There are many pet-friendly solutions to get you and your pet into Michigan’s great outdoors together. Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash in Michigan state parks, park campgrounds, state forest (rustic) campgrounds, state forests, non-designated bathing beach areas, harbors and the majority of trails and boat launches.
The following rules apply to pets at ALL locations:
Pet-friendly lodging pilot program - Pet-friendly lodging is available at several Michigan state parks. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin or $15 per night/pet/lodge. Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed.
State park and state forest campgrounds - In general, pets are permitted in state parks, state park campgrounds and state forest campgrounds as long as they are on a six-foot leash. 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 and state forests; however, there are some instances where pets are not allowed. Check trailhead signage to make sure pets are not permitted on a particular trail.
Boating access sites (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.
Pet-friendly shoreline - Pets are allowed in non-designated bathing beach areas (not designated swimming beaches) within state parks. Please note that pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash even if they are in the water. The following parks offer sections of pet-friendly shorelines: