Petoskey State Park, a Michigan State Park located near Petoskey

PETOSKEY STATE PARK

PETOSKEY STATE PARK
2475 M-119 Highway
Petoskey, Michigan 49770

Phone: 231-347-2311
Reservations: 800-447-2757

Petoskey State Park, located on the north end of Little Traverse Bay, is situated on 303 scenic acres and offers a beautiful sandy beach on the bay. The park has two separate modern campgrounds. Tannery Creek offers 98 campsites, and Dunes offers 70 campsites.

History of the Area

The park land was originally deeded to Pay-Me-Gwau under an Ottawa Indian treaty in July of 1855. Later, much of the land was the site of the W.W. Rice Company. In 1934, the City of Petoskey purchased the land and named it the Petoskey Bathing Beach. In April of 1968, the beach was sold to the State of Michigan. On May 21, 1969, the state was given the title to the land. The campground opened its sites to the first campers in July of 1970.

Passes

The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.

Camping

Petoskey-Dunes Modern(800) 447-2757 70 site(s)Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms

Petoskey-Group Use Area(231) 347-2311Group Use Area, Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Petoskey-Tannery Creek Modern(800) 447-2757 98 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms

Swimming

The mile-long sand beach is famed for its "million-dollar sunsets." Petoskey stones, Michigan's official stone, are plentiful on the shores.

Location

Petoskey State Park is located near Petoskey

Nearby Parks

Hardwood State Forest

Burt Lake State Park

Young State Park

Picnicking

The day use area has picnic tables and grills, a playground and a one-mile long beach for sunbathing

Bicycling

A paved bicycle path passes near the state park linking Petoskey and Harbor Springs.

Trails

Two trails run through Petoskey State Park. Old Baldy Trail includes a stairway that leads up Old Baldy, a stable dune that is one of the attractions in the park. After climbing the dune, the view of the bay is breathtaking. The Portage Trail winds through very diverse terrain where a nature lover may find different species of plants and wildlife.

Petoskey-Old BaldyTrail Length: 0.50 (Miles)Hiking

Petoskey-Portage TrailTrail Length: 2.50 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking

Area Attractions

The park is located between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, both known for their shopping districts, local arts and crafts shops, shows and restaurants. There are no boat launch facilities in the park, but Harbor Springs and Petoskey each have several launches that provide access to Little Traverse Bay. Many nearby inland lakes also have boat launches. Fishing, jet-skiing and water-skiing are popular activities in the area.

The Oden Fish Hatchery is a short drive from the park and one of the most advanced facitilies of its kind. For anyone interested in how brook and brown trout are raised, this is the premier destination.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

April 27 Best park

Great park. Helpful staff, it was great seeing the staff walking around the park so much. Very clean restrooms. Voted number 1 beach.