilities are nice and clean and the campground is well kept. Even on a busy holiday weekend it was so enjoyable. The beach was convenient to walk to and we enjoyed the 3 amazing fire work shows you can see on the 4th of July from the beach. The only downside is that no dogs are allowed on the beach which is kind of a bummer. There is a great dog park however in Petosky nearby.
LegendThis is a great campground if you like to bring your boat along too. We were able to tie our boat up and use it all weekend. The campground is beautiful with an awesome dog park as well.
LegendWooden Shoe Campground in Ellsworth, Michigan is a small campground set on a hill above Ellsworth Lake. This park is great if you want to sometime explore Michigan’s waterways. When we visited the park, it was about 25% full which made it very quiet and relaxing. There are some great sites that overlook the lake that are inviting for an evening fire and enjoying a pleasant view.
The park has 45 RV sites with water, 30 amp electric, cable TV, and internet. There are seven designated tent sites in a heavily wooded area with some glimpses of the lake. Some sites have a nice amount of shade while those towards the front of the park are more open and have a better water view. Picnic tables and fire pits are at each site. The main road throughout the park is paved, in good condition, and easily navigable with even large RV. There is a dump station at the entrance of the park that is easy to get in and out of. A camp host is on site. The price per night to stay here is $25 and they offer a super inexpensive price of $125/week. Reservations can be made by emailing a reservation request or calling the city.
The town of Ellsworth is quite small with a couple of shops and restaurant or two. The quaint coastal town of Charlevoix is 10 minutes away where you will find plenty of shopping, restaurants, a pretty harbor, weekly live music (in the summer), a farmers market and really great library with a large room that has a great selection of books for sale for a few bucks. The towns of Boyne City and Boyne Falls are about 20 miles away and also worth visiting if you have the time. For dog owners, Boyne city has an off-leash dog park and Boyne Falls has a large ski resort that is perfect for walking dogs in the summer. The larger town of Petoskey is about a 45 minute drive but well worth a visit.
If you want to “get away” and enjoy water activities this is a good place to come. There is a canoe/kayak boat launch just down the hill from the park that puts you in a narrow stretch of water that connects Lakes Ellsworth and Saint Clair. A short (approximately 1 mile) paddle into Lake Saint Claire lands you in a beautiful nature preserve administered by the Little Traverse Conservancy. Be sure to visit Friske’s Orchard which has a fruit stand, bakery with pizza and sandwiches, general store and petting zoo and is only six miles away on Rt. 31.
The good things about this park are the price, access to pretty water for kayaking/canoeing/fishing and the view from some of the sites. You are not too far from some of northern Michigan’s most popular towns yet only paying $25 night. The small size of this park gives it a quieter feel than some of the nearby state parks that have hundreds of sites. When we were there about half the campers appeared to be seasonal who come to enjoy the boating and fishing. Many of these people were not there during the week which made the park super quiet.
A couple dings for this park are that many of the sites are not level and even pitching a tent can be difficult. The bathroom/shower facilities are old and run down. The main bathhouse is located in the front of the park with port-a-potty’s scattered about. Some of the sites are close together and give a crowded feeling.
Overall, I would say this is an average park which is why it gets three stars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vBh0Dej5Ro
GuideWe have spent six weeks at this park for the last 6 years. We attend a horse show circuit near by. It is the creme de la creme of RV parks. The sites are individually owned (and leased out) and many of the owners have made their lots very nice. The park is limited to Class A, Fifth Wheels and Class C only. This park is dominated by big, very nice class A's.
We have a 5th wheel and have appreciated the amenities very much. Great wifi, curbside garbage pickup, trails, dog park, and many others. You are limited to 2 dogs, and they are very strict about leashes and picking up poop. But, that keeps the place looking nice.
We enjoy it very much and it is so close to the horse show, it cannot be beat. Because they are such a popular place to stay during the show (July - mid August), they sites book up a year in advance.
ScoutMake reservations early! This is a beautiful state park with the best of pure Michigan woods and Lake Huron sandy dunes and beaches . Very family and pet friendly but also quiet and peaceful for couples who just wanna get away . Only drawback is low signal cell service but hey getting off the grid is what’s its all about. Unplug and recharge yourself. Electric hook up availability 20/30 amp . Hiking and biking paths , a cute play ground , sandy beach with volleyball area all walking distance from campsites! Friendly staff , we love this park !
