The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Mackinaw City, Michigan

Looking to go camping near Mackinaw City, Michigan with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 538 pet-friendly camping options available, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Average prices per night start at $40, but you can also find options as low as $10. Be sure to check out the top campsites in the area like House of Bear (179 reviews), Explore the U.P. from here! (157 reviews), and Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews). Popular amenities include trash, potable water, and showers, while activities like horseback riding, boating, and wildlife watching will keep you entertained during your camping adventure.

97% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mackinaw City

Looking to go camping near Mackinaw City, Michigan with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 538 pet-friendly camping options available, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Average prices per night start at $40, but you can also find options as low as $10. Be sure to check out the top campsites in the area like House of Bear (179 reviews), Explore the U.P. from here! (157 reviews), and Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews). Popular amenities include trash, potable water, and showers, while activities like horseback riding, boating, and wildlife watching will keep you entertained during your camping adventure.

97% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mackinaw City

1. Norton's Nook

98%

(21)

9.8mi from Mackinaw City · 2 sites · Tents

The Norton Nook campsites are perfect for off-grid boondocking or pitching a tent. Small Sprinter-style vans or adventure motorcycles are welcome. We offer two campsites on 100 secluded acres with lots of privacy. Site 1: The Beaver Dam site is more open with a good breeze and a fantastic view of the active large Beaver Pond. This spot is only accessible with a Subaru, Jeep, Truck, or four-wheel drive Sprinter van. Site 2: The Woods site is just that, in the woods with lots of Pine and Aspen trees. Accessible with any vehicle. The property is located right off U-23, 7 Miles from Mackinaw City. Bring your bikes and ride from camp to Mackinaw City (7-8 miles) on the Northeastern Bike Trail. The Barbara Hoffius Nature Preserve is only a half-mile away and has great trails to the beach. These simple campsites are PACK IN PACK OUT. We don’t have any services. There is the Mackinaw Straits roadside park one mile west which has well water and a public bathroom. Table and chairs and a fire pit are provided. Feel free to scavenge for deadfall firewood. Please don’t cut any trees down for any reason. Also, check with the DNR for fire risk. Do not burn during high risk of fire. The location can't be beaten, if you want to visit the Mackinaw Area but need space from the crowds. It will not disappoint.

2. Neebish Island Light Station

100%

(3)

47mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to our family’s historic property on remote and beautiful Neebish Island, Michigan—home to freighter views, starry skies, and timeless peace and quiet. Built in 1889 as a light station keeper’s house, this property later served the U.S. Coast Guard until it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Our family acquired it at auction in the 1980s, and we've cherished it ever since. We’re now opening up parts of the land for rustic camping and self-contained RVs to help preserve and maintain this special place. This is not a polished campground—it’s a unique, raw, and beautiful setting where you can truly unplug and connect with nature, water, and history. Located right on the St. Marys River, with unobstructed views of freighters and shipping vessels along the St. Lawrence Seaway, this spot is perfect for anyone who loves maritime history, photography, or just peaceful waterfront camping. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the beach is sandy and swimmable. Campers can enjoy: A wood-fired sauna right on the river (perfect for a dip afterward!) A large communal fire pit under the stars Porta-potties (no access to indoor plumbing) Access to water and electric hook-up Excellent area for canoeing or kayaking - bring your own boat! The current on the St. Mary's river is VERY fast so be careful. Paddle upstream first and then use the current to return to the campsite. Regular wildlife sightings: eagles, herons, deer, and more Neebish Island is remote. Access is via a car ferry from Barbeau, MI, and cell reception is limited—plan for a digital detox. You'll need to research and plan around the car ferry schedule, which is limited to a few runs per/day. This is a great spot for campers, vanlifers, paddlers, and freighter fans who appreciate quiet, history, and open sky. Interior access to the historical house is not included, but the land is yours to enjoy. Rustic, serene, unforgettable. Come see why we’ve loved this place for generations.

3. Bear River Retreat

100%

(3)

32mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Peaceful setting on Bear River,5 campsites total. Great for small campers and tents, very spacious lots. All sites have grill, fire ring, picnic table, garbage can. Minutes from downtown petoskey, nature and bike trails, great unique dining in town, grocery stores within 2 miles, Lake Michigan and waterfront some of the favorites, 35 minutes from the mackinaw bridge

4. LOT 47 LaBudie CRV

100%

(1)

24mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · RV

Lot 47 is approx. 35 ft x 65ft deep. Privately owned within Cedarville RV Park. Cedarville MI. Gravel pad was added May 2025. Grass area next to pad for picnic table and lawn chairs.

5. Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

100%

(6)

17mi from Mackinaw City · 3 sites · Lodging

Jasper Moss is a glamping retreat experience located on the remote Bois Blanc Island, Michigan, where you can unplug, rest, retreat and rejuvenate while surrounded by untouched nature. The venue consists of three yurts, an outdoor shower, sink and toilet, and fully screened outdoor kitchen. It is located across the gravel road from Lake Huron, next to a public nature preserve and a 5-minute walk from one of just two restaurants on the island.  The blue and turquoise yurts each have a full-sized bed, a small table and two chairs.  The red yurt has two twin beds. There is basic electric access for a bedside light, fan, and charging of electronics as needed. The outdoor kitchen is fully screened in, and offers basic amenities for communal use, such as a refrigerator, grill, gas burner and griddle, toaster oven, coffee maker, and basic utensils, dishes, pots, and pans.  Revelers will live comfortably close to the Earth and immersed in the diversity of flora, fauna, and geology. Onsite is a separate art studio where we paint, turn wood, and do lapidary art.  Inquire directly to customize your island experience.  Kids and families are welcome. Jasper Moss is located on a private property, owned and operated by a BIPOC LGBTQIA family of 6. Important things to note:  1) You must take a ferry to the island, via Plaunt Transportation, which leaves out of Cheboygan, Michigan 2) Your experience is entirely customizable. It can be booked as a single yurt or the entire venue. Tent sites also available. 3) Want an experience beyond just a yurt rental? Contact us via email at jaspermossretreat@gmail.com and we will help you plan for a great time on the island

Public campgrounds near Mackinaw City

88%

(4)

Straits Campground

5.2mi from Mackinaw City · 276 sites · Tents, RVs · in Straits State Park

100%

(2)

Carp River Campground

17mi from Mackinaw City · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

100%

(11)

Lake Michigan Campground

17mi from Mackinaw City · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

Cheboygan Campground

18mi from Mackinaw City · 81 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cheboygan State Park

Brevoort Lake Campground

19mi from Mackinaw City · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Emma

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Neebish Island Light Station

We had such a lovely time here! We’re Neebish Newbies and loved it. The freighters were a highlight for my fiancé and I loved the beautiful beach all to ourselves. Our dogs were able to be off leash all weekend which was so great! We went for a few brisk swims and enjoyed the dock for sunning. At night, we had wonderful fires with the provided fire pit and benches (nice to not have to bring camp chairs!) I can’t say enough good things about this camp!

T

Tayler

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Norton's Nook

We had a great experience at the pines camp spot. It offered a nice balance of seclusion and proximity to the city. The bike trail access was extremely convenient. The spot itself was ideal for privacy while also providing ample space for our kids to have some freedom. The star gazing at night was absolutely beautiful. We will definitely return!

J

Jeremy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear River Retreat

Amazing little spot. Far enough away from the chaos of downtown Petoskey, but close enough to get there for your adventures. Only 4 camping spots so it feels like you have your own personal campground even when the other spots are occupied. I will definitely be staying here next time I’m in the area!

J

Jesse

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

6 nights at LOT 47 LaBudie CRV

Lou and Lee are fantastic hosts. Site is a great home base to explore the south east UP and Les Cheneaux Islands.

P

Patti

August 2025

2 nights at Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

The yurt was amazing and perfect for our two night stay!! Bed was comfortable and yurt was very clean. Jess was great and communication was great and timely.

P

Patti

August 2025

2 nights at Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

Amazing place to stay!!! Yurts were great, very clean and beds were comfortable!! Kitchen area was stocked with everything you would need!!

B

Brandon

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Norton's Nook

My wife and I had an INCREDIBLE time on Chris’s property. Very private, and easy to get to. Within a very doable distance from tons and tons of things to do! Could not recommend this site enough. Chris and his wife stopped by briefly, and gave us some very awesome suggestions for our short time there. Please, if you are looking for a site in this area, don’t skip on the beaver damn site!

D

Dan

July 2025

2 nights at Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

We love the yurt camping. Very comfortable set up for glamping. It was so quiet and the island is so beautiful. We had a great time with the serenity of the place if you love quiet and simplicity. People in the island are friendly and helpful. There’s water for showering too and kitchen for cooking. Jasper provided super helpful advice which added to the experience.

B

BunkNews

July 2025

2 nights at Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

We absolutely loved spending our time here! The yurt was so comfortable and the amenities were great for our two-night stay. Jess was a great host and made us feel very comfortable and welcome. This land is a gem and we would love to visit again.

M

Meghan

July 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Neebish Island Light Station

We’ve camped all over and this is the BEST drive up camping spot we’ve been to! Even on July 4th, the river wasn’t busy except for a few boats and the freight liners which we loved watching go by. You have access to water in multiple spots, we camped out of our bronco up by the garage and then set up a beach tent for the day. Huge campfire and access to screened in porch which was helpful when it rained. Our dog ran free and played in the water and we watched incredible sunsets. Having the stretch of beach to ourselves was awesome - and tucked in between trees on both sides. We can’t say enough good things and Garrett communicated quickly and answered our questions. As he said, the ferry times are limited so plan accordingly - groceries, gas, etc aren’t on the island. There was one small store but when we went it was changing owners and closed but hopefully it will open back up for items you forget. Be sure to pack the bug spray - we used that and a portable thermacell and did fine. We’ll be back!

M

Marissa

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Norton's Nook

The Pines offered a clean and secluded area that offered plenty of space for a number of vehicles and/or tents. The site was also very close to park with bathrooms, a shoreline, and a view of the bridge. Also, the sky was perfect for stargazing! My sister and I felt very comfortable staying there. I would recommend this location if you're visiting Cheboygan!

J

July 2025

4 nights at Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

The yurts at Jasper Moss are lovely to stay in!! The bed was so comfy and everything was clean. The bath house was the nicest vault toilet I’ve experienced and the shower had wonderful water pressure. The host family was so kind and accommodating. They were willing to help us with everything. Being long term residence of the island, they had so much knowledge to share with us.