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

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 at the Trail Maps page in this website. From this page, you will be able to print a PDF of the trail map to carry along with you on your hike.

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

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. A hard surface walkway provides handicapped access across the dam and along both sides of the river. Other areas in the park that are barrier-free are the Hamlin Beach changing and concession building, certain campsites and all restroom buildings in the Pines, Cedar and middle Beechwood campgrounds. See our Ludington Fishing Reports page for the latest fishing reports and other related fishing information.

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.

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

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