Barracks Beach

When your dog is howling for some beach fun, head to the Presque Isle State Park! With 3,200-acres of pawsome outdoor space on Lake Erie, the park features many beaches known for their soft, white sand, stunning views of the bay and breathtaking sunsets. And best of all, some of them even welcome dogs!

Now, before you head down to any beach in the park, you'll need to know that all of the designated swimming beaches are off limits to pooches. On these beaches that have lifeguards and allow swimming for people, dogs cannot go beyond the tree line and should stay off the sand. Dogs are, however, allowed to kick up the sand and splash in the water on several unguarded beaches at Presque Isle State Park that are found between these beaches.

Barracks Beach can be found along Old Lake Road and is close to the park entrance. While Barracks is a guarded beach, the stretch from Barracks Beach to Beach 6 is unguarded, and the pawfect place to take your pooch for a day in the sun and sand! Parking can be found at Barracks Beach, where you can gather your things and leashed pup, and walk northeast to the unguarded beach. 

Once here, your dog can roam anywhere on the sand, and get in the water, but you'll have to leave the swimming for them, as people can only swim in designated beaches that have lifeguards. On unguarded beaches that allow dogs, you can wade in the water up to your knees, about 10 feet from shore. Kick back and enjoy the gorgeous view of the lake, and let your dog get out their wiggles, though they should remain on leash on the beach, in the water, and anywhere else inside the State Park at all times. 

If you've got energy to spare, the park also offers over 17 hiking trails that wind through the area's diverse ecosystems, including forests, sand dunes, marshes and several ponds. The Karl Boyes NRT travels a 13 mile circuit around the park, but there are small 0.5 mile treks too for those who want a quicker walk. Picnic areas and restrooms for the humans can be found throughout the park. 

Be sure you've got everything you need for a day out, including water to share with your dog. Always have clean-up bags on hand and promptly pick up after your pooch. Deer ticks live in the park, so be sure your dog has adequate protection. They should also be vaccinated and licensed, and wearing their tags on their collars.

For a furbulous day out your dog will be barking about, head to the dog-friendly beach near Barracks Beach in the Presque Isle State Park!