A wonderful Theordore Roosevelt National Park RV stay at Medora Campground. Great location to explore the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the western town of Medora, North Dakota. A short drive to the Medora Musical – a must do in Medora.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Some wooded sites, full hookups, friendly staff
Plenty of greenspace for pets
Short drive to the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Close to the western town of Medora and the Medora Musical
Our campground stay:
Medora Campground sits just outside the South Unit entrance to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The historic and quaint town of Medora is a short drive or bike ride away. We had a shady, level site (most sites are not shaded) with full hookups, fire ring and picnic table. The dogs liked their walks around this family friendly campground. We also found the staff friendly and helpful with local attractions.
Medora CampgroundMedora Campground, Medora, ND
What to do:
Explore the Theordore Roosevelt National Park. Stop at the South Unit Visitor Center, adjacent to the campground to learn about the park’s history. Leave early and take the dogs on a drive along the scenic 48-mile South Unit Loop. Search for bison, elk, wild horses, prairie dogs and longhorn cattle.
Bison at Theodore Roosevelt National ParkNorth Dakota BadlandsTheodore Roosevelt National ParkWild Horses Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Drive to the Painted Canyon Visitor’s Center to take in the panoramic views and spectacular sunsets.
Painted Canyon OverlookSupermoon at Painted Canyon Scenic OverlookPainted Canyon Overlook
Bike or drive to the town of Medora to explore the shops and restaurants.
Go to the Medora Musical – a must do! Purchase tickets ahead of time at the campground store or online. We thoroughly enjoyed the entertainers, singing and dance troupe, horses and patriotic displays. For the full Medora experience, go to the Pitchfork Steak Fondue before the show.
The campground was great – lots of green space and friendly people. We really enjoyed our drive though the Theordore Roosevelt National Park. And we found another dog-friendly brewery – the Phat Fish Brewing Company in Dickinson, ND. Yay!
Theodore Roosevelt National ParkSightseeing North Dakota Badlands Cedar Sightseeing
A Lake Superior gem, Bayfield is a quaint bayside community and the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Our RV stay at the Apostle Island Area Campgrounds was a perfect location to explore the local area.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Wooded sites with 50-amp hookups
Plenty of greenspace for pets
Newer park addition includes a swimming pond
Great location to explore Bayfield and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Our Campground Stay:
The Apostle Islands Area Campground is a few miles from the quaint city of Bayfield, Wisconsin. The campground offers wooded sites with full hookups, fire pits and picnic tables. Our stay was in the older section of the park. The newer section will offer a swimming pond sometime this year. The dogs found plenty of green space and they appreciated the shaded sites.
Apostle Islands Area CampgroundApostle Islands National Lakeshore
What to do:
Take your car and dogs on a ferry to Madeline Island. The largest of the Apostle Islands, Madeline Island is a great day trip with beautiful beaches and shopping/dining in the town of La Pointe. Eat lunch at the dog-friendly Pub Restaurant patio at the Inn at Madeline Island. Check out their website for a list of pet-friendly accommodations. Walk the boardwalk and enjoy the beaches at the dog-friendly Big Bay Town Park.
Explore the quaint town of Bayfield with fun shops and restaurants. We enjoyed the lounge and fantastic fish at the Bayfield Inn Lakeside Lounge. If weather permits, enjoy the drinks, live music and awesome views from the rooftop deck.
The campground was fine with shade and greenspace. Our ferry ride to Madeline Island was a blast and we didn’t have to get out of the Jeep. Cedar liked the drive around the island. We also stopped at a dog-friendly beach at the Big Bay Town Park and had to jump into Lake Superior to get away from the black flies! All and all, a nice place to visit.
Michigan RV stay near Munising and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located in the Upper Peninsula, the Munising Pictured Rocks KOA provides 50-amp hookups, and spacious sites. This heavily wooded KOA park is a nice stay for a visit to the scenic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Wooded sites with 50-amp hookups
Lots of greenspace for pets
Water, no sewer hookups
Pool
Nice park for a short stay in the Munising area
Our Campground Stay:
The Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA is a few miles from Munising, the gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We appreciated the shaded sites with walking areas for pets. No sewer but 50-amp service and spacious, mostly sites. Great location to explore the Munising area and the national lakeshore.
