Visit the Ludington State Park
Hike to the Light
Discover the Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Climb the Dunes
Find Peace
Wander the Trails
Eight Marked Trails Cover 18 Miles!
Float Your Boat
Make Friends
Behold the Beauty
Open All Year

Ludington State Park Photos by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Explore 5,300 Acres of Beauty in the Ludington State Park

Known as the most popular state park in Michigan for its abundant natural resources and endless activities, the Ludington State Park offers a vacation within itself.

Ludington has so much to offer its residents and visitors, but our most popular draw is the 5,300 acres that lie just north of town, known as the Ludington State Park. This wonderful area of land is not just for camping–it’s a haven for hikers, fishermen, bikers, or anyone who loves what nature has to offer. Here you’ll discover sand dunes with spectacular views, hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline to explore. 

The Ludington State Park recently had a major upgrade, and even more improvements are coming soon. Read our story about the changes here.

PLEASE NOTE: A Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required to enter the park and may be purchased at the park. Residents may also now purchase the $15 annual Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office. 

On This Ludington State Park Page

Trails for Hiking, Biking, and Floating

Hiking Trails

Enjoy a hike on one of the eight marked trails that cover 18 miles, and take note of the variety of trail markers and information kiosks along the way which provide some fascinating historical and natural facts about the Ludington State Park. A description of the individual trails – and the estimated walking time for each – is detailed on the Ludington State Park Trails page. This web page includes a printable PDF of the trail map to carry along with you on your hike.

Water Trails

The park is also well known for its unique and picturesque marked canoe pathway. Launch your canoe at the Hamlin Lake Beach and meander along the eastern shore of Hamlin Lake through shallow bayous rich with wildlife and waterfowl. The time required to travel the this Ludington State Park Water Trail is about one to three hours, depending upon your skill level and preferred pace. Canoes are available to rent from the Hamlin Lake Concession Stand, where you can also rent paddleboats, rowboats, and kayaks.

Have you floated down the river which meanders through the Ludington State Park? If not, it’s truly a MUST for family fun! The lazy river floating experience is one of the best memories you will take home with you. Tubes may be rented at Dune Grass Concessions within the state park.

Biking Paths

If you love biking, then the Ludington State Park is the place for you! You will enjoy amazing scenery and wildlife as you travel asphalt trails between the Hamlin Lake Dam and the Lake Michigan Beach House. 

Discover Beaches Galore!

Lake Michigan Beach House Ludington State Park

There are miles of Lake Michigan beach within the Ludington State Park, offering you a nearly endless shoreline to explore. You’ll begin to see the scope of just how much lakeshore beauty there is as you drive the long expanse of beach on your way to the state park, and then to your left as you pass the entrance. There is now an accessible walkway that starts at the Lake Michigan Beach House and ends near the shoreline. There are also beach chairs that are available for the public’s use.

Families especially appreciate the park’s Hamlin Lake Beach for its calm waters and sandy shore. The Hamlin Lake Beach boasts a brand new playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, and concessions–everything you might want for a pleasant time at the beach. And if you want to stretch your legs, it’s just a short stroll to the Hamlin Lake Dam, which was constructed during the logging era when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make a holding pond for felled trees.

Don’t forget to check out some of the nations best sand dunes right here in the  Ludington State Park. The Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes and the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area stretch for miles of shoreline to explore, and if that isn’t enough, more dunes are just a short day trip away. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is north of Ludington, and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes are about a half hour’s drive south. 

The Ludington area has many more beaches and parks to visit, some with Lake Michigan shoreline, and others along inland lakes and rivers. Find details on our Beaches and Parks page.

Visit the Big Sable Point Lighthouse in the Ludington State Park

Big Sable Point Lighthouse  – Todd and Brad Reed Photography

Within the Ludington State Park, you will find the Big Sable Point Lighthouse – a favorite hiking destination for visitors. The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan and remains a testament to lighthouse keepers of the past. Big Sable Point Lighthouse was honored as the 2013 Featured Lighthouse of the Year for the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival. The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association maintains the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, north of Ludington State Park. The lighthouse is open for tours daily 10am-5pm from May 1 to October 31. You can climb to the top, or visit the gift shop, located in the original Keeper’s Quarters.

If you love lighthouses, be sure to visit Ludington’s North Breakwater Light at the Stearns Park Beach. Walk on the long pier for an leisurely stroll. It’s the most popular place to catch a spectacular Ludington sunset (check sunset times here) or even enjoy a bonfire on special evenings.

