Top Dog Friendly Camping near Wellston, MI

Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Wellston? Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Wellston, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Wellston's most popular destinations.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Wellston, MI (193)

    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park

    1. Orchard Beach State Park

    30 Reviews
    71 Photos
    177 Saves

    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/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    2. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    60 Reviews
    229 Photos
    629 Saves

    Overview

    Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. This year-round facility is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It is within walking distance of the Platte River and a short walk or drive away from the Lake Michigan shore. Hikers can access many of the area's day use and backpacking trails just north of the campground.Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25 to 32 C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10 to 25 C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20 to 30 F (-7 to -1 C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7 C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

    Recreation

    Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.

    Natural Features

    The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles (3.2 km) away from the beaches of Lake Michigan. Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake. With 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.

    Contact Info

    For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    3. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    31 Reviews
    136 Photos
    416 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $14 - $27 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludington State Park

    4. Ludington State Park

    40 Reviews
    131 Photos
    280 Saves

    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/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    5. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    17 Reviews
    39 Photos
    113 Saves

    Northern Exposure Campground staff takes pride in our state-of-the-art RV campground. Our goal is to provide a memorable experience to campers of all ages. We are a nonprofit organization that's committed to providing our guests with clean, safe, and updated camping facilities, fun family entertainment, and a helpful and friendly staff ready to answer all your questions and assist you during your stay. Welcome to Northern Exposure Campground, thanks for staying and helping us be the best RV camping destination in Northern Michigan!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park

    6. Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    42 Photos
    208 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area

    7. Lake Michigan Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    69 Photos
    339 Saves

    Overview

    Lake Michigan Campground is perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, 15 miles south of Manistee. The area creates an incredible setting with a scenic overlook of the lake and a sandy swimming beach. This family campground provides an array of hiking and biking trails, plus swimming, fishing and kayaking.

    Recreation

    A hardwood forest gives way to a beautiful sandy beach at the shores of the lake with a playground for younger campers. Trout fishing in Lake Michigan is another big draw. Bird watchers delight in seeing unique species like the piping plover and prairie warbler. The Arrowhead Trail, a short loop trail created by Boy Scouts, forms a loop between the campground and the beach. A trailhead for the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is also within the recreation area.

    Natural Features

    The recreation area sits on the eastern banks of Lake Michigan along Porter Creek, due north of Hamlin Lake. As the second largest of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan provides stunning views and limitless options for water recreation. It covers a whopping 22,400 square miles and ranks as the fifth largest lake in the world. The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly a million acres of public protected land. Nearly 6,000 acres is wetlands that extend over the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

    Nearby Attractions

    The nearby Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area has abundant trails for hiking and backpacking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $27 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Coolwater on the Pine River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Coolwater on the Pine River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Coolwater on the Pine River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Coolwater on the Pine River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Coolwater on the Pine River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Coolwater on the Pine River Campground

    9. Coolwater on the Pine River Campground

    9 Reviews
    21 Photos
    40 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek State Forest Campground

    10. Silver Creek State Forest Campground

    9 Reviews
    27 Photos
    118 Saves

    Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. 26 sites for tent and small trailer use located on the scenic Pine River. This campground offers opportunity for hiking and mountain biking on its Silver Creek Pathway. Nearby canoe landing provides access to the river. Rustic campground includes vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
Showing results 1-10 of 193 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews In Wellston

976 Reviews of 193 Wellston Campgrounds


  • Tammy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    Hidden gem on the west side

    This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton. There is always something going on. Spacious, super clean bath house and on Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!

  • Tom W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walkup Lake Campground
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Walkup Lake Campground

    Quaint and convenient

    Conveniently located but proximity to the road makes it noisy. Locals drag racing on the nearby road subsided around midnight. Campsites were clean and spacious. I stayed at one of the two sites down the road by the boat launch. I stopped here after my first campground stop was full. This site will definitely get the job done but don't make this a featured stop.

