About Lake of Dreams Campground
Lake of Dreams Campground spreads over 77 acres near Merrill, with 253 modern campsites, each with water and electric hookups, a picnic table and a fire ring. The center of the place is a four-acre lake with a sandy beach for swimming, and two ponds where fishing is free and catch-and-release.
For registered campers, a small water park on the lake has two inflatables and paddleboats, open 10 to 8; passes are $6 a session or $10 for the day, with a wristband from the camp store. Children under 14 must wear life jackets, and there is no lifeguard. On land there are hiking and biking trails, hayrides, play areas, basketball, beach volleyball and a softball field.
The season opened April 15 in 2026. Nightly sites are posted at $40 with one car pass, and three cabins rent for $75 a night. The campground is pet friendly, with a $15 nightly fee and a two-dog limit in cabins. Theme weekends fill the calendar, from a spring welcome weekend and a poker run to Margaritaville, a 1970s and '80s weekend, Halloween weekends in September and a soup cook-off in early October.
Sixteen Sprigs Lavender Farm near Ithaca is about 30 minutes southwest, so a summer camping weekend here can include an afternoon of you-pick lavender and lavender ice cream.
What to do
- Swim at the sandy beach on the four-acre lake
- Ride the inflatables and paddleboats at the water park
- Fish the two catch-and-release ponds for free
- Rent one of three cabins
- Join a theme weekend such as Margaritaville or Halloween
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Opened April 15 for 2026; theme weekends from late April into early October
- Admission
- Posted 2026: campsites $40/night with one car pass, extra car pass $6; cabins $75/night; water park $6 per session or $10 all day
Good to know
- Dogs
- Allowed (cabins: $15/night, two dogs max)
- Reservations
- Recommended; credit card required for cabin bookings
Tips for your visit
- The water park is for registered campers only and has no lifeguard; kids under 14 need life jackets.
- Cancel at least 7 days ahead to get a one-year credit.
- Each site allows one camper and one tent, or two tents, and two cars.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Sixteen Sprigs Lavender Farm · about 30 minutes away
Sixteen Sprigs Lavender Farm near Ithaca is about 30 minutes southwest, an easy outing during its summer bloom.
Getting there
Questions
Is Lake of Dreams Campground pet friendly?
Yes. Cabins charge $15 a night per pet, with a two-dog limit.
Can day visitors use the water park?
No, it is for registered campers only.
How much is a campsite?
$40 a night with one car pass, as posted for 2026.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Gratiot County & Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
