About Petoskey State Park
Petoskey State Park sits on Little Traverse Bay, a 45-minute drive from Mackinaw City. The park features a 2-mile sandy beach, fossil hunting, and RV-friendly campgrounds within walking distance of Lake Michigan.
Petoskey State Park operates 180 campsites across two campground loops: Dunes and Tannery Creek. Both loops accept RVs up to 40 feet long and provide electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The park opens for camping from April 1 through November 30, with winter access for day use only.
The park's primary attraction is a 2-mile natural sand beach along Lake Michigan. The beach offers Petoskey stone hunting for Michigan's state stone, a fossilized coral visible when wet. Swimming is permitted with lifeguards on duty during summer months.
Hiking trails total 3.5 miles, including the 1.2-mile Dune Trail with 200 feet of elevation gain. The Dune Trail includes boardwalk sections through critical dune habitat. The park also maintains a modern restroom and shower facility.
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What Amenities Does Petoskey State Park Offer?
Modern restroom and shower building with hot water, playground with climbing structure and swings, camp store selling firewood and basic supplies during summer months, fishing pier on Little Traverse Bay, and designated picnic areas with grills.
What Are the Rates at Petoskey State Park?
2025 rates: $28 per night for standard sites with electricity (2024 rate). Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry: $13 annual for Michigan residents or $5 daily for non-residents. A reservation fee of $8 applies to all bookings. Exact 2026 pricing requires verification with Michigan DNR.
What Are the Check-In Rules at Petoskey State Park?
Check-in time is 3:00 PM; check-out by 1:00 PM. Maximum stay: 15 consecutive nights. Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Reservations open 6 months in advance at 8:00 AM EST via Michigan DNR's online system or by calling (800) 447-2757. Cancellations require 2 days' notice for a refund minus an $8 fee.
Where Is Petoskey State Park Located?
What Attractions Are Near Petoskey State Park?
Downtown Petoskey Gaslight District (2.1 miles) with shopping and dining, Odawa Casino (3.5 miles), Harbor Springs (5.3 miles), Boyne Mountain Resort (18 miles), and Mackinaw City ferry docks (43 miles). McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital is 4.2 miles from the park.
What Activities Are Available at Petoskey State Park?
Swimming at the 2-mile Lake Michigan beach (lifeguards July-August), fossil hunting for Petoskey stones, fishing for salmon and trout in Little Traverse Bay, hiking 3.5 miles of trails including the Dune Trail, and biking on the connecting Little Traverse Wheelway.
What Is the Atmosphere Like at Petoskey State Park?
Mixed-use campground with approximately 60% seasonal RVs and 40% transient campers. Family-focused atmosphere with scheduled programming in summer months. Park gates close at 10:00 PM. Alcohol is prohibited in all public areas.
Are Pets Allowed at Petoskey State Park?
Pets are allowed in all areas except designated swim beaches and modern restroom buildings. Pets must be leashed on a 6-foot maximum lead at all times. Two pets maximum per site. Owners must clean up after pets immediately. No breed restrictions are specified in park rules.
