Are you planning a camping trip to White Cloud with your dog? We've got you covered. Find the best information on pet-friendly campsites and dispersed camping near White Cloud, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
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
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Hoffmaster State Park is 1,200 acres of wooded sand dunes and 3 miles of sandy beach. The park is named for P.J. Hoffmaster, considered to be the founder of Michigan’s state parks system. Located just a few miles south of Muskegon, and 40 miles west of Grand Rapids, this park offers an outdoor reprieve where you can swing in your hammock under shady pine and hardwood forest, and enjoy pleasant lakeside strolls while peeping for migrating sparrows and hawks. One of the park’s must-do activities is climbing the winding wooden stairway to the Dunes Overlook for great views over the lake, and the fascinating dunes that have developed along the lakeshore.
Open from April to October, the campground at Hoffmaster State Park offers nearly 300 wooded tent and RV campsites on either side of Little Black Creek. Sites are equipped with electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits; restrooms and water faucets are located throughout the campground area. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 50 feet; a dump station is available near the campground entrance. A kids’ playground is located near the creek, between the two camp areas, and there are two trailheads for accessing the beach. There are also several picnic areas and a concession stand inside the park. Dogs are permitted in the campground area and on the trails, but must remain leashed; they are not permitted on the swim beaches. Campsite rates range from $25–$37/night.
If you need a break from sunning and swimming on the beaches at Hoffmaster, you can visit the Gillette Visitor Center. You can learn about the park’s sand dune ecosystem, see exhibits about the park’s flora and fauna, or attend a nature program about native birds, bugs or beasts. The center also offers guided, interpretive bird walks, dune hikes and night prowls. If you’re ready to strike out on your own, pick up a trail map and start roaming the park’s 5 miles of hiking trails. On the 1-mile Dune Overlook Trail you can climb 100 stairs into the park’s “quiet area” for a panoramic view over the dunes and Lake Michigan. Bring your birding guide with you, as the park is known for a wide variety of residential and migrant songbirds and raptors.
$38 - $42 / night
Muskegon State Park is home to 3 miles of breathtaking shoreline (2 miles along Lake Michigan and 1 mile on Muskegon Lake), Snug Harbor, forested dunes, two campgrounds, picnic areas, multiple trails, and more. One of the park's popular features is the blockhouse that was originally built by the CCC in the 1930s to provide opportunities for visitors to see in all directions. It sits on the highest point in Muskegon County.
$30 - $90 / night
Benton Lake Campground Benton Lake is a 33-acre lake completely surrounded by National Forest land. The North Country National Scenic Trail is located off Pierce Drive, about 2 miles east of the campground entrance road. This site is usually quiet, but there are lots of activities, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and hiking. This campground is very popular during hunting season.
Located on the south side of Nichols Lake, the campground and surrounding area offer excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping, or just relaxing.
Fishing and boating are popular activities at Nichols Lake. There is a paved boat launch at the campground. This site is one of the locations on the National Forest's for Kids Fishing Day Events for Michigan's Free Fishing Day in early June. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter. Swimming areas are marked with buoys, but there are no lifeguards. The North Country National Scenic Trail goes through the site near the boat ramp, providing good hiking opportunities.
Fishing and boating are popular activities at Nichols Lake. There is a paved boat launch at the campground. This site is one of the locations on the National Forest's for Kids Fishing Day Events for Michigan's Free Fishing Day in early June. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter. Swimming areas are marked with buoys, but there are no lifeguards. The North Country National Scenic Trail goes through the site near the boat ramp, providing good hiking opportunities.
At 160 acres, Nichols Lake offers shore, pier, and boat fishing. Typical fish species available include bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, and northern pike. There is a swimming beach and accessible fishing pier available. Those wishing to enjoy the day at Nichols Lake will find a day use area located on the north side of the lake.
The North Country Trail covers 4,600 miles from Crown Point, NY, to Lake Sakakawea State Park, ND. The segment that includes Nichols Lake has beautiful sections for both the advanced and weekend hikers. The nearest towns are Woodland, Bitely, and Brohman, about two miles to the south.
$24 / night
Highbanks Lake Campground This campground is located on the 20-acre Highbank Lake, which is completely surrounded by National Forest System land. This is a popular campground for anglers and hikers. The beach is very swim friendly, shallow with a sandy bottom.
$24 / night
Small campsites, but nice bathrooms and showers, close to Baldwin
Went there to use dump station after camping at the local veterans retreat, nice facilities and staff. 15$ fee to use dump station
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.
The staff checking us in was amazing, but that’s where it stops. Lots of highway noise. Tiny spots. And worst of all the owner is terrible, argumentative, rude and disrespectful. We were traveling with a group, my husband was moving grills and wood from our site to theirs(we were not as close to our group as we thought) and was parked literally for less than 10 mins to the side of the road…the owners site was right across- he came out without a hello or welcome but right away jumped in“You can’t park there” as we were very clearly unloading… from that point it went downhill- never told us who he was; asked if we wanted to be kicked out and quite frankly was a straight up jerk. It wasn’t until later that night that other campers told us who he was and that’s normal behavior. If that is how the owner treats his customers you can rest assured we will never be back.
