Dogs
Yes, Promised Land State Park is dog friendly on its trails and in its day use areas, as long as your dog is on a 6-foot-or-shorter leash and under your control. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches or in any swimming area, or inside park buildings. For overnight stays, every Deerfield campsite takes pets, Beechwood, Northwoods and Pickerel Point have designated pet sites, and a few Bear Wallow cabins allow up to two dogs for a fee.
Dogs at a Glance
On the Trails
All of the park's trails are open to leashed dogs, from the flat Conservation Island loop to the rockier Little Falls Trail. The 6-foot leash rule applies at all times. Carry water for your dog on longer walks such as the 5-mile round trip to Bruce Lake, and pack out what your dog leaves behind.
Beaches and Picnic Areas
Pets are banned from swimming areas, so dogs cannot go on either beach. They are welcome in the picnic grounds on a leash, and the Falls Pavilion, which can be reserved, allows pets.
Camping With a Dog
- Deerfield: every site is pet-friendly.
- Beechwood and Northwoods (Lower Lake Campground): some sites are designated for pets.
- Pickerel Point: designated pet sites, including several ADA sites. Ask the park office for the pet guidelines.
- Rhododendron area: pet-free.
- Camping cottages: no pets.
Book a pet site specifically when you reserve. See Camping.
Cabins
A few of the 12 Bear Wallow cabins are designated dog-friendly and take up to two dogs for an extra nightly fee; the rest are pet-free. DCNR's pages differ on exactly which cabin numbers, so confirm on the cabin listing when you book. Whittaker Cabin also allows up to two dogs. See Cabins.
Bears and Dogs
This is black bear country. Keep your dog leashed and close, store dog food and treats in your locked vehicle like the rest of your food, and never leave food bowls out at a campsite. See Wildlife.
In Hunting Season
Put a blaze orange vest or collar on your dog as well as yourself in fall, and remember that dog training is allowed only in designated hunting areas from the day following Labor Day until the end of March. See Hunting.
Dogs FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Promised Land State Park?
Yes, on trails and in day use areas leashed (6-foot leash maximum). Dogs are not allowed in swimming areas or buildings.
Can my dog come onto the sand at Promised Land?
No. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas, which includes both beaches.
Which campgrounds at Promised Land allow dogs?
All Deerfield sites, plus designated sites at Beechwood, Northwoods and Pickerel Point. The Rhododendron area and the camping cottages are pet-free.
Are there dog-friendly cabins at Promised Land?
Yes. A few Bear Wallow cabins take up to two dogs for a fee, and Whittaker Cabin allows up to two dogs.
Facts from the DCNR page for Promised Land State Park.