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Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Michigan

6,241 Reviews

When you think about camping in Michigan, it’s the water that draws most to the Great Lakes State. Michigan has 3,288 miles of shoreline, the second longest of any state, including 1,056 miles of island coast. Plus, you’re never more than six miles from a natural water source, or more than 85 miles away from a Great Lake.

There are plenty of opportunities for coastal and island camping in Michigan, but it’s more than just water. Michigan has the largest state park and state forest system of any state, with over 100 state parks, recreation areas, and state forests. There are also several national parks, forests, and lakeshores to pitch a tent or park the adventure rig. Needless to say, you have some options, so stick with The Dyrt to help you narrow it down. Consider these main Michigan attractions when deciding on where to go camping in Michigan.

For most campers, the epicenter of natural beauty and outdoor recreation in Michigan is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Mountainous dunes slope from high peaks and plateaus down to meet with the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. Hiking, biking, hang gliding, off-roading, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, or just simply sandy beach lounging can all be found in and around Sleeping Bear Dunes. Also, when you take a camping trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the nearby quaint towns and rolling inland hills speckled with fruit orchards provide the perfect bonus excursions.

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Michigan waterways have been essential to the growth of the nation, but they’ve also been treacherous for mariners for centuries, and continue to demand respect. When camping in Michigan, touring some of the iconic Michigan lighthouses can be a great way to learn about the history of the region, while also taking in stellar views of natural landscapes and architectural achievement. Check in with The Dyrt for information on camping near some great Michigan lighthouses.

Finally, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an entire playground of its own for outdoor recreation and exploration. Discover some of the many waterfalls like the impressive Tahquamenon Falls, or kayak on Lake Superior for a memorable view of the famous Pictured Rocks. The power of Lake Superior can be seen across the northern shore with unique rock formations, and remnants of the prominent mining and shipping industry still exist throughout. If you’re thinking about more remote or wild camping options in Michigan, the Upper Peninsula is for you. Whatever your camping style, stay tuned to The Dyrt for inside information on the best camping in Michigan.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Michigan (1,046)

    1. Wilderness State Park Camping

    76 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    ", the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on!"

    "Beaches are not dog-friendly (as is the case throughout Michigan, although dog beaches are starting to make headway). There is a dark sky park nearby - don't bother."

    2. Straits State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $22 - $42 / night

    "We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"

    "The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."

    3. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    61 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."

    "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."

    4. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    "The walk to the beach access is a beautiful one, and the beach is astounding! Pet friendly!"

    5. Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    57 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 492-3415

    $28 - $32 / night

    "Showers and a modern toilet are available in the modern portion of the campground which is a short walk through a playground and separating trees."

    "A must if you live in Michigan. Portage camp is a walk from the lower falls. Brand new and clean bathrooms. Sewage dump is a mile at hemlock camp. Get water there before you go to your site."

    6. Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Norton Shores, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 798-3711

    $38 - $42 / night

    "Unfortunately, a red flag was flying on our visit, so we only waded at the water's edge- but - still cool to lay out on the sugar-like sand and walk its 3 mile length!"

    "Site 31 and any along that path back up to a little creek and trail which was just perfect for the kids to play in."

    7. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park — Fort Wilkins State Historic Park

    55 Reviews
    Copper Harbor, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 289-4215

    $30 / night

    "Things I love about this campground: sites with easy access to private lakeside swimming, clean restrooms with Wifi and laundry, the fort is an interesting piece of history to explore, and the conglomerate"

    "The center is blacktopped surrounded by grass and trees. Grass sites are around the perimeter- they are still great. There is nothing better than to walk on the pier at night and star gaze."

    8. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    53 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $20 / night

    "The foliage helps create privacy but the campsites are close in proximity overall."

    "We spent most of our time at the pet friendly beach. So many places to hike and so much fun to swim. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay."

    9. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Pets are allowed in the campground. The sites are a little tight, but if you are looking to hang out in Traverse City, this is a convenient location. Bathhouse was always well maintained."

    "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."

