The state of Michigan is a perfect destination for dogs and their owner, thanks to its hundreds of pet-friendly camping sites, park cabins, lodges, and hotels. Michigan’s Natural Resources Department opened up their parks to pet owners when they allowed more than two pets to stay in the state park cabins back in 2017. Therefore, any dog owner looking for an ideal dog friendly camping destination to take his/her entire family should try Michigan. So, here are some of the best dog-friendly camping spots in Michigan:
Table of Contents – Pet Friendly Camping
Why Camping With Dogs Is Different and Delightful
Camping with dogs offers a unique and delightful experience. Dogs bring an added element of joy, companionship, and adventure to the trip. Their natural curiosity and playful nature encourage outdoor exploration, making the camping experience more engaging. Dogs also provide a sense of security in unfamiliar surroundings. Thus, campers can feel safer and more at ease, enhancing the overall camping experience. We found ten dog friendly camping locations throughout Michigan that are worth a look.
#1 Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort
Situated in Traverse City, the Timber Ridge Resort is a beautiful resort featuring miles of wooded trails, a lodge, banquet facilities, and an RV Park. Therefore, pet owners can enjoy camping in cabins, RVs, and tents. The Timber Ridge Resort is an excellent place for cold and warm camping fanatics.
Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort can give your family a memorable experience, but your dogs must always be on their leash when outside your RV and well-fed. So, instead of purchasing the first dog food you find on the shelf while you are on the road, you should try and get more information on the most nutritious and affordable dog food from Crazy Pet Guy.
- 4050 E Hammond Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
#2 Lake Michigan Campground at Manistee
Lake Michigan Recreation Area Campground is a beautiful forested park 15 miles from Manistee. This campground provides a unique setting with a sandy beach, which is ideal for camping. This dog-friendly camping destination offers many activities, including biking and hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and even swimming. Lake Michigan Campground is a quiet destination that doesn’t allow motorized boats.
- 6000 W Forest Trail Rd, Free Soil, MI 49411
#3 Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA
Mackinac Island KOA is a beautiful 50-acre camping spot within biking distance from the city of Mackinaw. This dog-friendly camping site has numerous amenities, including a heated swimming pool, Wi-Fi, firewood, and propane at a fee, as well as camping cabins and tent sites. So you can have a relaxing weekend with your family as you enjoy what nature offers.
- 566 Trails End Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
#4 Platte River Campground
Enjoy the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from this beautiful camping site. This camping ground is part of the National Lakeshore Park and is open year-round. It offers a wide range of camping styles, including pull-through and back-in RV sites with electrical hookups. It also provides group sites and walk-in camping sites for adventurous and beautiful tent sites.
- 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor, MI 49640
#5 Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground
Pitch your tent at Mackinaw Mill Creek campground and enjoy an incredible mile-long shoreline natural setting. You can see Lake Freighters, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge, and the Mackinac Straits. This campsite offers numerous amenities, including free mini-golf, a heated pool, natural beaches, biking and hiking trails, and roads. Mackinaw Mill Creek Campsite has everything for every camper, from lakefront cabins to the RV site. This dog friendly camping site also has a place for people who want to pitch a tent and enjoy their holiday.
- 9730 US Hwy 23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
#6 Silver Lake Resort and Campground
Enjoy the breathtaking sight of Lake Michigan and the Silver Lake while seated on a 150ft hill in your RV. The Silver Lake Resort and Campground has some of the best dunes in Michigan that serve as the campsite’s playground. You can rent a buggy and have fun with your pals and family. This campsite has numerous amenities, including rustic camping cabins, a primitive campsite, hookup sites, Wi-Fi, a heated pool, and picnic areas.
- 1786 N 34th Ave, Mears, MI 49436
#7 Port Huron KOA Resort
This campsite is just a few minutes from the historic Port Huron. Port Huron KOA has numerous amenities, including a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, a mini-golf, a camping kitchen, and cable TV. The fact that you can bring your pet to this dog friendly camping site is a bonus.
- 5111 Lapeer Rd, Kimball, MI 48074
#8 Sandy Beach County Park Campground
Situated along the shoreline of Hardy Pond, the Sandy Beach County Park campsite has everything you need to have a relaxing holiday with your pet. Offering dog friendly camping in this semi-modern and modern camping spot with 72 electric and water sites. It has a sanitation station, two bathroom buildings, a swimming beach, a boat launch area, docking space, and picnic areas. So, you can carry your boat or rent one and have fun with your family.
- 6926 E 30th St, White Cloud, MI 49349
#9 Waffle Farm Campground
Waffle Farm campsite is a beautiful campground on Lake Morrison and Craig Lake in Coldwater, Michigan. This spot has two sections: the seasonal camp spot with 151 sites and the main campground with 225 sites. The main campground has numerous facilities, including a huge swimming pool, two playgrounds, and three restrooms.
- 790 N Union City Rd, Coldwater, MI 49036
#10 Honcho Rest RV Resort
Honcho Rest Resort is a great camping site for bass anglers where you can relax and forget about your busy life in the city. Honcho is between Lake Michigan and Elk Lake across Elk-Rapid Golf Course. This camping ground has 102 partially-shaded and shaded campsites and six cabins. Out of the 102 camping sites in Honcho Resort, 95 have cable TV, electricity, water, and sewer. Plus, the entire campground has Wi-Fi.
- 8988 Cairn Hwy, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Video: Paws and Play: Pet-Friendly Camping Tip – Check Campsite Rules
Final Thoughts On Dog-Friendly Camping Spots In Michigan
Michigan is home to some of the best dog friendly camping spots in the United States. It is the best destination for pet owners, and most of their camping sites allow more than two dogs is a bonus. So, instead of leaving your dogs at home every time you go camping, why don’t you try these unique pet-friendly campgrounds?
*Cover photo by Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash
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