ScoutFriendly staff very accommodating. Pet friendly has small dog enclosure at front as well as mini golf and playgrounds. Lots of trees and wooded areas to feel more remote without the driving. Very peaceful.
ScoutVery friendly staff and clean park. Family friendly and pet friendly, beach was close by and clean. Reservations were very easy to make online and allows you to pick your site.
Vanderbilt, Michigan sits in the heart of the Pigeon River Country State Forest at an elevation of 1,070 feet. Known as Michigan's elk country, this northern Michigan area experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 40s, even during July and August. Campsites throughout the region typically feature sandy soil with mixed pine and hardwood forest cover.
Kayaking the Sturgeon River: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for paddling adventures. At Sturgeon Valley Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to water activities. "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," notes Sue R.
Swimming in Pickerel Lake: The clear waters at Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground provide a refreshing alternative to river activities. "Lake is small but beautiful. Great for swimming and kayaking," reports Jason N. The campground offers 40 first-come, first-served sites with easy lake access.
Hiking the Shingle Mill Pathway: This 10-mile loop trail connects directly to several forest campgrounds. "The Shingle Mill Pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days," shares Ian R. The trail system offers varied terrain suitable for day hikes or overnight backpacking.
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently mention site separation as a major benefit. At Haakwood State Forest Campground, "Most sites are private. Some premium spots back up to river. Stars are amazing," according to Joie V. The campground's layout maximizes privacy between neighboring sites.
Budget-friendly options: State forest campgrounds offer exceptional value. "You can't beat $15 a night, each rustic site is fairly secluded with privacy, and you're right by Michigan's only area to view free roaming wild elk!" explains Ryan L T. Most rustic campgrounds in the area maintain similar pricing structures year-round.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being rustic, campgrounds receive praise for cleanliness. "Site 12 had a spot for my hammock. Watch out for poison ivy. The only downside is that other campers don't know how to behave at night," notes Hatcher about their Haakwood stay, highlighting both the amenities and typical challenges.
Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds have no cell coverage. "Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service," advises Aaron T. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground. Plan communications accordingly and download maps before arrival.
Tick precautions: Ticks are prevalent throughout the region. "The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks," warns Ian R. about the Shingle Mill Pathway. Bring appropriate repellent and conduct regular tick checks, particularly after hiking.
Water access varies: While some sites feature water views, few have direct waterfront locations. "The sites are large but only a few are close to the lake and even those require taking a trail down to the water," explains Kate K. about Pickerel Lake. Check site maps carefully when selecting locations.
Elk viewing opportunities: The region offers unique wildlife viewing possibilities. "You're within striking distance of the Call of the Wild museum in Gaylord, which I highly recommend," suggests Ryan L T. from his stay at Elkwood Campground. Fall brings elk bugling season when "Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!" according to Colleen F.
River safety considerations: While riverside sites are popular, currents require caution with children. "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under," cautions Paul C.
Dog-friendly trail access: Most campgrounds connect to dog-friendly hiking networks. "This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access," notes David C., providing options for exercising both children and pets during your stay.
Site leveling preparation: Many forest campground sites require leveling equipment. At Otsego Lake State Park Campground, "Site 52 and sites in immediate area was over 12" out of level from front to back. Looked like our camper was doing a wheelie," warns patrick. Bring adequate leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Campsite size limitations: Forest campgrounds typically accommodate smaller RVs better than large rigs. "Nice paved path through the campground, great for kids riding bikes around camp. They also have a playground with a cool old fashion slide," notes Amy K., highlighting both the accessibility and amenities at Otsego Lake State Park.
Road access considerations: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Vanderbilt have limited access roads. "This campground is only 2 miles off I-75 at Wolverine," explains Bob W. about Haakwood State Forest Campground, making it one of the more accessible options for RVs in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Vanderbilt, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Vanderbilt, MI is Otsego Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Vanderbilt, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 151 dog-friendly camping locations near Vanderbilt, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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