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.
We loved this park and the atmosphere. So much room for all size campers, bathrooms and showers were clean and spacious. Beach access super close and plenty of roaming for our dog. Fire rings were the nicest we've seen and the park was kept clean and today, the rangers were on top of everything.
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
I’ve read lots of reviews that were lukewarm about Newaygo, but we enjoyed our 3 day getaway. Ample activities in the area (hiking, disc golf, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing and stargazing). And shopping and nice brewery in Newaygo. Most sites are large and separated from the next. The noise levels really dropped off in the evening. Will be back!!
This campground was okay. Nothing super special or exciting. The restrooms were very clean and maintained. The lots themselves are not kept well. Lots of long grass, dirt and tree stumps close to the road. Made it kinda hard to park our 30’ camper without running into a stump. It was nice and close to the channel and there is a beach attached to the campground which is accessible by a dirt trail. It was good for what we needed it for.
I wanted to give this place a 5 star rating but unfortunately I’ve had a bad experience at this one. my first time camping with a group of friends at this campground we reserved 3 spots all close together to accommodate such a huge group having camped there for a little over 24hours was told by the park ranger to move my tent over to my side of the plot since my tent was crossing my groups plot boarder by a little bit in the middle of rain with 2 kids(under 5)in the tent to keep dry from the rain. park ranger couldn’t be lenient enough to wait for the rain to subside.knowing the park ranger usually make frequent rounds around the park they could have told me sooner if it was problem but they waited until it started to rain to tell me to move.
I had a deeply disappointing experience at this campground. Despite driving six hours to get there and booking three sites, which were more than enough space for sharing, my friend and his family were forced to move their tent because it was slightly over the boundary—just a foot inside our site. This happened in the middle of the rain, with kids inside the tent, and despite our explanations, a ranger and three staff members insisted they move. Meanwhile, a nearby camper was allowed to stay despite having two tents and one camper on one site, which is against the rules. This discrepancy made us feel racially targeted and left a sour taste in our mouths. To top it off, the bathroom facilities were dirty, which only added to the negative experience. The lack of empathy and fairness was truly disheartening.
Terrible staff and communication.! Worse part is a power hungry ranger telling us to move our tent 2 inches away from our PAID campsite. What was worse is he told us when it was pouring outside while his kids was inside. Will not come to this campsite because of the ranger! Edit: we later found out that there was another campsite down the road that had 2 tents and 1 camper on 1 plot and they said nothing
We stayed for 2 nights drove 4 hours just to go here with our friends and family. We respectfully rented 3 sites for a group or 11 so we have enough spaces for our tents and be together. On the 2nd day it was pouring rain the ranger told us we are too close to each others campsite. Although we are together and paid we still had to move our tents just an inch away from each other in the rain he couldn’t even wait for us to wait for the rain to stop but no we had to move the whole set up in the rain. Worse experience at a campsite. I understand rules and policy but we were harming no one. DONT COME HERE IF YOU HAVE A BIG GROUP. Definitely not family friendly. It completely ruins the experience for people when big groups come.
Family campground with beautiful Lake MI beach. Sites very close together with no privacy. Bathhouse clean;showers hot. Site 80 is listed as full shade but does get morning sun.
Nice spot with a fire pit. I don’t think you can get a trailer in the spot but I pulled up in my truck and setup a tent right next to it. I can’t hear anyone else and it’s elevated above the road. Nice and peaceful
This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers. Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles. We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground.
Pines Point is a rustic Manistee National Forest campground with some unique features. There are a small number of reservable sites in something of a group camping area but most sites are not reservable. The area is managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure with an on-site resident manager. Current fee for camping is $24 per night. The campground is very beautiful in an out of the way wooded area along the White River. Some sites are located along the river on a low bluff, with a Riverside path and several stairways to access the river. Most sites are large and well separated from other sites by trees and underbrush. This is a rustic campground with no electric or other hookups. There are conveniently located water spigots with good volume and pressure located throughout the campground. One of the unique features however, is that there is a restroom building with flush toilets! There is a day use/picnic area adjacent to the campground that includes a canoe / kayak launch. This area also has a fee if you are not a registered camper. This leads us to the other unique feature of the campground, which is a "tuber's loop" on the river which leads from the canoe launch around a large peninsula containing the picnic area to a wellmarked takeout point where one can walk less than 50 yards back to the canoe launch to do it again! The float takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through very scenic and wild section of river, the river is mostly rocky and shallow with a good current. The river is also popular for other kayak / canoe trips with multiple launch and take out points. There is no longer a kayak/canoe/tube rental service in the area, so bring your own! There is basically no cell service in the area of the campground. The nearby small town of Hesperia has a full service grocery, gas stations etc. in our experience the campground is raPines Point is a rustic Manistee National Forest campground with some unique features. There are a small number of reservable sites in something of a group camping area but most sites are not reservable. The area is managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure with an on-site resident manager. Current fee for camping is $24 per night. The campground is very beautiful in an out of the way wooded area along the White River. Some sites are located along the river on a low bluff, with a Riverside path and several stairways to access the river. Most sites are large and well separated from other sites by trees and underbrush. This is a rustic campground with no electric or other hookups. There are conveniently located water spigots with good volume and pressure located throughout the campground. One of the unique features however, is that there is a restroom building with flush toilets! There is a day use/picnic area adjacent to the campground that includes a canoe / kayak launch. This area also has a fee if you are not a registered camper. This leads us to the other unique feature of the campground, which is a "tuber's loop" on the river which leads from the canoe launch around a large peninsula containing the picnic area to a wellmarked takeout point where one can walk less than 50 yards back to the canoe launch to do it again! The float takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through very scenic and wild section of river, the river is mostly rocky and shallow with a good current. The river is also popular for other kayak / canoe trips with multiple launch and take out points. There is no longer a kayak/canoe/tube rental service in the area, so bring your own! There is basically no cell service in the area of the campground. The nearby small town of Hesperia has a full service grocery, gas stations etc. In our experience the campground is rarely full, except possibly for some holiday weekends. A side note, there is a free, dispersed camping area suitable for tents and maybe small campers along 160th Ave South of Arthur Rd. There are no services or amenities and the road is a bit sketchy, but it might be an option if Pines Point is full or you prefer more seclusion and no fees!
