Saugatuck Dunes State Park

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• Cassandra
  May 7, 2023
  Beautiful park!

  we loved this park! lots of trail and beach but leashes are required.

• Ann
  Sep 18, 2022
  NOT off leash

  A six foot leash if fine for a Yorkie but big dogs are just aggravated by having to try and play on a six foot lead. Give this a miss if you've got a dog that needs to stretch their legs.

• Tammy
  Sep 3, 2022
  Great for dogs!

  Took our two Golden Retrievers to this pet friendly beach today-right on Lake MI. They loved it…we did, too! 🐶💙🐶 It is quite a long walk from parking lot to beach area. Path is pretty well worn, fairly wide and shaded. Enjoy!

• Audrey
  Jul 7, 2022
  Easy hike - solid beach

  took our 2 year old pup - who loves to walk/play. it’s .7 miles into the beach access point. follow the yellow trail! the water was a little rough - but it was fairly private and a great hangout for us in mid July on a weekday

• Rescue Dog Fam
  Jul 5, 2022
  Beach is Now Dog Friendly!

  The Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach and Swim Area IS Dog Friendly now. This seems to have changed sometime in the past 2 years. My dogs really enjoyed their day on the beach and in Lake Michigan.

  From the MI State Parks Website for Saugatuck Dunes State Park:
  Pet-Friendly Area
  Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline. 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.

  Getting to the beach was a much longer hike than I had anticipated. Admittedly, I thought .6 miles would be a super easy 10 min walk. It was not. I wouldn't recommend for people with disabilities. The hike was uphill, walking up sand, no traction. And to get off the beach you had to walk up a sand dune to the trail.

  But the views of Lake Michigan at the top of that Sand Dune were worth it. Also, being on a beach the dogs could join us at was awesome too. The dogs enjoyed the cold Lake Michigan waters on a hot day.

  I would highly recommend. Bring a snack and water as the beach has no food facilities.

  Also, warning: there's one small porta potty shack to change in. One. And, if you have to go while on the beach you have to climb up the sand dune to get to the porta potty. It's not as bad as I make it sound but just keep that on mind. If you can get to the park already in your beach gear, I would recommend that.

• Zach
  Aug 17, 2021
  Tough walk to beach but great

  For as dog friendly as Saugatuck and Douglas are that does not extend to many of the beaches. The state park is dog friendly though. However, it is a 0.6 mile across hilly and increasingly sandy -- but shady -- terrain to get to the beach. Once you are there it is gorgeous. But if you're dog or you is not up for a tough walk, probably not for you.

• Patty
  Sep 27, 2020
  Favorite part of our trip

  Had fun with our two dogs hiking the trails to the beach. The view of Lake Michigan was beautiful. The dogs had a ball playing in the sand and one enjoyed putting her feet in the water. Enjoyed it so much we went back a second day!

• Beth
  Sep 5, 2020
  Great Stop!

  Stopped here on Labor Day weekend and it was busy but lots of space for people to spread out. beautiful trails and beach, a little tough in spots for my small dog in the sand but enjoyed the outing! would recommend !

• S&e
  Jun 14, 2020
  Beautiful hiking & shoreline

  If you like hiking, on a given trail or off-road exploring I would definitely recommend this! We followed a few “unmarked” trails for a few miles and eventually made our way down to the beach. Now the beach, technically no dogs allowed. However! There were about 5 dogs down there playing. The stretch of beach that is available is long enough that if you are respectful and mindful (stay leashed, spread out down the shore away from any other people, clean up any dog messes) of your pup, I think you could take a quick dip with the dog. The trails themselves are very well maintained, and even the unmarked areas were easy enough to walk on. There was a pretty big disc golf course that we saw several others enjoying. Port-a-potty on site, parking, free entry and a beautiful view of The Felt Mansion.

• Jodi
  May 13, 2018
  Wonderful hike!

  Our dog had a blast on the trail, dunes and beach. She was tuckered out for hours afterward. The hike was easy through the woods and moderate up the dune to get to the beach. We had it all to ourselves on a cold, rainy Saturday in May. Just beautiful! There is a $9 daily fee for non residents.

We dug up 9 pictures of dogs at Saugatuck Dunes State Park.

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