Dodge #4 State Park - Waterford Township, MI
Dodge #4 State Park – Dog-Friendly Destination in Waterford Township, Michigan
Dodge #4 State Park offers a scenic lakeside oasis perfect for dogs and their owners near Cass Lake. This pet-friendly park provides dog-friendly hiking trails through lush pine forests, picnic tables for outdoor meals, wheelchair accessible facilities, and a peaceful natural escape from city life. The park’s best-known features include a calm beach area, public restrooms, forested walking paths, and a new amphitheater, making it a unique recreational spot in Waterford Township, Michigan.
The park is ideal for families and pet owners looking for a well-maintained destination that balances outdoor fun with accessibility. Although designated dog swimming areas may experience natural plant overgrowth, the overall park experience is enriched with friendly visitors, birdwatching opportunities, and kid-friendly amenities such as a playground. Enjoy relaxing dog walks, picnics, and time by the water while taking in the picturesque views Dodge #4 State Park has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Dodge #4 State Park? Yes, dogs are welcome at the park.
- Is Dodge #4 State Park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Are there restrooms available? Yes, the park provides public restrooms for visitors.
- Is there a swim area for dogs? Yes, there is a designated dog beach area, although water conditions may vary based on natural factors.
- Are there hiking or walking trails? Yes, there are several pet-friendly trails suitable for walking and hiking with your dog.
- Are picnic areas available? Yes, the park features picnic tables and barbecue grills.
- Is there a playground for kids? Yes, a playground and other kid-friendly amenities are available nearby.
- Is there shade at the park? Yes, the park has pine tree areas offering natural shade.
- Do they accept card payments for entry? Yes, debit cards, credit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted.
Reviews
Beautiful area on water and trees and the best for getting away from the city, every one around there are so friendly
Came into this park yesterday and got a ticket for using the restroom on the beach side. Came today to get pictures of the signage and got flipped off by the gate lady… This place is very unprofessional and unpleasant. They’re worried about parking rather than people throwing alcohol bottles and smoking on the beach.
If you are trying to have a good beach day, go anywhere else!!!
Checked at the gate. We didn’t want to be with all the screaming splashing kids at the beach so I took my down syndrome man over the calm dog beach area. Regretfully there was so much seaweed and plant matter that no one, dogs included, went past the first 10ft knee depth. Somehow we grabbed everything except the beverages on the counter. We used the restrooms and went to use the water fountain but it didn’t work. There was no water. We left. It was a lovely day, we enjoyed the walk, birds, people, and our stuff stayed safe. That was nice. Just wasn’t quite the experience I had in mind for a beach swimming trip. Side note: the bathrooms did not stink like a combo of sewage and air fresheners! They were very nice, fresh, and airy! Pleasantly surprised.
Public beach for everyone. There’s some trails that are nice to hike but not very long
The picnic areas are great and Cass Lake is my favorite in the area for boating
This is a great park to visit on a sunny December day. Lots more to it than other photos had suggested. Looks like they have done some new construction of a little amphitheater and some lighting.
This is a great place to do some forest bathing and absorb some pinenes for your immune system under the pine trees in the warmer weather.
Oddly enough we saw a dandelion in bloom in December (Global warming is a thing).