Dog-Friendly Newport Beach State Park, Wisconsin

There are many ways to change a scorching summer day into a fun-filled one. The most popular among them is enjoying a good splash with furry friends. Wisconsin’s dog-friendly beaches are perfect for spending a memorable day. The state has an array of pet-friendly places, and Newport Beach State Park is the most popular one. 

The beach park lays down a few pet policies and laws. Rules here are quite easy and simple for visitors to follow. Newport even allows owners to take their pets for camping and hiking. This beach is a famous spot for launching kayaks into Michigan Lake. Visitors enjoy activities like birdwatching and stargazing. Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance are available.  

Newport Beach State Park Dog Rules, WI

• Newport Beach State Park allows pets on designated campsites and trails.
• Pets must always be on a leash. The pet’s leash can be a maximum of 8 feet. 
• Owners are responsible for always keeping their pets under control and supervision. 
• Dogs are prohibited from picnic areas, buildings, and swimming beaches at Newport Bay. 
• Leashed pets enter the sandy beach areas at Newport Bay’s southern area and Europe Bay.
• Beach State Park features dumpsters near the maintenance building. Visitors must pick up their pet’s waste and throw it away properly. 

Discover Dog-Friendly Newport Beach State Park in Wisconsin! Learn about pet-friendly trails, leash guidelines, and tips for a memorable outdoor adventure with your dog.

Newport Beach State Park Dog Licensing, WI

Obtaining a dog license is mandatory in the state of Wisconsin. This license works as an identification for pets. Unlicensed pets are also prohibited at beaches and parks. As per the law, all dogs above 5 months must be registered. The registration requires proof of vaccination against rabies by a certified veterinarian. 

Licenses are purchased from municipal or county clerks. Application forms are available online as well. These registrations remain valid for one year. Thus, it must be renewed annually before the expiration date. Dogs must wear a license tag with their collar at all times. Registration charges depend on the dog’s type (spayed/ neutered). 

How to reach Newport Beach State Park, WI

• By Air: Kenosha Regional Airport is the nearest Newport Beach State Park airport. The journey (258.2 mi) takes about 4 hours and 11 minutes to complete. 
• By Bus: Visitors take a bus from Milwaukee, WI, and reach Marinette, WI. From here, they hire a car or taxi to reach Newport Beach State Park. Alternatively, visitors can reach Cedar River and hire a cab to go to the beach state park. 

About Dog-Friendly Newport Beach State Park – WI

Newport Beach State Park is a renowned 2300-acre of wilderness in Wisconsin. It’s at the top of Door peninsula. The beach park lies close to Lake Michigan and Lake Europe. This area remains open all year round and is easily accessible. Backpack camping is the most popular activity enjoyed here. Visitors enjoy quiet time away from the crowded county. 

There are abundant trails spread over an area of over 26 miles. These are perfect for enjoying a good hike amidst lush greenery. Newport State Park also features various campsites. Many of them even allow visitors to bring pets. The state beach even sells themed merchandise and clothing at the park office. Newport was recognized as a “Dark Sky” by IDA in 2017. 

• Parking: Cana Island Lighthouse Parking and Wisconsin Bay Park
• Nearby Visiting Places: Ellison Bluff State Natural Area and Door Bluff Headlands County Park
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Shoreline Restaurant and Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza & Grille Sister Bay
• Dog-Friendly Hotels: Beachfront Inn Baileys Harbor and Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel
• Dog Boarding: Door County Kennels Inc and Pampered Paws Pet Resort
• Rental Providers: Lundquist Realty & Vacation Rentals of Door County, LLC and Northern Haven Vacation Rentals of Door County
• Events: Wildflower Folklore Hike and Wildflowers and Wings Mother’s Day Hike
• Amenities: Wheelchair accessibility, picnic tables, primitive pit toilets, etc
• Things to do: Cycling, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, camping, picnic, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, etc 
• Beach Hours: The State Park Beach remains open every day from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm

Newport Beach State Park Trails, WI

Newport State Park has over 26 miles of trail for “Silent Sports”. These trails are best used for hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, etc. Most of the trails are hard and packed with dirt. Few sections are even rocky & unevenly surfaced. The trails range from easy to moderate and change elevation a little. 

Two of the best trails at Newport Beach State Park are Fern and Poetry. For off-road bicycling, approximately 14 miles of trails remain open. During winter, 20 miles of them are used for snowshoeing & skiing. Another 12 miles are used for classical skiing. The 3 km (approx) trails are best suited for skating.

Newport Beach State Park Dark Sky Viewing

Dark Sky is an area with qualities for possessing a nocturnal environment and starry nights. It’s an area preserved and protected by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). This place symbolizes cultural, educational, natural, and scientific heritage. Newport Beach State Park was Wisconsin’s first park to receive the Dark Sky honor. 

At Newport, visitors enjoy unobstructed viewing of the beautiful night sky. It’s at Door County’s northern tip. A beautiful Lake Michigan flows on the western shore. The dark sky spot attracts international, regional, national, and local astronomical clubs. This tourist spot also helps in increasing ecotourism for the state. 

Newport Beach State Park Camping

Newport Beach State Park has many campsites. All of them must be reserved beforehand. There are 16 wilderness sites and 1 group site. Many of them are along the shore of Lake Michigan and Lake Europe. From the closest parking lot, they are within 1 to 3.5-mile walking distance. Campers use dead and down wood. It’s illegal to cut wood from trees. 

All campsites offer an adjustable grill, fire ring, steel lock storage box, Leopold benches, etc. Each camp also features primitive pit toilets. Visitors are advised to bring their own water bottles. Trash must be packed and thrown out of the beach park. Camp reservations are made online via the website or by calling 1-888-947-2757. 

Newport Beach State Park, WI Rules and Regulations

• For vehicles to enter Newport Beach State Park, purchasing an admission sticker is mandatory.
• Newport State Park allows fishing and hunting. However, purchasing a license beforehand is mandatory. 
• The state park restricts any firewood’s movement due to harmful tree diseases and pests. 
• Bonfires and camping areas are prohibited at picnic and state park beach areas.
• Visitors are prohibited from staying overnight inside any vehicles at parking lots inside Newport Beach.
• Flash photography is prohibited at Newport Beach State Park Dark Sky Viewing areas.
• All lights and screens, including mobiles, must be red, shielded, and dim. They are made red using red cellophane or balloons. Red filter applications are also available for this purpose. 

Conclusion

Newport State Park is a popular dog-friendly beach in Wisconsin. It’s the only wilderness state park in the state. Dogs are allowed at designated areas of the sandy beaches. Visitors enjoy a fun-filled day with furry friends. They indulge in multiple traditional and adventurous activities here. The place is also close to many pet-friendly lodging and eating places.