    10. Munising Tourist Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Munising, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 202-2694

    $29 - $45 / night

    "If you can’t get into the campgrounds in Pictured Rocks this site is a good alternative due to its proximity (three miles) the downtown and the entrance to the park. "

    "AMAZING views of Lake Superior just steps away from the camp site. Spots don't stay empty for long. The RV park stays full"

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos in Michigan

626 Photos of 1046 Michigan Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Michigan

6241 Reviews of 1046 Michigan Campgrounds

  • Makayla B.
    Sep. 24, 2020

    Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    Beautiful park with easy access to Lake Superior

    This was our first time camping in Michigan and we loved being so close to Lake Superior. We're used to MN state parks, so we found the campsites in MI to be a bit small and too close to each other. The fire ring for the site behind ours was very close to the bed area of our camper. Our spot was campsite #98. There's not a lot of shade or vegetation between campsites in that row, but it was easy walking distance to the modern restroom/showers and Lake Superior. Next time we would like to camp along the lake. The trail around Lake of the Clouds was well worth it!

  • E
    Jun. 11, 2019

    Eastpointe RV Resort

    Amazing

    Definitely the best camp ground in West Michigan! Clean sites, friendly staff, and many amenities. Camp store, laundry, showers and bathrooms, huge pool, hot tub, pickle ball courts, kids play ground, bikes, scooters, and kayaks for rent (with a kayak launch) and boat slips on the water. They have access to a dog park as well. Home away from home!

  • Tracey L.
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Countryside Campground & Cabins

    Kid and Pet Friendly with technology hip owners.

    W.O.W. This is the CLEANEST campground I have ever been to. Seriously not 1 cigarette but or candy wrapper on my site when I arrived. Picnic tables are freshly washed. Sites around#40 are spacious and shaded all day which was awesome. No mats allowed but it was great as the grass is green and lush. Store has apparel, camping tools, and ice cream. Kids ran there every day and it is affordable and friendly. Pool is super clean as well as the bathrooms. Loved the online check in process so there was no delays and we just pulled right into our site. If you have pets there is a fenced in dog park with pick up bags and mowed trails for daily walking or biking. We will be back!!!  WIFI too!

  • T
    Nov. 13, 2023

    Camp Agawam

    Great retreat for Canadians

    I come down to Detroit from Windsor every year to camp in Michigan with friends and this year we went to this very nice campsite in Orion Twp and I loved it. This was the first year we started our trip in Toronto, thanks to a solar company at https://www.solarpowertoronto.com/ who installed solar panels on our RV. We were able to camp from Toronto to Orion Twp and had a great time. Will be doing the same next year.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2017

    Traverse City State Park Campground

    Great Proximity to Downtown, Beach, and Breweries.

    The location of this campground is great and it's best feature in my opinion! This park is just two miles to downtown Traverse City (one of Michigan’s most popular resort towns), a quarter mile from a pretty beach and the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan, and it sits along the TART Trail which is a 10.5-mile bicycle trail running through the city.

    While the park is small at just 47 acres, it holds pretty many campsites – approximately 350 (and two cabins). Campsites are set among tall pine trees so there is a bit of shade but that also means that they are sandy with little grass. Roads are paved and narrow if you are trying to maneuver with a large (40+ RV) and you may have difficulty backing into your site with the numerous trees lining the road. All sites are back-in with electric. Sites and patios are sandy with varying degrees of levelness. There is a dump station and water spigots are scattered throughout the campground. Picnic tables and fire pits are at each site. Sites are $31/night ($49/night for the cabins) and reserveable online.

    This park is right on US-31/M-72 which means there is easy access in and out but it can be noisy if your campsite is close to the road. Expect the campground to be very busy on weekends and in the summer and tightly packed.

    Amenities include: picnic area, beach, fishing, hiking/bicycling trail, three bathhouses, playground area, camp store, pet walk (no off-leash dog park).

    Outside of the park there is a lot to do in Traverse City. Early July is the ever-popular Cherry Festival which lasts for a week. But you better book your campsite early if you want to enjoy all the festivities (which happen to be close to the park). The summer farmers market is great and held every Wednesday and Saturday. Early in the season, asparagus is plentiful and locally-grown asparagus is the best you will ever have being super sweet, tender, and inexpensive. For beer drinkers, consider paddling the beer trail that takes you from Boardman Lake to Lake Michigan and past numerous breweries where you pull over for a pint. If it's ice cream you want, you have come to the right place. There are multiple creameries with Moomer's being our favorite and for some reason eating it right at the farm stand was the best.

