Ortonville Recreation Area

Explore Michigan’s beautiful outdoors with your furry friend by visiting Ortonville Recreation Area. It spans across 5,400 acres of land and is full of gorgeous wooded hills and lakes, which means there's plenty for your pooch to explore.

When they arrive, the first thing your pup pawbably wants to do is go for a hike. The main hiking trail is located in Bloomer #3 State Park in the southeast quadrant of the recreation area. Let your doggo be the guide as you wander through the furrific forest. The trail clocks in at 3.5 miles, so your pooch will get a decent amount of exercise.

Besides hiking, Ortonville Recreation Area is a pawsome fishing destination, so bring along your rod and reel and cast a line in one of the lakes or the many side streams. A variety of bass, pike, and perch swim in these waters. If you have a boat, head over to Big Fish Lake, Algoe Lake or Davison Lake. All three of these have boat launches. Just be sure your pup has a doggy life jacket before they head out on the water.

If you want to stay the night at Ortonville, the options are pretty limited. The only area available for camping is an equestrian campground with primitive facilities. If you opt to stay here, make sure your pup gets along with horses. A rustic cabin is also onsite, but unfurtunatley four legged guests aren’t allowed inside. No matter how long you stay, be sure to bring anything you need for your adventure, including clean-up bags and water to share.

All park visitors must have a Michigan Recreation Passport which can be purchased for $11.00 at the time of vehicle permit renewals for Michigan residents, or at the park entrance. This puptacular pass gives you and your canine adventure buddy access to all Michigan state parks for an entire year. Recreation Passports are also available to non-residents.

No bones about it, your dog will love spending time at Ortonville Recreation Area!