Ludington State Park
The Ultimate guide to Ludington State Park. The park that has something for everyone!
Ludington is one of our all-time favorite places to camp because of the endless natural beauty. A multitude of activity options are available without ever stepping foot from the state campground.
So why do we love Ludington so much…
The endless things to do!
Spend the day at Lake Michigan
Ludington Beach House
With its beautiful sandy beaches you can easily spend the day building sandcastles, jumping in the waves, climbing one of the dunes, or joining a volleyball game. Plus, Ludington State Park’s beach house offers large, clean bathrooms and various amenities. We enjoyed exploring where the mouth of the Hamlin River empties into the lake, although be extra vigilant of the undertows in this area. For anyone with four-legged friends, dogs are allowed in certain sections of the beach.
Kayak or Canoe at Hamlin Lake
If you don’t own your own, you can rent them at Dune Grass Concessions near the swimming beach. You won’t tire exploring with your kayak around this area because there are numerous islands to maneuver around and bridges to paddle under. We rented for 2 hours, but wished we would have extended our rental time. We stopped at several of the islands to explore.
Bike the Numerous Paths
A paved bike path connects all three campgrounds, while another path leads to Hamlin Dam, along the river and to the beach. I feel like bikes are a must at this park. A helpful tip if you have children, use a bike trailer on the back of your bike to haul all your beach gear, snacks etc.
Visit the Playground at Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake handicap accessible playground
This highly accessible playground is wonderful for children. It provides cool breezes and views of Hamlin Lake’s beach. This playground is a favorite for my children and its a great bike ride through a shady paved trail from the campground.
Savor some ice cream
Summer is not complete without grabbing your favorite ice cream! The campground, Cedar loop, has a well-stocked camp store with tons of delicious flavors to pick from.
Tube Down the Sable River
The Sable River empties out into Lake Michigan. We purchased tubes at the camp store, which we utilized all week long. After dropping our truck off at the beach, we rode our bikes back to our campsite, and walked with our tubes to the bridge. Then when we were finished tubing, we spent the day at the beach. We put in near the bridge across from the entrance of Cedar campground.
Watch a Sunset on Lake Michigan
Ludington is known for its gorgeous sunsets! Try a new activity and take a night hike or bike ride back from the beach. This was one of our favorite activities of the whole trip. We have lights on our bike tires, headlamps, glow sticks and lighted balls to play on the beach. After watching the sunset, we played football and then rode back in the dark.
Visit the Hamlin Dam
Take a stroll or bike ride to the Hamlin Dam. Informative signs share information about the fish and wildlife. Bring along your fishing pole and try your luck at fishing.
Tour Big Sable Point Lighthouse
This 112 foot historical lighthouse can be visited via the Ludington Lighthouse Trail. It is a decent trek so be prepared because it is a 2 mile, full sun hike through the dunes on a sandy trail to get to the beach and lighthouse. We attempted to bike, but ditched the bikes when we were a half mile from the lighthouse. We hiked the rest of the way because the deep sand was too difficult for our tiny peddlers. Make sure to bring water and sun protection! Tours are available to climb the lighthouse for a fee. $8 adults/$5 children. The campground also offers a bus tour if unable to make the hike.
Hike The Trails
Known for it’s incredible trail system there are over 21 miles of scenic trails within the state park to pick from. Most of the trails are easy, although there are some stairways and steeper inclines, especially if you conquer the dunes. Trails are well marked and connect all throughout the park. A couple of our favorite hikes included: Lost Lake /Island Trail Loop, Ludington Lighthouse Trail, Sable River Trail and The Logging Trail. Here is a full detailed guide to the Trails at Ludington State Park.
Head to the Town of Ludington
There are numerous parks and places to visit. Check out Ludington Water Front Park, Sandcastles Children’s Museum and Historic White Pine Village. Hungry, grab food or ice cream at the House of Flavors, a 50’s style diner, or eat at Stix, a family-friendly beer garden with a patio that has bowling and games for everyone. Additional attractions and nearby restaurants are listed at the end of the post.