Munising Pictured Rock KOA CampgroundMunising Pictured Rock KOA Campground
What to do:
Take a Pictured Rocks Cruise to see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We didn’t take the dogs on this ferry ride – a little too much boat time. The Pictured Rocks are beautiful. Evening sunset cruises are available as well.
Hike the Munising Falls trail, a short, pet friendly hike to a 50-foot waterfall.
Pictured Rocks CruisesPictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National LakeshorePictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.5 Paws (out of 5 paws)
We liked our walk on the Munising Falls Trail. Our romp in Lake Superior at Miners Beach was cold but refreshing. No boat ride for us on this stop. Our campground was nice with lots of shade trees.
Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreMiners Beach-Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreMunising Falls TrailMunising FallsMunising Falls Visitor Center
Wow! A natural, wilderness setting with over 200 acres and a mile of Lake Huron Shoreline. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping is a northern Michigan RV Stay located just outside Mackinaw City with views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Perfect stay for a day trip to Mackinac Island via ferry.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Family friendly campground with full hookups
Full sized heated pool, playgrounds and miniature golf
Natural swimming beach on Lake Huron
Beautiful picnic and sitting areas on Lake Huron shoreline
Dog-friendly with trails and dog exercise areas
Woodsy and natural setting
Easy access to Mackinac Island
Our Campground Stay:
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping is a large, family and dog-friendly campground on over 200 acres with a mile of shoreline on Lake Huron. With a natural setting, walking trails and beautiful shoreline picnic/sitting areas, this northern Michigan RV stay is a hidden gem in northern Michigan. We chose an oversized lot with plenty of room for the dogs. There are many sites with lake views, and we expect they book up quickly. The campground is about 3 miles from Mackinaw City. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets from the campground with views of the Mackinac Bridge. Mackinac Island is a short ferry ride from Mackinaw City.
Mackinaw Mill CampingMackinaw Mill Camping, Lake Huron shoreline
What to do:
Take a ferry to Mackinac Island for a fun-filled day on this historic island. Explore the island by bicycle or horse carriage. Bring the dogs along on the dog friendly Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. Catch for first ferry out to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends. Stop at the dog-friendly Watercolor Café for coffee and breakfast. Visit historic Fort Mackinac. Walk to the Grand Hotel and then back to town along the shoreline. Stop for lunch at the dog-friendly Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery.
Mackinac Island boardwalkGreat Turtle Brewing and DistilleryRound Island LightWatercolor Cafe, Mackinac Island
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.8 Paws (out of 5 paws)
Mackinaw Mill Camping was one of our favorite campgrounds. Plenty of space to play, walking trails, beaches for watching the sunset or swimming. We also liked our ferry ride to Mackinac Island and our stroll around the dog-friendly island. We stopped for breakfast at the Watercolor Cafe and for lunch at the Great Turtle Brewing & Distillery.
Mackinaw Mill CampingSunset at Mackinaw Mill CampgroundMackinac Island Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
Luxury RV Resort with full hookups, spacious sites
Full sized pool
Dog-friendly with easy access to green space
Beautifully landscaped, paved sites
Located in northwestern Michigan near Lake Michigan
Easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Our Campground Stay:
Indigo Bluffs RV Resort is a beautiful campground on the northwestern side of Michigan near Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We stayed on the RV Resort section of the campground, exclusively for Class A’s, Super C’s, and 5th Wheels over 30’. This section features spacious, stamped concrete sites, beautiful landscaping, and full hookups. The natural setting provided plenty of green space for the dogs. The location was ideal for easy day trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan, and many dog-friendly beaches, hikes and activities.
Indigo Bluffs RV ResortIndigo Bluffs RV Resort
What to Do:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore:
Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. With miles of trails, sandy beaches and high bluffs, the park offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Start at the visitor’s center in Empire for maps and park information. Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive through the park with many overlooks and historical sites. For the adventurous, climb the Dune Climb – a strenuous hike up a sand dune. For a pet-friendly hike, climb the Empire Bluff Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip trail with spectacular dune and Lake Michigan views. Bicyclists will find numerous trails throughout the park.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreSleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreSleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreChili & Cedar on the dunesSleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Dog-friendly Beaches:
There are several dog-friendly beaches in the area and in the Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore. Check out the park website for seasonal pet restrictions for trails and beaches. Our dogs enjoyed the Glen Haven Beach just west of Glen Arbor.
