P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, located in Muskegon, is situated on 3 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and features a modern campground, towering dunes, 10 miles of scenic trails and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center.
One of the park's main attractions is the dune climb along the Dune Overlook Trail, an approximately half-mile roundtrip climb with about 220 steps and benches along the way. For a more moderately steep hike, follow the 2-mile-long (roundtrip) Homestead Trail that includes a stop at Lake Michigan.
To better understand how these forested dunes were created, stop into the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, which features exhibits and programming.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Perched at the top of a large sand dune surrounded by a pristine wooded backdune, the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center provides dune exhibits and a trail with stunning Lake Michigan views.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
There are two beach houses located in the day-use area. One includes restrooms and changing courts and the other offers restrooms and a vending machine.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
There is an observation platform offering a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and sand dunes at the top of the Dune Overlook Trail.
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline apart from the designated swim area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
There are a number of picnic areas in the day-use area that offer picnic tables and charcoal grills available first come, first served. There is easy access to vault toilets.
There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables and charcoal grills and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.
The park’s sanitation station is located just past the campground office (and on way to the C Loop). There is potable water and two lanes.
There are two buoyed swim areas, one in the park’s day-use area and another within a short five-minute walk of the campground. There are two beach wheelchairs available to borrow (call the park or check at the contact station).
Enjoy 3 miles of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan.
The modern campground is divided into three loops. Most sites are generous in size and are shaded by oaks, maples, beech and pine trees. The campground is within a short five-minute walk of a designated swimming beach and adjacent to trails, dune access and Little Black Creek. There is 20/30-amp electrical service available on each site (some sites also offer 50-amp service) and a sanitation station. Recycling is available.
There are four semi-modern and two ADA-accessible sites in the campground:
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This rustic group campground is available for youth groups of up to 54 people. There are two sites that can accommodate up to 27 campers. Each site provides a picnic table, fire pit and easy access to a potable water faucet. Campers can utilize the modern toilet and shower buildings located in the modern campground.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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Our virtual tours are an immersive way to explore locations from home with detailed visual information. The Hoffmaster virtual tour includes the park entrance, visitor center, pavilion and trail, dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and more.
