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Pet-friendly recreation

visitor walking large dog over snowy foot bridge

Pet-friendly recreation

Generally speaking, pets are welcome in Michigan state parks and campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, state-managed harbors, state-designated trails and boat launches (except for some sites during certain times of the year). Please keep in mind that pets are not allowed in designated swim areas, areas protected for endangered species, such as piping plover, and any other area marked otherwise.

The following rules apply to pets at ALL locations:

  • 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 in campers or tied up unattended to prevent barking from negatively affecting the park experience of other visitors.
  • Keep pets from interacting with wildlife.
  • Keep pets from disturbing visitors.
  • Pets are not allowed in state buildings (ie. offices, bathrooms, showers, cabins and lodges) with the exception of the pet-friendly alternative lodging options listed below.

Pet-friendly lodging Pet-friendly lodging is available at several locations. 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. Overnight lodging options can be booked up to 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.

These parks will have pet-friendly lodging soon:

  • Ludington State Park - Cedar mini cabin - beginning Jan. 1, 2024 (Visitors that made 2024 reservations prior to Jan 1, 2024 and are bringing pets will pay the pet surcharge upon arrival.)
  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - Crosscut 2, White Birch 2, Whitetail 8, Union River 8, Gitche Gumee 8, Union Bay East 4 Yurt, Union Bay West 4 Yurt, Little Union River 4 Yurt and the Kaug Wudgoo Lodge- beginning May 15, 2023 (Visitors that made reservations after May 15 and are bringing pets will pay the pet surcharge upon arrival).

Pet-friendly shoreline - Pets are allowed along the shoreline with the exception of designated bathing/swimming 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: