Some Michigan state parks and recreation areas have shorelines that allow pets.
Related: Take your pets camping at these Michigan state park cabins
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Pets are welcome at state parks and recreation areas, but are only allowed on certain stretches of shoreline. In all areas, they must be on a 6-foot leash and must be under a handler's immediate control at all times.
People are advised to always clean up after their pets, keep them from interacting with wildlife and keep them from disturbing visitors.
Below is a list of non-designated bathing areas that have pet-friendly shorelines:
Barga State Park – The entire length of Lake Superior park shoreline is pet-friendly.
Brighton Recreation Area – There is a pet-friendly section of shoreline available on Chilson Pond.
Burt Lake State Park – There is a pet-friendly section of shoreline available on Burt Lake.
Dodge #4 State Park – There is a section of shoreline located to the west of the rock jetty.
Grand Mere State Park – The entire length of the Lake Michigan’s one mile shoreline in the park is pet-friendly.
Harrisville State Park – There is pet-friendly section of shoreline at the north end of the camper's beach. The beach is accessible via a foot trail near site 103.
Holland State Park – There is an area for pets in the Lake Macatawa day-use area directly across from the Lake Mac Campground
Holly Recreation Area – The Lake Macatawa day-use area directly across from the Lake Mac Campground is pet-friendly.
McLain State Park – A section of beach on Lake Superior is pet-friendly.
Mears State Park – The southernmost section of shoreline is pet-friendly.
Otsego Lake State Park – A section of shoreline on Otsego Lake is pet-friendly. It is accessible via a flight of stairs near site 64; high water may limit access.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – The entire park shoreline is pet-friendly.
Port Crescent State Park – A section of shoreline available near the mouth of the Pinnebog River is pet-friendly. It’s accessible via the steel bridge that connects to the hiking trails closest to the campground.
Sleepy Hollow State Park – There is a section of shoreline located 100 yards north of the Lake Ovid swimming beach
South Higgins Lake State Park – There are two pet-friendly areas of shoreline, including the day-use area and a campers-only area near the west campground.
Tawas Point State Park – A pet-friendly section of shoreline that is enclosed by fences is available on Tawas Bay between the campground and the lighthouse.
Twin Lakes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park – There’s a 2.5-mile section of pet-friendly shoreline, north of the northernmost swim buoy.
Young State Park – There is a section of shoreline available east of the boat launch.