Glen Haven BeachGlen Haven, Michigan
Glen Arbor/Glen Haven:
Visit the quant town of Glen Arbor for restaurants and shops. For cherry lovers, the Cherry Public House is a must stop with cherry themed food, wine, ice cream, pie, and more. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas.
Cherry Public House, Glen Arbor, MICherry Public House, Glen Arbor, MI
Leelanau Peninsula/Leelanau Wine Trail:
Take a scenic drive on the Leelanau Peninsula. Explore the Michigan wine scene on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. We enjoyed the Leelanau Cellars with over 50 wines to sample — no we did not sample them all — with plenty of options from dry to sweet. The Black Star Farms Winery at Sutton Bay sits on a 160-acre estate with an awesome outdoor terrace for wine sipping.
Explore Traverse City, a charming lakeside community with great restaurants, shopping and beaches. There are numerous wineries in the Traverse City area and the Old Mission Peninsula, and many are dog friendly. Honestly, we thought all Michigan wines would be sweet, but we were pleasantly surprised with the wide selection of dry wines. We’d love to come back to this area to check out more wineries.
Chili & Cedars’ Review: 4.8 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
Indigo Bluffs RV Resort was very clean with pavers and lots of grass — mom likes us when we are clean! So during this stop we hiked the Empire Bluff Trail to see the pretty dunes, we romped on the Glen Haven Beach and swam in Lake Michigan. We visited the Chateau Chantal Winery in Traverse Citty and the Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfurt. Whew – we’re tired!
Empire Bluff TrailLake Michigan SwimWinery Visit – Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, MISitting pretty at Stormcloud Brewing Company
The Paradise Lakes Family Campground in Bristolville, Ohio, is a 100-acre resort with lakes and many family-friendly activities. This campground is an hour’s drive through beautiful Ohio farm country to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A great area to enjoy hiking, biking, roadside farmstands and the scenic rolling hills and valleys of northeastern Ohio.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Family friendly, RV park in northeastern Ohio
Transient sites are level with full hookups
Dog-friendly with easy access to green space
Features include a stocked fishing lake, swimming pond, miniature golf
The Paradise Lakes Family Campground in Bristolville, Ohio, is a 100-acre resort with many family-friendly activities. The campground encompasses several lakes featuring a 26-acre stocked fishing lake. Nice park, nice people. We chose this northeastern Ohio park for a stopover on our way to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park about an hour’s drive west. This camp is well maintained with many long-term residents who come back year after year. Our site was level with full hookups and a really nice BBQ ring with attached grill, perfect for grilling fresh corn on the cob from local farm stands. With lakes, swimming pond, mini golf and clubhouse, there is plenty to keep the family busy at this campground.
Paradise Lakes Family Campground
What to do:
Take the backroads to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and enjoy the gentle rolling hills and manicured farms. It’s evident that folks in these parts are proud of their properties and proud of their country. At the park, stop at the Boston Mill Visitor Center for maps and recommendations on family-friendly or dog-friendly trails. We were happy to learn that all the trails in the park are dog friendly — rare for a National Park. Park Rangers recommended the Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail to the stunning Brandywine Falls. We opted for the Ledges Trails, a two-mile trail with unique rock formations and plenty of shade for the dogs. Take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad that runs through the Cuyahoga valley along the Cuyahoga River for a unique way to experience the park.
Drive the Riverview Road through the National Park and stop at Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm and Market. Shop for fresh fruit, vegetables and local goodies. Enjoy the food stands — best hot dog I’ve ever had — and live music. Don’t forget to pick up some awesome corn! Take a short detour off River Road in Peninsula to visit the Everett Covered Bridge.
Cuyahoga Valley National ParkSzalay’s Farm MarketSzalay’s Farm MarketEverett Covered Bridge
Chili & Cedars’ Review: 4.7 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We had a short stay at the Paradise Lakes Family Campground but found lots of other dogs to meet and sniff. Mom could pop us out behind our campsite for a short walk to grassy areas. No complaints about this park. We really liked the Ledges Trail at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As always, Cedar enjoyed her ride through the countryside with head hanging out the window, ears flapping and fresh country air.
Chili & Cedar at Everett Covered BridgeRelaxing at Everett Covered BridgeThe Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valey National ParkThe Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valey National Park
Next up: Indigo Bluffs RV Resort, Empire Michigan/Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