Overlook at Lost Lake Island Trail Loop
Campground
We had no phone reception at our campsite and LOVED it! It forced us to be totally present. We stayed seven days and if time allowed could have easily stayed longer.
COST Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. There's a $5 convenience fee (except for Belle Isle Park) when the Recreation Passport is not purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24. Camping prices range from $20-38 depending on back country tent sites - electric/ 50 amp.
Compared to other state campgrounds, the actual sites tend to be small and tightly packed, but with so much to do each day we were rarely at our site. There are three campgrounds that all connect; Pines, Cedar and Beechwood. We camped in Cedar to be in the middle and our site backed up to a steep wooded hill that my children loved to hike up. Cedar also has a small playground and the camp store.
Ludington Maps
Accommodations
If you don’t end up camping, there are dozen of VRBO rentals, family-friendly hotels, cozy cottages, rental homes with hot tubs and condos that are located in Ludington. Check for the best deals here.
Cons
No campground is perfect. Here are a few negatives to the state park.
•sites are small and close together with little privacy.
•spotty or no reception on our phones. (We had Verizon)
•The major downside to Ludington is that it’s difficult to get a reservation, but for good reason. Personally, we tried three separate weekends to get a spot before securing one. Definitely book six months in advance. And yes, we’ve already reserved a spot for next year and hopefully we’ll see you there!
With so much to do near Ludington you may never need to leave the campground, but if your feeling adventurous here are some nearby restaurants and attractions.
Nearby Attractions
Lewis Farm Fun for the whole family. A large petting zoo, jumping pillow, corn maze and tons of activities!
STIX A family friendly beer garden that has bowling and games for kids and adults.
Amber Elk Ranch Up close wagon rides to feed and touch the Elk.
Ludington Pump Storage Plant
Courturier Blueberry Farm to pick some fresh blueberries in July and August.
Peter Pan Land In between the towns of Pentwater and Ludington, there is a lesser know scenic place on Lake Michigan called Peter Pan Land.
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides in Mears will provide thrilling rides across the sandy dunes.
Historic White Pine Village Step into some historic buildings as you discover a little history about the area in 1800- 1900s.
Pentwater is a nearby beach town that is great for a quick day trip
Restaurants
Chuckwagon’s Pizza: Best pizza and garlic bread around. It’s worth the wait, if you want to beat the rush it opens at 4:00pm. It’s fun to pick up pizza and head to the park in town. Large playground and a great spot to watch the Badger, the ferry that goes from Wisconsin to Michigan.
House of Flavors: 50’s Diner style restaurant with the best ice cream! There usually is a line but it’s worth it.
Bortelli’s Fisheries: If you love fish this place is a must! Buy fresh fish, mushrooms and onions rings etc. Located between Ludington and Pentwater, they will fry it for you and you can take it to the picnic tables across the street at Summit Twp. Park for a great view of Lake Michigan. ( cash or check only) Plus there is great rock hunting at the park. Opened beginning of May to Labor Day Weekend.
Ludington Bay Brewery: Good food and all the beer is brewed in Ludington.
Q Smokehouse: Southern style barbecue restaurant.
Jamesport Brewing: Great food and beer.
Blu Moon Bistro: Wide variety of cuisines and rooftop seating.
Red Rooster: Great place for daily coffee, smoothies etc.
Family picture at the logging trail shelter at Ludington State Park
With a plethora of outdoor activities and the beauty of the Great Lakes, it’s sure to be a memorable experience. As you plan your next vacation to this beautiful destination in Michigan, make sure to Pin and Save for later or share it with a friend. If you found this helpful, please follow Discovering Anew’s Facebook Page for more campground reviews and Michigan adventures. We’re constantly producing new content and trip reviews to help make planning your next trip easier. Happy Camping!
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