We initially booked a site by the river, but once we saw the sites next to the playground, we knew we had to switch for our sanity and so our toddler could play. They were very accommodating with us and so friendly. There was so much for our 2 year old and 10 year old to do. We will definitely be back!
Certainly! Here’s an enhanced review for the Allendale KOA:
I recently stayed at the Allendale KOA and had an exceptional experience. The campground is spacious, with large sites that provided plenty of room for our setup. The clean restrooms and full-service showers were a highlight, offering a comfortable and convenient experience after a long day of outdoor activities.
The staff at Allendale KOA were incredibly friendly and welcoming, ensuring that we felt right at home from the moment we arrived. The well-stocked camp store was a great convenience, providing everything we needed without having to leave the campground. We were particularly impressed by the massive bundles of wood available for just six bucks, making our evening campfires both affordable and enjoyable.
Families will especially appreciate the large field and play area, which offered ample space for our kids to run around and enjoy themselves. It was wonderful to have such a safe and enjoyable environment for them to play in.
Overall, our stay at the Allendale KOA was fantastic. The combination of excellent facilities, friendly staff, and family-friendly amenities made it a perfect choice for our trip. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great camping experience!
It was a nice campground. Nestled in nature, quiet, clean, WiFi only at the clubhouse. Private beach with a steep paved walkway accessible across the street. Absolutely the best sunsets over Lake Michigan! Friendly staff, Pool was clean, refreshing, and hot tub as well. Game room for the kids. Various outdoor games-usual horseshoes, shuffleboard, basketball, small playground. Many, many, many speed bumps throughout. Firewood was wet. Other campers we talked to said it’s always wet, that they don’t buy it there. Spent $70 for weekend rate, I think it was $60? For weekday? Just for electric, water, no WiFi, 4 days. With all the campgrounds MI has to offer, this was a very nice campground, and would recommend it, but we personally look forward to exploring other options.
Crazy fun Sex Naked
The lake was pretty peaceful and has private residences. One of the private residences had construction noise (generator, nail gun, impact drill, saw). There was a relatively frequent roar of SxS and dirt bikes from a dirt road that went behind the campground.
The sites were each unique, some near the water and some more wooded. I stayed at #7 which was wooded and full of ticks. Despite plenty of bug spray and a Thermacell, I ended up with two ticks on me in the evening and one on the picnic table. Flies were pesky throughout the campground.
The price is considerably high given it's the same price as the paid sites in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area with its surrounding activities and scenery.
The American Land & Leisure who operate the Highbanks Lake campground could improve the footprints of the sites some to provide better delineation between natural areas and site boundaries which might eliminate ticks to an extent.
Great cabin for winter camping. Electricity, heat, microwave, mini fridge. 2 sets of bunks, sleeps 5. Table with chairs. Wonderful hiking.
Absolutely one of the most beautiful sites that I have seen yet. Secluded enough for my dog to roam. Large open site surrounded by trees. I have a promaster and made it through the rough sand road.
Not a bad place. Pretty quiet, other than the usual occasional idiot. Decent sites. ADA sites concrete, regular sites grass, sandy, or a combo of both. Pretty average spacing for a state park, except when a doofus parks sideways in a back-in site. (Wish the MI DNR would put a stop to that ). Typical MI state park sites, electric, fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites shaded, completely to some. Will return.
Any grocery shopping you'd want is within 2 to 5 miles. (Aldi, Meijer, Kroger) Fast food too, if you need it.
Verizon and T-Mobile service sucks here. No park wifi.
Beautiful scenery
The location is beautiful
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near White Cloud, MI is Newaygo State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
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