  • Jennifer B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Kinross RV Park East

    Full hook ups in the weeds

    Very cheap - 30 amps, water and sewer hookup on unlevel overgrown sites. Not exaggerating that weeds are a foot high covering all the sites and grounds like a pasture - unless you bring your own weedeater or mower. The ancient class c camper next to us doesn't appear to be movable and has no sewer hooked up. 2 cars park on either side of it, although that means one car comes and goes constantly and is parking on our site right outside our door. Across the highway is a large prison, just down the road from an airport. This is a very old, sad, and poor small town with no amenities, so plan on driving 30 minutes to Sault Sainte Marie for groceries, restaurants, and anything else you could possibly want to do. The rv park also has the township's memorial dog park. Guess what? Not mowed, and full of dog waste. We watched a man bring 5 dogs every weekday around 5pm, put them in the gated dog park and sit looking at his phone for 30 minutes. Then he calls them after they have all pooped, loads them into his SUV, and drives off. Just wanting you to get the whole honest picture - you cannot beat the $20 per night full 30 amp hook ups, and the power and water are good quality. There are good reasons why here in 2021 there are probably 35 unoccupied sites. Stopping for a night? Sure. Staying for a month - only if you know what you are getting into.

  • Ron M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Camp Sequoia

    Great people nice for short stay

    A mostly seasonal campground that can be had to find. Super amenities with huge pool and large field with dog park, baseball field, bags, basketball and sand volleyball. Many trails to walk.

  • Jessika A.
    Aug. 11, 2017

    Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    Backyard Beauty

    This here is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to. Great location to bring family and pets.

  • A
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Camp Sequoia

    Quiet, Friendly Campground

    We really enjoyed our stay. The hosts were very welcoming and helpful. Delivered our firewood right to our site. Lots of shade trees, beautiful well groomed trails for walking. Even a dog park, which our Golden Retriever really enjoyed.

Guide to Michigan

Discovering the great outdoors with your furry friends is a rewarding experience, and Michigan offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options that cater to both you and your pets.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

Pet owners like the variety of activities available

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great features for comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities should I look for at pet friendly campgrounds in Michigan?

When choosing pet-friendly campgrounds in Michigan, look for dedicated dog areas like the one at Countryside Campground & Cabins, known for its exceptionally clean grounds and spacious, shaded sites. Ideal amenities include walking trails, waste disposal stations, and nearby water access for dog swimming. Woodland Park Campground offers clean facilities and proximity to Lake Superior, perfect for pets who enjoy water. Other valuable features include shaded campsites to keep pets cool, enough space between sites for privacy, and proximity to pet-friendly hiking trails. Some premium campgrounds provide dedicated dog wash stations, fenced exercise areas, and pet-sitting services for when you want to enjoy non-pet-friendly activities nearby.

What are the pet policies and restrictions at Michigan RV resorts?

Eastpointe RV Resort, one of West Michigan's premier campgrounds, maintains standard pet policies typical of many Michigan RV resorts. Common restrictions include keeping pets leashed (usually 6-foot maximum) when outside your RV, picking up waste immediately, and not leaving pets unattended. Many resorts prohibit pets in public buildings, pools, and certain common areas. Some locations like Gaylord KOA have designated dog parks but may enforce breed restrictions. Excessive barking is universally discouraged, with warnings that could lead to being asked to leave without refund. Most resorts limit pets to 2-3 per site and require proof of rabies vaccination. Always check specific resort policies before booking, as restrictions vary significantly.

Are there any additional fees for bringing pets to Michigan campgrounds?

Pet fees at Michigan campgrounds vary widely by location. While many state parks like Traverse City State Park Campground and Beach Campground at Holland State Park typically don't charge extra for pets, private campgrounds often implement additional fees. These can range from $1-10 per night per pet or a flat fee per stay. Some campgrounds may also require a refundable deposit ($25-50) to cover potential damages. Premium RV resorts might charge more for pet amenities. Always check the specific campground's pet policy before arrival, as fees can change seasonally, and some places limit the number of pets allowed per site. Most campgrounds, regardless of fees, require proof of current vaccinations.

Where are the most dog friendly campgrounds in Michigan?

Michigan offers several outstanding dog-friendly campgrounds. Devoe Lake Rustic Campground in the Rifle River Recreation Area stands out with clean facilities and easy access to trails, lakes, and rivers—perfect for adventures with your dog. Camp Sequoia features a dedicated dog park where your four-legged friends can run off-leash, plus beautiful well-groomed trails for walking together. Other notable pet-friendly options include Woodland Park Campground with beachfront access, and Holland State Park with expansive sandy beaches where leashed pets are welcome in designated areas. When selecting a campground, verify current pet policies as they may change seasonally, especially regarding beach access and trail restrictions.

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