DNR - Pet-friendly Rules

Pet-friendly Rules

We invite you and your pet to enjoy Michigan's great outdoors together. Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash in state parks, campgrounds, some state park cabins, state forests, non-designated bathing beach areas, harbor and the majority of trails and boat launches.

The following rules apply to pets at ALL locations:

Pets must be on a 6-foot leash and under your immediate control at all times.
Always clean up after your pet.
Keep pets from interacting with wildlife.
Keep pets from disturbing visitors.
With the exceptions of the locations included in the pet-friendly lodging pilot program, pets are not allowed in state buildings (cabins, yurts, offices, teepees and lodges).

Pet-friendly lodging pilot program
Pet-friendly lodging image The DNR extends a warm paw of welcome, so furry companions can enjoy Michigan’s best outdoor recreation destinations. Beginning Nov. 1, 2017, up to two pets (dogs and cats only) are welcome in the following locations:

Harrisville State Park (mini cabin #186)
Lime Island State Park (mini cabin #4)
Leelanau State Park (Hemlock and Cedar)
Sleepy Hollow State Park (rustic cabin)
Cheboygan State Park (lodge)

Cabins and lodges can be booked up to 12 months in advance. at www.midnrreservations.com or call 800-44-PARKS (800-447-2757). *There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin or $15 per night/pet/lodge. All pet rules and leash laws still apply.

State Parks and State Forest Campgrounds
In general, pets are permitted in state parks, park campgrounds and state forest campgrounds as long as they are on a leash not exceeding six feet in length at all times. Please become familiar with all of the rules regarding pets and pay attention to signage.

Trails - Pets are welcome on state-designated trails and pathways located in state parks, state forests and recreation areas; however, there are some instances where pets are not allowed. Always check trailhead signage to make sure pets are allowed.

Boat Launches - The majority of boat launches allow pets, with the exception of the following boating access sites during certain times of the year.

Harbors - Pets are allowed in state harbors. Some harbors have a designated pet area, so please learn the rules at each harbor.

Pet-friendly shoreline - Pets are allowed in non-designated bathing beach areas within state parks and recreation areas. The following parks have sections of pet-friendly shorelines:

Baraga State Park
Brighton Recreation Area (section of shoreline on Chilson Pond)
Burt Lake State Park (section of shoreline on Burt Lake)
Dodge #4 State Park (section of shoreline located to the west of the rock jetty)
Grand Mere State Park (entire length of the Lake Michigan park shoreline - 1 mile)
Harrisville State Park (section of shoreline located on the north end of the camper's beach; accessible via foot trail near site #103)
Holland State Park (located in the Lake Macatawa day-use area directly across from the Lake Mac Campground)
Holly Recreation Area
McLain State Park (portion of Lake Superior shoreline)
Mears State Park (southernmost section of shoreline)
Otsego Lake State Park (section of shoreline on Otsego Lake accessible via a flight of stairs near site 64 - may not be accessible during high water)
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (entire length of Lake Superior park shoreline)
Port Crescent State Park (section of shoreline available near the mouth of the Pinnebog River accessible via the steel bridge that connects to the hiking trails closest to the campground)
Sleepy Hollow State Park (section of shoreline located 100 yards north of the Lake Ovid swimming beach)
South Higgins Lake State Park (section of shoreline in the day-use area and a campers-only area near the west campground)
Tawas Point State Park (section of shoreline available on Tawas Bay between the campground and the lighthouse - enclosed by fencing)
Twin Lakes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park (2.5 miles of pet-friendly Lake Michigan shoreline located north of the northernmost swim buoy)
Young State Park (section of shoreline available east of the boat launch)