Dansville State Game Area - Mason,
Dansville State Game Area – Dog-Friendly Hiking & Open Spaces in Mason, MI
Dansville State Game Area is a sprawling, pet-friendly destination near Mason, MI, known for its vast, natural landscapes and diverse outdoor activities. With over 5,000 acres of public state land, it offers dog owners an ideal spot for dog-friendly hiking, nature walks, and exploring expansive fields with their canine companions. While not a dedicated fenced dog park, the space welcomes leashed dogs and is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, bird watchers, and pet owners alike.
This dog park near Mason stands out for its multi-use character—it’s primarily a hunting and recreation area, so visitors should remain mindful of hunting seasons and regulations. Parking is available at the southern end of the main crop field off Barnes Rd, in between Kelly Rd and Meridian Rd. Although not heavily developed for dogs, the natural, wide-open setting makes it a popular destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path pet adventures in Ingham County.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? While the area is open to dogs, there is no designated off-leash fenced area; always follow posted leash regulations and be mindful of hunters and other users.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, the area is not fenced—it’s a large, open natural setting.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small parking lot on the southern end of the crop field off Barnes Rd, between Kelly Rd and Meridian Rd, granting access to the land around the gun range.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are numerous trails and open areas suitable for hiking and nature walks with your dog.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Maintenance may be inconsistent, and visitors have reported occasional issues with trash, so be prepared and help keep the area clean by picking up after your pet.
Reviews
Nice clean shooting range
Beautiful place. There is a shooting range there. I went with the intention of bird watching. The entry gate was closed. There is space near and at the entrance you could park. But they are posted no parking. A nearby resident was kind enough to let me park on his property. I was there on a Monday and the range is open on weekends. Very disappointing that I couldn’t access the area without bothering a kind neighbor.
This place isnt bad…As a hunter, I love the fact we are getting lots of people using our State Game Areas, they are here for the publics use. Its important whether or not your a kayaker, trailer, fisherman, hunter, jogger, birdwatcher, dog walker, or whoever is using our lands to be an embassador to the land before we lose it. Anyone walking a dog in a State Game Area should remember, the area is there primarily for hunting and was put there by legislation through hunters and outdoorsmen. So you should be thanking them instead of being rude and making blanket statements in bad judgement. Everytime a dog walker walks under my stand, way away from any trail, I smile and ask how your day has been, while They mostly act like I shouldnt be there. Its mainly there for hunting and put there by hunters basically. So be nice to everyone who is there. I dont blame you for ruining my hunt on STATE HUNTING PROPERTY when your just there durring hunting season walking your dog. Its not YOUR land and your lucky hunters are nice.
This review would be 5 stars, however the entire area is constantly piled high with garbage. There are several groups of people that think their trash just magically disappears. I love bringing our dogs here, but I am always on the lookout for broken glass.
There are over 5,000 Acres of state land open to the public. The person below who stated about not being able to park at the range obviously doesn’t know anything. There is a small parking lot on the southern end of the crop field off Barnes Rd, in between Kelly Rd and Meridian Rd that allows you access to the state land surrounding the gun range when it closes. Do not enter the range area as it is off limits after the range closes. The gun range is only open 9-5pm Fri-Sat.