2026 promises to be our largest event yet, with more dogs and more fun for all. The festival marks the 8th time goldens have gathered together from all over the Midwest; in fact, past winners of the "Longest Distance Driven" award have come from as far away as New York! We have some wonderful ideas on how to improve this event, including a set schedule of events, adding golden-related vendors and more!
Once again, the weekend (for those who are able to attend all three days) begins Friday night with a potluck around a campfire. Saturday will be the main event with contests like dock jumping, best trick and much more. Sunday is a casual day when dogs get that last swim in before heading home. If you're unable to attend the whole weekend, Saturday is the day you'll want to be there.
Bring a chair for the beach, bring some refreshments, enjoy the food truck and pet treat truck, don't forget all your dog stuff and your smile. Enjoy the beautiful lake, the sandy beach and the numerous nearby trails!
This will be our fifth year at this amazing venue and I think you are going to love it. Stay at the campground for the weekend or stay at a hotel in nearby Traverse City (22 miles), or at Crystal Mountain (12 miles - there are approximately 29 pet friendly units there), or perhaps the Baymont Inn in Beulah (9 miles away) which is dog friendly. You might also check VRBO, AirBnB and the website bringfido.com for other area pet friendly options.
Venue Information: Turtle Lake Campground is one of Northern Michigan's Finest Family Oriented Recreational Campgrounds. Come join us and enjoy a quiet spot in the woods at one of our 107 campsites located on 38 wooded acres with 1/4 mile of shoreline. Relax in the shade of our open air Pavilion and watch your kids play at the playground or take a hike in the woods on one of several hiking trails. Boat, fish, swim at our sandy beach, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at it's best. Camping, RV hookups, boating, kayaks, canoeing, fishing, hiking, playground, hay rides. Trading post, modern bath house. Laundry, sanitary disposal station. Wireless Internet. Full hookup sites available with water, sewer and 50 AMP electric. Come visit us and see for yourself why Turtle Lake Campground is Northern Michigan's Favorite Family Oriented Campground.
Initially, the campground is holding 65 camp sites under the name of "Golden Retriever Event". BEGINNING JANUARY 15, 2026 You may reserve your site by calling 231-275-7353 and telling them you are attending the "golden retriever" event.
Tickets for the event will be $15 and will go on sale at a later date. You'll need just one ticket - whether you are an individual/couple/family and regardless of your number of goldens you are bringing. Income from tickets will help pay for event infrastructure and any profits will be donated to the Fisher Fund, a non-profit foundation used to cover emergency veterinary expenses for those who have a demonstrated inability to pay at an area veterinary facility.
You may also like the following events from Northwest Michigan Golden Retriever Club:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Beulah,
Food & Drink events in Beulah.
