If you’re looking for the best dog friendly beaches in Michigan, then you’ve come to the right website.
We’ve got loads of pup-friendly information on the top beaches in Michigan that allow dogs.
So come on in. We’re looking forward to helping you out!
Table of contents
1. Grand Haven City Beach
- South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417
- Gorgeous large sandy beach
- Leashed dogs are permitted at all times before Memorial Day and after Labor Day
- No beach fees or passes required
- Restrooms and limited free parking are available
Grand Haven City Beach enjoys a beautiful location on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan.
It’s in the small city of Grand Haven, 45 minutes north of Saugatuck, MI. And it’s just 50 minutes from the beautiful city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
There’s a beautiful large sandy beach here for you and your pup to enjoy.
Grand Haven Dog Beach Rules
Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, you can bring your furball here at any time of the day.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach only before 11am and after 5pm each day.
And note that canines must be on a leash at all times when on Grand Haven City Beach. All throughout the year.
This is a gorgeous spot for you and your pooch to spend some quality time together. And is definitely one of the best Michigan dog-friendly beaches.
Website: Grand Haven City Beach
2. Warren Dunes State Park
- 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49125
- Beautiful location along the shore of Lake Michigan
- 2.5 miles of dog-friendly shoreline
- Spectacular views from the rugged dunes
- 6 miles of hiking trails and two popular campgrounds
Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer is located on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Michigan.
This fabulous state park is around 90 minutes south of Grand Haven City Beach. And just 24 minutes west of Berrien Springs, MI.
It’s also very close to the state borders with both Indiana and Illinois. In fact, it’s just 82 miles from downtown Chicago.
Once at the state park, you and your four-legged friend are rewarded with 2.5 miles of beautiful dog-friendly Lake Michigan shoreline!
Warren Dunes State Park Dog Beach Rules
Warren Dunes State Park rules state that pets are allowed north of the northernmost swim buoy at the beach. And that dogs must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control.
The state park has good facilities, with restrooms, a picnic area, a picnic shelter and a store. There are also six miles of wonderful hiking trails.
Website: Warren Dunes State Park
3. South Higgins Lake State Park
- 106 State Park Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653
- Fabulous pup haven in north central Michigan
- Three pet-friendly beach areas
- Great opportunities for water-based recreation
- Boasts one of the largest Michigan state park campgrounds
Dog-friendly South Higgins Lake State Park is situated on 1 mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake.
It enjoys an inland location in north central Michigan. The delightful Village of Roscommon and charming downtown Grayling are both just a short 15-minute drive away.
There are 3 dog-friendly beach areas in the state park.
A Fantastic Michigan Beach For Dogs
One is along a section of shoreline in the day-use area. Another is in the campground, on the west side of the boat access site. And the third is in a campers-only area, along the west boundary of the campground.
South Higgins Lake State Park rules stipulate that dogs must be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control at all times.
The state park has excellent facilities, with a boat launch, a store, modern restrooms, a picnic area, a picnic shelter and a playground.
Website: South Higgins Lake State Park
4. Kirk Park Dog Beach
- 9791 Lakeshore Avenue, West Olive, MI 49460
- Wonderful sandy beach on the shores of Lake Michigan
- Fabulous off-leash beach fun for your furball
- Previous hourly restrictions for dogs have now been dropped
- Daily park entrance fee is $8 per vehicle
Kirk Park Dog Beach in West Olive, Michigan, is a true dog-friendly gem!
This gorgeous sandy beach on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan is just 13 minutes south of Grand Haven City Beach.
Fortunately for all dog owners, the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department recently dropped the hourly restrictions for dogs at Kirk Park Dog Beach!
This means that Kirk Park Dog Beach is now a Michigan off-leash dog beach all year round!
Kirk Park Dog Beach Rules
From May 1 through September 30, dogs are permitted off-leash on the south beach area during ALL hours of park operation (7am to 10pm).
Note that dogs are NOT allowed on the north end of the beach during this time and must remain leashed on-trail.
In the quiet season, from October 1 through April 30, your pup is allowed to run free off-leash on Kirk Park north AND south beach!
Note that if dogs are not at the dog beach, then they must be kept on a leash (maximum of 10 feet in length) and under control at all times. This includes walking both to and from the beach.
Daily permits for Kirk Park Dog Beach cost $8 per vehicle. Or you can purchase an annual permit for $25.
One Of The Best Beaches For Dogs In Michigan
Kirk Park has great amenities, with picnic tables and grills, a reservable picnic shelter, a playground, a parking lot and restrooms. It also has beautiful views of scenic Lake Michigan.
Kirk Park Dog Beach is without doubt one of the best dog friendly beaches in Michigan.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there with your furball and experience this wonderful Michigan beach for dogs!
Website: Kirk Park Dog Beach
5. Deerlick Creek Beach
- 76750 13th Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090
- A good place to avoid the crowds
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water
- Small parking lot
- Public restrooms are available
Deerlick Creek Beach in South Haven is a small sandy beach, with a compacted stone pathway from the parking lot down to the beach.
It’s located in Deerlick Creek Park, 48 minutes south of Kirk Park Dog Beach.
This quiet, peaceful spot on the shores of Lake Michigan is just under an hour’s drive from Grand Rapids, MI. And a little under 3 hours west of Detroit.
Your Pup Is Allowed Both On The Beach And In The Water
Deerlick Creek Beach rarely gets busy. So it’s a fabulous place to bring your furball if you both want some time away from the crowds.
As long as you keep your pup on a leash, then she’s allowed both on the beach and in the water.
Public restrooms (with a pit toilet) are available. But note that there are no other facilities at the beach. So make sure to pack everything that you need for the day.
Website: Deerlick Creek Beach
6. Kruse Park Dog Beach
- 3205 West Sherman Boulevard, Muskegon, MI 49441
- Beautiful location on the shores of Lake Michigan
- Leashed dogs are permitted on a section of the northern beach
- Great amenities
- Fantastic sunsets
Kruse Park Dog Beach is located in Norman F. Kruse Park, on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan.
It’s just 15 minutes away from the center of the small city of Muskegon, MI. And 30 minutes north of Grand Haven City Beach.
There are stairs and boardwalks down to the beach area and into the dunes.
The dog-friendly area is at the northern end of the park and is signposted. And please make sure to keep your furry friend on a leash at all times when at the beach.
A Delightful Michigan Dog Beach
The park has great facilities, including four picnic shelters with picnic tables, nature trails, restrooms and plenty of parking.
Note that when you first enter the area, there is a 10-feet-high steep sand dune to negotiate to get down to the beach.
Kruse Park Dog Beach is a place that your pup is sure to enjoy! It’s a fantastic Michigan dog beach!
Website: Kruse Park Dog Beach
Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in Michigan
There are lots of fabulous pet friendly beaches in Michigan, particularly on the shores of picturesque Lake Michigan.
And in comparison to many other US states, the state parks in Michigan are very dog-friendly.
So whether you prefer to be with lots of other dog parents at Grand Haven City Beach. Or the peace and tranquility of Deerlick Creek Beach. Or the freedom of letting your pup run around off leash at the fabulous Kirk Park Dog Beach.
Michigan has got plenty to offer canines and their parents!
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in Michigan? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the best dog friendly beaches in Michigan, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in Michigan
Dogs are allowed at lots of beaches in Michigan. Some of the best include Grand Haven City Beach, the 3 dog-friendly beach areas in South Higgins Lake State Park and Kirk Park Dog Beach, which is off-leash all year round!
Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach at some (but not all) Michigan state parks. Your dog must be on a six-foot leash at all times whilst in the state parks. Check the specific state park website for their dog rules before you leave home. And make sure to always obey any signs when in the park.