Catch the Fun of Fishing in the State Park

A fisherman casts his line in Lake Michigan within the Ludington State Park. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography

The Ludington State Park is a fisherman’s paradise, where anglers will discover an abundance of Hamlin Lake walleye, bass, northern pike, perch, and bluegill. A boat launch provides easy access into the lake for boats up to 22 feet, with convenient parking for trailers. During the fall salmon run, when the fish attempt to jump over the dam on their way upstream, spectators and anglers line the Sable River Boardwalk to capture the thrill of this fishing season highlight. 

State Park Summer Events

Events at Ludington State Park

Summer Concert at the Lake Michigan Beach House | photo by Steve Begnoche, American Coot Photography

After a busy day enjoying all the park’s activities, head over to the Amphitheater on select nights at 7pm and take in a fun and enjoyable performance. Most are folk music, but some feature animals and even a magic show.

Winter Activities at Ludington State Park

Snowshoeing and Skiing Ludington State Park

Guided snowshoe walks in the Ludington State Park | Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography

So many people are familiar with all that the park offers during summer, but in the quieter seasons of spring, fall and winter, the Ludington State Park’s beauty is magnified by serenity. When winter blankets the landscape with a pristine white hush, snow lovers can cross country ski on eight miles of trails- three of which are groomed. Snowshoeing is another great winter activity that’s growing in popularity and you can burn up to 700 calories per hour of moderate walking! Guided snowshoe walks are held throughout the winter. You can bring your own snowshoes or borrow one of 40 pairs available on a first-come first-served basis at the state park. All walks begin and end at the warming shelter complete with picnic tables and plenty of heat! The Ludington State Park has also offered snowshoe making classes during November and December in the past but these are on hiatus at this time.

Ludington State Park Camping

While the Ludington State Park boasts so much in the way of things to do, it is most associated with camping, and the four campgrounds within the park generally fill up by the beginning of spring for the following summer. The park has modern and primitive sites, all surrounded by natural woodlands, water and dunes. There are a total of 355 sites among all the campgrounds, including three mini-cabins. Find more information about the campgrounds at the Ludington State Park here. 

Campsite Reservation Info

Due to the popularity of the park, campsites fill up very fast, so we encourage you to reserve your campsite as early as possible. For Michigan State Parks, you may check for availability and make your reservations at the Michigan.gov/DNR website. You may also call the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-447-2757.

If there are no campsites available for your preferred dates, there are many more campgrounds in the Ludington area. 

View More Ludington Campgrounds

Outdoor Amphitheater Rental

The outdoor amphitheater is available to rent for open-air weddings and other events. The rental fee includes reserved parking, exclusive use of the amphitheater facility, electrical and nearby restrooms. For details and reservations, call (231) 843-2423.

Contact Ludington State Park

Planning a visit to the Ludington State Park area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help: 

Directions to the Ludington State Park

This drive along the Lake Michigan shoreline takes you through the dunes to one of the most beautiful destinations anywhere. It’s especially memorable at sunset.

Discover Things to See and Do in the Ludington State Park

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Aerial View of Big Sable Point

The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.

Camping at Ludington State Park

One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest! Ludington State Park has four campgrounds, hundreds of sites for your camping pleasure.

Hamlin Lake Dam

The Hamlin Lake Dam controls the lake levels of Hamlin Lake, and the portion of Big Sable River which runs through the Ludington State Park.

Dune Grass Concessions

Dune Grass Concessions offers watercraft & bike rentals, concession food, ice cream, convenience items, State Park & Hamlin Lake souvenirs!

Featured Places to Stay in the Ludington Area

Camping & Lodging

When it comes to places to stay, the Ludington area has an abundance of lodging and camping…so many choices! We are featuring the businesses below in articles which provide detailed information about their accommodations and campsites.  

Kibby Creek Campground

Nestled between Ludington and Pentwater, Kibby Creek Campground combines the nostalgia of classic camping with the modern amenities today’s families love.

Top-Rated Hotels

Stay at a top-rated hotel in Ludington. Hotel brands include Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Best Western Lakewinds, and Comfort Inn.

Lakeview Campsite

Just north of Ludington, Michigan you’ll find Lakeview Campsite, set among shade trees and overlooking Upper Hamlin Lake.

QUICK TRAVEL TIP:

Campsites fill up fast at the Ludington State Park, so be sure to make your reservations early for the best selection. 

CAN’T FIND THE RIGHT SITE OR DATE?

There are many locally owned campgrounds in the Ludington area. Support small businesses and check them out!

View More Ludington Campgrounds

View All Ludington Area Events

Discover More Trails and Tours in the Ludington Area

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!
Fishing on Hamlin Lake

Fishing on Hamlin Lake

If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.

South Bayou Park

Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.

Mason County Cultural Trails

Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!