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Pet-friendly recreation

visitor walking large dog over snowy foot bridge

Pet-friendly recreation

  • Pets, such as dogs, are welcome in Michigan state parks and campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, state-managed harbors, state-designated trails and boating access sites, with the exception of designated swim beaches, endangered species habitats and other posted areas.

    Enjoy the outdoors with your pets, but please follow these simple rules:

    • Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control.
    • Always clean up after your pet. Please carry a waste bag with you at all times.
    • Dogs should not be left unattended (in campers or tied up). This helps ensure that barking won't disturb camping neighbors.
    • Keep pets from interacting with wildlife.
    • Pets are not allowed in state buildings (ie. offices, bathrooms, showers, overnight lodging facilities) with the exception of the pet-friendly lodging options listed below.
    • Leash laws do not apply on state park lands if the dog is being used for hunting, field trials or while being trained for hunting purposes on land open to such use.

Looking for pet-friendly lodging?

Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed at several overnight lodging locations. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin or $15 per night/pet/lodge. Overnight lodging options can be booked in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.

Want to take your dog to the beach?

Pets are allowed along the shoreline with the exception of buoyed swim/bathing areas within state parks and areas signed otherwise (ie. piping plover nesting habitat). Pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash even if they are in the water. The following are some highlighted locations: