Van Riper State Park - Champion,
Van Riper State Park – A Dog-Friendly Gem in Champion, MI
Located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula, Van Riper State Park in Champion, MI, is a welcoming destination for dog owners seeking outdoor adventures. This pet-friendly park provides access to scenic hiking trails, a large sandy beach, and a relaxing atmosphere perfect for families and their furry companions. Whether you’re looking for pet-friendly trails, a beautiful lakeside view, or a spot for a family barbecue, Van Riper offers it all. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, making it a convenient dog park in Champion, MI for nature-loving pet owners.
Visitors can enjoy accessible facilities, including clean restrooms, wheelchair accessible paths, picnic tables, and plenty of shade from mature trees. While there is not a designated fenced dog run, the park’s spacious open areas, swim-friendly lake, and shaded campgrounds make it a local favorite for dog-friendly hiking and relaxing outings. With playgrounds, a skate park, volleyball courts, and nearby trails, Van Riper is a top choice for both families and their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Van Riper State Park? Yes, dogs are welcome at the park, including on hiking trails and in most outdoor areas.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there are several playgrounds, a beach, swings, slides, and even a skate park for children.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, the park features clean restrooms and bath houses for visitors.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, Van Riper State Park has wheelchair accessible entrances and parking.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are multiple hiking trails within and near the park, suitable for leashed dogs.
- Is there a swimming area? Yes, there is a large lake and beach area for swimming.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, the park provides picnic tables and barbecue grills for public use.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, visitors comment on the clean and well-maintained facilities and grounds.
- Are staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, park rangers are present and available for assistance.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is on-site parking, including accessible parking spots.
Reviews
Van Riper was absolutely amazing!! We stayed here June 22-28th with our 4 kids (15,12,10,5) The campground has very large site, I see people comment on how your on top of eachother but it honestly didn’t feel like that! The people who stay here are amazing, we met an amazing couple and other families and hope that we run into each other next time we visit! I highly recommend Van Riper, its perfect home base for your daily adventures. Bond Falls/ Porkies / Copper Harbor ALL fun day trips to do if staying here! They also keep the park extremely clean and maintained!
Nice campground and beach. Had site 40 under a huge three and thank god it was a blessing with the crazy heat! Also super close to the beach stairs. Overall a nice place, quiet and well maintained with some trails across the street but not the best trails, narrow, bushy and signa and benches falling apart.
I am giving 4 stars and not 5 for 2 main reasons apart from the trails:
1) There is a laundry room in the facility in front of the beach but impossible to get quarters to use the washing machine and the dryer (2$ each). The concession there has a policy of not giving any change and the rangers at the gate don’t have change. You have to go very far to get any change….there is no store in Champion…
2) There are nice showers but not a single drop of hot water…not clear whether it is an ad hoc issue or a permanent thing. Water is not even lukewarm but icy cold…not great.
Rangers are nice folks but clueless…and no camp host to help.
PS May want to buy wood in Champion by the side of the road (5$) as the Park did not have any but was expecting some in the coming week or so.
Very nice Campground. Sites are close together but the trees are beautiful. Really nice bath house with nine showers. There are not any laundry machines when we were there. Lake and swimming area is super nice. Plenty of playgrounds for the kids.
Lots of trails nearby. Huge lake with a nice beach and big playground. Nice concession stand. Bathrooms were very good with two sides so that you could still use them while one side was being cleaned. Awesome bump tracks for bikes too.
A beautiful peaceful campground. There is a lot of beach! With swings by the water and a big playground, plus a nice skate park! Bathrooms and showers were clean, water was nice and warm.
There is a small camp store by the beach for ice cream/ice/firewood/snacks. There is also a restaurant not far from the campground. We definitely enjoyed our time here relaxing by the fire and on the beach!