  • Jeffrey P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Busy but Beautiful

    After a decent ruck in, you have some immediate camped spots and can travel further for even more. Summer time is busy so get there early for a spot. Have been multiple times with bigger groups and have always found a spot for tents and hammocks. Enjoy hikes down the best for a distance view of the dunes and enjoy fires with lake views at night.

  • Julia A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pines - Ludington State Park
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Pines - Ludington State Park

    Ludington

    Beach was big and beautiful but you had to drive to get to it unless you love walking with a bunch of beach stuff in a bathing suit. Hamlin lake is close by and is a good spot for fishing.

  • Barry E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Traverse City State Park

    Convenient and clean

    Very nice park, walkway to the public beach, paved path behind the grounds. Modern, clean bathhouse. Not a lot of privacy between spots, big mature trees all through the grounds. Right by municipal airport with lots of flight activity.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Lake Michigan Recreation Area

    Fantastic

    Great location away from everything. Spacious sites that are spread out. We stayed in the Oak Loop. Only 5 minute easy walk to beach. Quiet. Enough cell reception to send a text but that's it. Pit toilets only in Oak and Violet loops. Flush toilets in hemlock and orchid loop. No showers, but showers available at convenience store down the street during the summer.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    I loved this place!

    A small gem of a place. Park and pay to be in the National Forest...or disperse camping on Green Rd. We parked and hiked the mile and a half in to the Dunes. Take all your gear that you need if you don't want to trek back. Can not ride bike in or have anything with wheels on the trail. At the end of the Beautiful hike you come to the Dunes. Go to the right and you will see some spots to put a tent up(do not camp on Dunes or beach). To the right is easy walk and find. If you head to the left you will have to walk over some Dunes for a bit but this is where we went and found a perfect spot right where the forest and Dunes meet. Very short walk to the beach and it's AMAZING! We had it all to ourselves for hours. It's like looking at the ocean. Beautiful views, sunsets, night sky's. The water was warm and you could walk out a ways before it got deep. Great for swimming. It was perfect. One of my favorite spots away from the busy crowds. So worth the hike. Make sure you get wood and might have to hike it in. There is little to NO wood out there laying around. If you are willing to put the work in to hike out there then I promise it's worth it.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Mears State Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Mears State Park

    First time staying

    It’s a little cramped making it a bit overwhelming but the sites are nice and kept.

  • Michael N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Beautiful area!

    The camping area is amazing. My group camped in the non electric section. Each area was set back from the road. Flat gravel pad. Small paved driveway for your car. It was peaceful. And absolutely dark at night. Perfect for star gazing. The comfort station was a short walk away. Clean bathrooms, shower areas, and a small room to wash dishes. You cannot wash dishes at your site. You must take precautions against bears. So food had to be locked in cars. We didn’t encounter bears. At the entrance is a canoe/tube business. You can float down the river to Lake Michigan.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great nature - noisy neighbors

    Our site was great, easily fit a 17 foot trailer and a tent. Trails down to the water were appreciated by our kids. Neighbors are pretty close all around but that didn't matter until our last night. Several new campers rolled in at 10pm and proceeded to throw an absolute rager of a party until 4am - on Labor Day weekend. So overall a great campground but I wish there had been enforcement of quiet time or some kind of consequence for such horrible camping manners.

  • Benjamin A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Gleasons Landing

    Beautiful riverside campground

    Most sites have direct river access.  All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area.  There are two pit toilets for six sites and both were clean.  They sites are large, but fairly open, not much between the sites.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp David
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Camp David

    Wonderful, quiet location

    David and Gail were so friendly and welcoming, especially for the inconvenience of a last minute stay on Labor Day weekend! I had questions during the booking process and messaged them- I had a response in minutes. We had a quiet spot and were able to get some uninterrupted sleep after a long afternoon at the beach. 

    There are several places nearby with beach access (the turquoise water of Lake Michigan is beautiful), and lakes under 5 minutes away for fishing. For rockhounding, check out the beaches near Old Mission Lighthouse. Should we find ourselves back on the road to the UP, we'll be sure stop back in. Thanks again for being so accommodating!

