Benona Township Park - Shelby,
Benona Township Park – Dog-Friendly Beach & Recreation in Shelby, MI
Benona Township Park is a hidden gem in Shelby, offering locals and visitors a peaceful, pet-friendly spot to enjoy the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. Known for its clean, quiet, and uncrowded beach, this park provides a beautiful setting for families and pet owners to relax, play, and unwind. The easy-access parking lot is located just steps from the beach, making this an ideal destination for those hauling beach or pet gear. Stony Creek also flows into the lake here, offering shallow, warm water—perfect for kids and a safe place for your dog to splash and swim.
Benona Township Park is wheelchair accessible and has amenities like a porta-john and picnic areas, making it suitable for both leisurely outings and quick visits. The park features a small boat ramp (permit required), fire pits for lakeside bonfires, and a river boardwalk popular for fishing and dog walks. Its unique combination of riverside access, lake swimming, and beachfront views creates a fantastic experience for dog lovers searching for dog-friendly activities and walks near Shelby, MI.
FAQ – Benona Township Park
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? There is a porta-john on site, but no permanent restroom building at the beach.
- Is there a swimming area for dogs? Yes, dogs can swim in the creek and Lake Michigan at the park.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot right next to the beach, making it easy to access.
- Are there activities for kids nearby? Yes, the shallow creek and access to the lake offer kid-friendly play opportunities.
Reviews
My family and I have a cottage just up the road from here and we frequent this beach most weekends in the summer. We love it here! It would be nice if it had a restroom building, but it does have a portajon. It’s great having the parking lot right next to the beach so you don’t have to haul your stuff far. There are pits to have fires on the beach and the sunsets can’t be beat. Nothing quite like Lake Michigan beaches!
We love this place. There are no public restrooms at the beach. If you need a restroom, there is a park right up the road with a porta john.
Nice hidden, free beach. Very few people here, so do not have to worry about others getting in your way. The creek is shallow and warm, so it is great for the kids. You play in the creek till you get hot, then jump into the lake. Occasionally, you have to get out of the creek to let a boat pass by. Sand is clean and squeaky, lol.
Great beach with free parking! The beach was clean and right next to the parking. It was not very crowded when I went but I also went early in the day on a weekday late August. Stony Creek connects to Lake Michigan right here. There is a river boardwalk along the creek and I saw many people fishing. A few people were in the creek swimming as Lake Michigan was rough today. There is also a small boat ramp at the park. Needs a permit though.
Nice calm area where the river meets the lake. Shallow area great for small kids bc you didn’t need to worry about the rip tides of Lake Michigan, but you still had a clean area to swim. Nice boat launch too for small boats/kayaks/inner tubes