Dodge #4 State Park

4250 Parkway Drive
Waterford MI, 48327

248-682-7323
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

139 (Acres)

Required

Dodge #4 State Park is best known for its sandy beach and 1-mile stretch of shoreline along Cass Lake.
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Dodge #4 State Park, just a 30-mile drive from Detroit, is best known for its sandy beach and 1-mile stretch of shoreline along Cass Lake. This 1,280-acre natural lake is the largest inland lake in southeast Michigan and considered one of the busiest recreational lakes in the region. The park is a draw for anglers, boaters, paddlers and those who want to enjoy the swim beach.

The land that now comprises the state park was donated to the State of Michigan by the Dodge Brothers Corporation in 1922.

Please note: When the park has reaches capacity, Dodge #4 will close to vehicle traffic. If your group is not traveling in the same vehicle, we suggest that you all arrive at the same time. The park’s popular boating access site typically fills to capacity by 10 a.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

If you have have questions about your upcoming visit, please email DNR-PRD-Dodge4@Michigan.gov.

About the Area

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Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions Item is accessible.
Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time in the park, (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
Biking Item is accessible.
Biking: There is a crushed limestone trail throughout the park that is suitable for biking.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Anglers fish the 150-acre Cass Lake from the shoreline, the pier and boats.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: There are multiple areas where you can carry in kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. The pier also includes an accessible carry-in kayak launch. All watercraft can launch from the boating access site; however, it generally fills up by 10 a.m. on the weekends and holidays. No watercraft can enter any designated swim beach (buoyed area).
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: There is a pet-friendly beach just outside the designated swim area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: A designated swim area is in the park’s day-use area. There is an accessible walkway to the water from the beach.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: The beach house is in the park’s day-use area and includes restrooms. There is an adjacent area for rotating food trucks that generally run Fridays and Saturdays Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch:

A boating access site and a carry-in kayak launch, which is part of the accessible pier, are both located in the near the designated swim beach. No watercraft can enter any designated swim beach (buoyed area).

No single vehicles allowed in the boating access site. Vehicles without trailers must park in the Bay Parking area.

Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: Food concessions are available via the rotating food trucks outside the beach house in the day-use area (generally open Fridays through Saturdays Memorial Day through Labor Day). There are watercraft rentals available near the designated swim beach.
Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: There is an accessible fishing pier on Cass Lake. The pier also includes an accessible carry-in kayak launch. Please remember to clean up all fishing tackle equipment because wildlife tends to get caught in stray fishing line / hooks.
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: There are multiple areas within the park that include picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: The accessible Bay Picnic Shelter includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and vault toilets. The Hill Shelter has access to modern restrooms and electrical service. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The park is located on a peninsula on the north shore of Cass Lake, the largest inland lake in southeast Michigan. This 1,280-acre natural lake is considered one of the busiest recreational lakes in the region.