  • Jim P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Val Du Lakes Resort
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Val Du Lakes Resort

    What a great place.

    I can't say enough about this place.  They where  so nice, polite and friendly.  We had some R.V. Issues and they where there to help.  The camp site was very nice.  There bathroom and shower were so clean. We will stay there again.

  • H. S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Track Campground
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Bear Track Campground

    Rustic seclusion.

    No running water.
    No electricity.

    No flush toilets.

    No internet.
    No phone signal.

    Pure heaven.

    Rustic campsites. 50-100 yards from the river. Great water from the pump. Nice clean vault toilet. Very quiet at night. Peaceful and beautiful. We've gone ever year for the last 5 years. Going again next year.

    Highly recommend a satellite-based GPS unit like Garmin or TomTom in your car. I was serious when I said no phone signal so Google Maps ain't gonna' get you there.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from The Campground
    Aug. 20, 2024

    The Campground

    Fantastic Campground!

    The campground is a small, family friendly campground that has a lot of activities for both adults and kids. It is clean, has level sites and well maintained facilities.

  • J B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great time

    The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There’s also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

    close to travese city and interlockin

    Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

  • Jen L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    Great location for orv trail access

    Great campground.  Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect.   We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite.  It’s really handy to not have to trailer over to the trsilheads.  Quiet, bug spaces, huge bathhouse. We will be going back!

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Grass Lake State Forest Campground
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Grass Lake State Forest Campground

    Updated Info

    Updating this information. We live 3 miles from this camp. All MI State Forest Campgrounds are nor $20/night.

    There is not a RV dump or hookup of any kind in this campground. One could easily bring a 30 ft trailer but sites this size are limited.

    This camp is on the Betsie River and the Grass Lake Flooding. There is a gravel/sand ramp to launch smaller fishing boats. Great area to kayak and float tube. 1000's of acres of State Forest surrounding this spot with miles of trails for atv, cars, trucks and horses. There are no horst facilities at this camp.



Guide to Wellston

Camping near Wellston, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Platte River Campground, visitors can enjoy trails that lead to stunning views and the nearby fish hatchery. One camper noted, "Amazing rangers with tons of info!"
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are close to lakes and rivers. At Betsie River Campsite, fishing is a popular activity, with one reviewer saying, "This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites... There are many places to put into the river."
  • Beach Access: If you love the water, Ludington State Park has great beach access. A visitor mentioned, "Great campground with beach access. It’s great to be in the forest, then take a quick walk over to the beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Cedar Campground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground shared, "Staff was friendly. Campground was quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly."
  • Secluded Sites: Campers enjoy having some privacy. At Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, one camper noted, "The campsites are large and spread out so you get a bit of privacy."

What you should know:

  • No Beach Access at Some Campgrounds: Some campgrounds, like Orchard Beach State Park, have lost beach access due to erosion. A camper mentioned, "People are complaining that there is no beach access anymore at this campground."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A visitor at Platte River Campground said, "Overall Rating: 3.5... Usage during visit: VERY full."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or stores nearby. At Lake Michigan Recreation Area, one camper noted, "Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer fun activities for kids. Ludington State Park has hiking trails and a beach, making it a great family spot. One family said, "There are a ton of activities you can do at this park."
  • Plan for Bathroom Breaks: Some campgrounds have bathrooms that are a bit of a walk. At Orchard Beach State Park, a camper mentioned, "The bathroom is a pretty distant walk so prepare for that."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A visitor at Betsie River Campsite enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, saying, "This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cedar Campground noted, "There are some large rigs, but sites are close."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. At Northern Exposure Campground, one camper said, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Some areas can have bugs, especially near water. A camper at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness mentioned, "It can get busy on weekends since many people know about this spot."

Camping near Wellston, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking peace and quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wellston, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wellston, MI is Orchard Beach State Park with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wellston, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 193 dog-friendly camping locations near Wellston, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.