Visit the Ludington State Park of West Michigan

Photo by Todd and Brad Reed
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. The park opened on August 15, 1936, and celebrated its 80th birthday in 2016. 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. The state park is a vacation within itself, with special programs offered in the summer.
Reservations & Park Entrance Permits
For Camp Reservations, Call 1-800-447-2757, or go to www.michigan.gov/dnr. Campsites fill fast so call early in the season. 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 $11 Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office or through the Michigan e-store at www.michigan.gov/estore.Ludington State Park Trails

Photos by Todd and Brad Reed
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 pathway 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.
Fishing

Summer Performances at Ludington State Park
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.Ludington State Park Beaches
Families especially appreciate the park's Hamlin Lake Beach for its calm waters, sandy shore, playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, and concessions. From here, 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. The other beach stretches for miles along Lake Michigan, perfect for sunning, swimming, and jumping in the waves on a windy day! There is now an accessible walkway that starts at the Lake Michigan Beach House and ends near the shoreline. There are also three beach chairs that are available for the public's use. Don't forget to check out some of the nations best sand dunes right here in West Michigan. Ludington State Park has miles of dunes to explore, and if that isn't enough, more dunes are just a short drive in either direction.Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Advertisement
Canoeing, Kayaking & Tubing within the Ludington State Park

Winter at the Ludington State Park

Directions to the Ludington StatePark
Coming through downtown Ludington, follow Ludington Avenue to the end, and turn right onto N. Lakeshore Drive. Follow this until the fork in the road, and keep left onto M-116. This takes you along Lake Michigan and out to the State Park.Discover the beauty--experience the fun--at the one and only Ludington State Park.
Contact Ludington State Park
- ALL Camping Reservations (Michigan DNR): (800) 447-2757 or Michigan DNR, Ludington State Park
- Main Office (Local): (231) 843-2423
- Concessions & Watercraft Rental (231) 843-1888
- Snowshoe Class Reservations/Special Programs (Local): (231) 843-9261
Please "Like" Us on Facebook
More About Ludington State Park...
- Take a Guided Snowshoe Walk at the Ludington State Park
- Ludington State Park Offers Great Winter Activities
- Discover Ludington State Park Trails for Hiking, Biking, Canoeing & Cross Country Skiing
- Big Sable Point Lighthouse at the Ludington State Park
- Visit the Ludington State Park of West Michigan
- Ludington State Park Beach House
- Canoeing & Kayaking Ludington State Park
- Ludington State Park Campgrounds
- Ludington State Park Weekly Programs
- Summer Guest Presenters at the Ludington State Park
- Ludington State Park Special Programs
- Snowshoe Making Classes at the Ludington State Park
More West Michigan Parks...
- Sunset Beach Bonfires at Stearns Park Beach
- Ludington's Rotary Park
- Waterfront Park in Downtown Ludington
- Dogs Love Central Bark in Ludington
- Buttersville Park High on a Bluff Overlooking Lake Michigan
- Sutton's Landing on the Pere Marquette River, Ludington
- Summit Park Between Ludington and Pentwater on Lake Michigan
- Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness of Ludington and Manistee
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes Parks
- Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
- Scottville Riverside Park along the Pere Marquette River
- Stearns Park & Beach in Ludington- Picked by USA Today as one of the 51 Great American Beaches!
- The North Country Trail through the Manistee National Forest
- Visit Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater
- Silver Lake Sand Dune Beaches
- Memorial Tree Park in Ludington
- Copeyon Park on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington
- Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
- The Ludington School Forest--Fun For All Seasons!
- Manistee National Forest
Key State Park Info
State Park Trail Guide
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Water Temperatures
Summer Programs
Winter Programs
Read More About the Park
- Take a Guided Snowshoe Walk at the Ludington State Park
- Ludington State Park Offers Great Winter Activities
- Discover Ludington State Park Trails for Hiking, Biking, Canoeing & Cross Country Skiing
- Big Sable Point Lighthouse at the Ludington State Park
- Visit the Ludington State Park of West Michigan
- Ludington State Park Beach House
- Canoeing & Kayaking Ludington State Park
- Ludington State Park Campgrounds
- Ludington State Park Weekly Programs
- Summer Guest Presenters at the Ludington State Park
- Ludington State Park Special Programs
- Snowshoe Making Classes at the Ludington State Park