The best dog-friendly RV campgrounds near Mackinaw City, Michigan

If you're looking for a camping experience near Mackinaw City, Michigan with your RV and furry friend, Hipcamp has over 435 available options for you to choose from. With options as low as $10 and an average price per night of $35, you'll be sure to find an affordable option that fits your budget and needs. Top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), House of Bear (179 reviews), and Explore the U.P. from here! (157 reviews) have received rave reviews from previous campers. Popular amenities like trash, campfires, and potable water are available, and you can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, paddling, and biking. Book your RV campsite today!

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for a camping experience near Mackinaw City, Michigan with your RV and furry friend, Hipcamp has over 435 available options for you to choose from. With options as low as $10 and an average price per night of $35, you'll be sure to find an affordable option that fits your budget and needs. Top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), House of Bear (179 reviews), and Explore the U.P. from here! (157 reviews) have received rave reviews from previous campers. Popular amenities like trash, campfires, and potable water are available, and you can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, paddling, and biking. Book your RV campsite today!

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

100%

(10)

35mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Charlevoix, MI

This enchanting prairie habitat is nestled between a small creek on one side while whispering aspens make up the opposing border. Centrally located between Charlevoix and Petoskey, only a 1 minute car ride from the walking/bicycle path that connects Charlevoix to Harbor Springs as well as the beautiful sunsets on Lake Michigan beaches.

2. Neebish Island Light Station

100%

(3)

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

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 · Bay View, MI

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. Starlight RV Retreat | Alanson MI

26mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · RV · Alanson, MI

🌟 Starlight RV Retreat – Northern Michigan Camping Near Petoskey and Pickerel Lake Welcome to the Starlight RV Retreat, a peaceful RV site tucked among three Northern Michigan nature preserves. Right next door to our beloved Starlight Cottage, this spot gives RV travelers the same cozy charm and stargazing skies our guests rave about — with the convenience of easy access, space to spread out, and the beauty of Northern Michigan right outside your door. 🚐 The Site • Level RV parking with easy access for most rigs • Electric (20/30/50 amp, 125/250 volt triplex outlet for RV and EV) and water hookups — no septic at this time • 2.5 tree-lined acres with open skies for stargazing • Space for outdoor seating, grilling, or simply relaxing 🌲 Location, Location, Location • Just minutes from Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Pickerel Lake, and the Inland Waterway (great fishing access year around!) • Close to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island ferries (about 25 minutes) • Easy access to North Michigan trails, wineries (Crooked Vine Winery is just up the road) beaches, and small-town shopping • A peaceful home base to explore the best of the Petoskey Wine Region and the Tunnel of Trees drive 🌌 The Experience Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer Northern Michigan adventure, you’ll love the balance of quiet retreat and close-to-everything convenience. Watch the sunset, greet visiting deer, turkeys, and the occasional sandhill crane, make s’mores under the stars, or wake up to birdsong before a day of exploring. ✅ Perfect For • Road-trippers exploring Northern Michigan • Families wanting a safe, private spot to park and play • Couples seeking a quiet RV getaway with starlit skies • Outdoor adventurers hitting the trails, lakes, and scenic drives (we’re right on the Moosejaw Snowmobile Trail) ✨ Book your stay at Starlight RV Retreat and let the magic of Northern Michigan nights make your trip unforgettable.

5. LOT 47 LaBudie CRV

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(1)

24mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · RV · Cedarville, MI

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.

Public campgrounds near Mackinaw City

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(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

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(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

Stories from the 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!

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!

D

Dusty

August 2025

16 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

Worked well for my purposes. Water and electric worked as they should.

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.

J

Jason

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

It’s a one site facility with full hookup’s. He provided a huge pile of wood for the bonfire ring. Super quiet location and just minutes to Petoskey.

C

Colleen

July 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

My family and I were pleasantly surprised once we arrived at the Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat RV site #1. The area was neatly groomed and there was plenty of space to accommodate everyone in our party. The property was a little tricky to find, however Matthew did provide a goggle pin that helped us locate the entrance. He was very prompt with his responses and gave very detailed information on how to navigate the entrance into the property. We would definitely return to this site.

B

Brad

July 2025

24 ft Class C

4 nights at Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

This was a great private spot with full hook up. Matthew was a good communicator. The location was great for short trips to both Petosky and Charlevoix. Lake Michigan is a minute away with a few easy access points. I will be staying here again the next time we visit. Thanks Matthew for making this spot available.

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!

Chad

July 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

4 nights at Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

Matthew's land was a great spot for a quiet family getaway. Close to Charlevoix and petosky and still private and quiet. Tons of public beach access within a short drive Lots of space for the kids to play games and set up the camper. Having water and power on site was very nice too. Will book again next time were camping in the area

S

Samuel

November 2024

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

This was the ideal place for our stay. The location was super private and well-kept. It was in a great spot, close to both Petoskey and Charlevoix. We’d definitely stay here again!