Dogs at The Oaks

The Oaks Campground Pet Policy: Trails, Dog Run and Lake Swims

The Oaks is a nature-first campground, and that makes it a good one for dogs. Here are our dog rules, the reason behind each one and tips for enjoying the trails together. The complete posted rules are on our map page.

Book your siteSee the posted rules
Leashedin the campground
Off leashback trails and dog run
Dog swimsin the fishing lake
Swim beachpeople only

Our dog rules, and why we have them

Leashed in the campground

Around the campsites, roads, store and pavilion, dogs stay on a leash. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and even a friendly dog can startle a toddler on a bike or another dog out for a walk. A leash in the busy parts of the park keeps every family relaxed, and there’s plenty of off-leash room nearby.

Off leash on the back trails

Our trails cover about 120 acres of forest and grassland in several loops, and dogs can be off leash on the back trails as long as they’re under your control. The trails are shared with hikers, mountain bikers, golf carts and horseback riders, so call your dog back when someone’s coming and keep a leash handy.

The dog run

Our off-leash dog run is an open area at the front of the park, away from the campsites, with a selfie station for a photo of your pup. Fencing and more toys are planned. Until the fence goes in, it’s best for dogs that come reliably when called, and it’s a handy spot for a quick run before a long drive home.

Fishing lake, yes. Swim beach, no.

Dogs can swim in the fishing lake. They aren’t allowed at the swim beach or in the swim lake. The reason is sanitation: the swim area is for people, and because the fishing lake is downstream of the swim lake, a dog’s swim there doesn’t affect swimmers. Mind anyone fishing from the dock or the bank.

Never left alone outside

Please don’t leave a dog alone at your site. A dog left outside can bark, get loose or overheat, and it can feel threatening to kids walking past. If your dog is comfortable in your RV, that’s fine; just keep it cool and quiet. Pets stay out of the store and other buildings, and please always clean up after your dog.

No breed restrictions, just friendly dogs

We don’t restrict breeds. Breed isn’t a reliable predictor of behavior: many dogs of so-called aggressive breeds are calm, and a dog of a gentle breed can be reactive because of its history. So we look at how each dog behaves. Every dog at The Oaks needs to be friendly, and a dog that shows aggressive behavior will need to leave the park. The safety of the kids and families around it comes first.

Tips for the trails with your dog

  • Bring water for both of you; some loops run for miles through the forest.
  • Leash up for horses. Our trails are shared with horseback day riders, and a loose dog can spook a horse.
  • Look for wildlife together. Deer and sandhill cranes are common, so a dog that chases is better on a leash.
  • Pack a towel for after a swim in the fishing lake.
  • Plan your Aquaglide time around your dog. Since pets can’t stay alone outside, a cool RV or a family member at the site works best.
  • Bring a costume. Our Halloween weekend includes a dog costume contest.

Plan the rest of your stay

For arrival, check-in, quiet hours and the store, see plan your stay at The Oaks. Read our golf cart and trail rules and firewood and campfire rules too. More dog ideas: pet-friendly RV parks in Michigan and dog-friendly campgrounds in Michigan. Ready? Book your site.

Questions

Are dogs allowed at The Oaks Campground?

Yes. Dogs stay leashed in the campground and can run off leash on our back trails and in the dog run, as long as they’re under your control.

Can my dog swim at The Oaks?

Yes, in the fishing lake. Dogs aren’t allowed at the swim beach or in the swim lake.

Is the dog run at The Oaks fenced?

Not yet. It’s an open off-leash area at the front of the park, away from campsites. Fencing and more toys are planned.

Does The Oaks have breed restrictions?

No. We judge each dog by its behavior. Every dog must be friendly, and a dog that shows aggressive behavior must leave the park.

Can I leave my dog at the site while we go to the beach?

Not outside. Your dog can stay inside your RV if it’s cool, comfortable and quiet.

Ready to book?

Rates vary by date and site; see our rates page.

Book your site

The Oaks Campground · 7800 Cutler Road, Munith, MI 49259 · (517) 596-2747