Petoskey State Park, nestled on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, offers a mile of sandy shores along Lake Michigan, two campgrounds and a network of hiking trails. Located just 3 miles northeast of Petoskey and 6 miles south of Harbor Springs, the park is a popular destination for beachgoers and those searching for the famous Petoskey stones.
The Old Baldy Trail, a half-mile loop, leads to the summit of Old Baldy Dune, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. For a slightly longer adventure, the Portage Trail is a 1-mile out-and-back hike through a wooded dune area. For those wanting to venture out of the park, the Little Traverse Wheelway, a 26-mile paved trail that passes by the state park entrance linking Charlevoix and Harbor Springs, and the North Western State Trail, located just south of the park connecting Petoskey and Mackinac City, are conveniently located.
The park's day-use parking lot typically closes early November through early spring due to excessive snow and sand drift/buildup.
Please note that pets are not allowed along the lakeshore because of piping plover habitat. Pets are welcome in other areas of the park
The park is located within the ancestral homelands of the Waganakising Odawa, today known as the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The Odawa have called the dunes and shores within the park home for thousands of years before the arrival of European and Americans. The original name for the park area is Kegomic. The LTBB Odawa fought to remain in Waganakising, in part through several treaties with the United States. The 1855 Treaty of Detroit solidified their place in Northern Michigan, which includes Kegomic. Today, LTBB Odawa is a federally recognized Indian tribe living and working in Wagnakising.
The DNR is in the process of developing a new general management plan for Petoskey State Park. The DNR is currently evaluating the comments received this past fall and will make necessary revisions to the draft plan prior to plan approval.
A buoyed swim area is located in the day-use area along Lake Michigan. There is an accessible walkway to the water and a beach wheelchair available to use. To borrow the wheelchair, please visit the concession store located in the beach house.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
The beach house is in the day-use area and includes restrooms, food concessions and rentals (bicycles, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks).
The 26-mile, paved Little Traverse Wheelway passes by the state park entrance and links Charlevoix and Harbor Springs. In addition, the North Western State Trail, located just south of the park, connects Petoskey and Mackinac City.
Lake to Lake Rentals – located at the concession store at the beach house in the day-use area – offers concessions and rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
There is an observation deck at the top of Mount Baldy.
Lake to Lake Rentals – located at the concession store at the beach house in the day-use area – rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Little Traverse Bay is popular with paddlers. Typically, paddlers access the water from the day-use area.
Pets are allowed along the Lake Michigan shoreline other than the buoyed swim areas and other areas marked for piping plover nest habitat.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills available first come, first served.
There is a picnic shelter in the day-use area (located at the end of the beach house). The shelter includes picnic tables and is first come, first served.
A slide and a swing set is in the day-use area.
The park’s sanitation station is located near the park entrance. There is potable water and two lanes.
Enjoy one mile of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan.
This modern campground is well known for its family atmosphere and smaller sites ideal for tent, van or compact campers. Many of the sites are shaded by cedar trees. There is a small trail that leads to the day-use area along Lake Michigan. There is 20- and 30-amp service available on each site. Recycling is available.
Please note that pets are not allowed along the lakeshore. Pets are welcome in other areas of the park. Pets must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
A free trolley runs between the state park and downtown Petoskey during the summer months. A route schedule is posted in the campground.
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This modern campground is just steps away from Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. There are paved pads at each site. All sites have 20- and 30-amp service, and a handful of sites have 50-amp service. There is an overflow parking area available for additional vehicles and guests. Recycling is available.
A free trolley runs between the state park and downtown Petoskey during the summer months. A route schedule is posted in the campground.
Please note that pets are not allowed along the lakeshore. Pets are welcome in other areas of the park. Pets must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
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There are two mini cabins, named Trillium and Orchid, located in the Tannery Creek Campground. Each cabin sleeps four people and includes a mini refrigerator and electric wall heater. There are four single beds and a counter with stools.
A picnic table, a fire pit and a waist-high cook grill can be found outdoors. The cabins have electricity. You must provide your own linens.
Please note that pets are not allowed along the lakeshore. Pets are welcome in other areas of the park. Pets must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
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This rustic group campground is available for groups up to 24. Each of the four sites can accommodate up to six campers. Each site provides a picnic table and fire pit. There is a pavilion with a charcoal grill and a hand pump for water.
To make a reservation, please call the park.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
