Perkins Park - Big Bay, MI
Perkins Park Dog-Friendly Overview
Perkins Park, situated on the scenic shores of Lake Independence in Big Bay, Michigan, is a popular destination for campers, families, and dog owners. Known for its clean and well-maintained campground, this park offers a peaceful setting with beautiful lake views, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and public restrooms. One of the standout features for families is the wheelchair-accessible infrastructure, including entrances and parking lots, making this park accessible for all visitors.
For pet owners seeking a dog park in Big Bay, Michigan, Perkins Park welcomes dogs on the grounds but does not allow them on the beach or water access points. Although dogs must remain leashed and are not permitted in swim areas, they can enjoy the many pet-friendly trails and shaded picnic areas around the park with their owners. The park also boasts playground equipment and activities for kids, making it ideal for family outings, although dogs cannot join on the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must be leashed at all times and are not allowed off-leash in any area.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain leashed while on the park grounds and are not allowed on the beach or in the water.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there is shaded picnic space and shelter throughout the park.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnic tables and barbecue grills are available for use.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms and free showers are available on site.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, Perkins Park offers a playground and activities such as slides for children.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the campground and facilities are reported to be very clean and well maintained.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are picnic tables and other seating available.
- Are dogs allowed on the beach or in the swimming area? No, dogs are not permitted on the beach or in swim areas.
Reviews
My husbands family have been camping here every year for about 20 years now. The new policies that Perkins have put in place in the last year or two have started to become a problem with us though and unfortunately my family will not be coming here anymore.
Dogs are no longer allowed ANYwhere on the water access, yet they do allow dogs on the grounds.
The major problem with this is that according to the website policies, you are not to leave your dog unattended at the campsite.. but you also can’t take them to the beach. So a family cannot enjoy a beach day together since someone has to stay back. For us, it’s even harder because we have a dog with severe separation anxiety. Which I understand is our issue and not the parks, but to claim being dog friendly is a lie in my opinion.
They also removed the trash cans at each site, making it your responsibility to bring cans and bags and to take care of it. Trash gets smelly after a hot day. Ick!
The park equipment is all very outdated and they have removed the swings. Doesn’t give much for kids to do around here.
They have made the showers free now though which is a nice amenity but the NULL I save on that doesn’t quite make up for the other.
Campground is clean though and the restrooms and areas are cleaned daily.
Really my area of major concern is that they are labeled as dog friendly but don’t allow dogs down by the dock or beach AT ALL. (And yes, we were told this by a park employee who kicked our dog off the beach. She was leashed, enjoying the water with our family and is very friendly, there were no issues)
A beautiful place to camp! Great camping rates (NULL), great beach access, clean bathrooms, and a walking distance from ice cream and a Friday night fish fry.
This is a tough one to review…I should lie…and tell you this place really sucks so it will continue to be a quiet, well ran, clean and accommodating campground with beautiful campsites both on and near Lake Independence…RV sites with power and water…dump station available…a few pull thrus..a yurt or two to rent..and lots of tent camping spots…some right at waters edge…on line reservations worked flawlessly and staff has always been helpful…and even before they were open for the season I called and left a question on answering machine…and wonder of wonders…I received a prompt response from a human…a kind human….and if you love the great outdoors…this place is smack dab in the middle of it..and did I mention the ice cream store within walking distance for that family outing to get an ice cream after a beautiful day spent camping at Perkins Park…and the showers toilets playground and boat launch are very well maintained.
Best camping spot in the UP. We love it. Well be back lots every year. Very calm and peaceful environment with lots of fun. It’s on the beautiful Lake Independence with amazing views of the water, gorgeous sunsets, and a pier you can walk out on and fish! Big beach area with a volleyball net, nice bathrooms and shower areas, and beaches that you can walk out on. My favorite place to go. 😍 Thanke Perkins Park for the awesome memories I’ll cherish forever!
Very nice little campground. We were in a tent on the lakeshore. Bathrooms were very clean. Even on the fourth of July weekend, the campground was quiet at night. Look on the web for more information on this park. We didn’t hang here much as we were out exploring the area. I would stay here again though.