Silver Lake State Park is home to nearly 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a modern campground, a day-use area, a boating access site and the popular 450-acre Silver Lake ORV Area and more.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse provides opportunities to climb the 100-foot tower, an experience facilitated by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. Mac Wood's Dune Rides operates an interpretive, 40-minute dune tour in the summer months, and special fat-tire bicycling and horseback riding seasons take place in the winter months.
Silver Lake ORV Area is home to 450 acres of dunes open to ORV riding adventures! The scramble area – the only motorized sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River – where you can ride ATVs or UTVs, rent one locally or embark on a guided tour. Before you hit the dunes, be sure to familiarize yourself with the park's parking voucher system, specific rules and safety tips.
The DNR is reviewing public comments on the park's draft management plan, and making necessary revisions prior to plan approval. We are grateful to the more than 5,000 individuals who participated by sharing their valuable opinions, ideas and experiences. Visit the project website to find the draft plan, meeting recording and other resources.
An accessible beach house, located in the day-use area on inland Silver Lake, includes restrooms and family restrooms.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse, a historic icon, stands tall in the southern part of the park. Accessible by car or bike, this 1874 tower boasts a towering height of over 100 feet and still houses its original third-order Fresnel lens. A paved, accessible walkway leads you to the base of the lighthouse, where you'll find restrooms. Tours are offered from mid-May to October and are managed by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association.
For a fee, visitors can climb the 130 steps to the top of the lighthouse, enjoying breathtaking views. A gift shop is also on-site.
There are modern restrooms in the beach house, located in the day-use area on Silver Lake, and in the ORV scramble area parking lot.
An accessible playground featuring climbers, a slide and other play equipment, which all sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for those of all mobility levels, is in the day-use area on Silver Lake.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Alcohol is prohibited in the ORV area, ORV welcome center area, pedestrian area and within .25 miles of the boundaries of the ORV scramble area.
A boat launch is in the day-use area on Silver Lake. The lake does not provide boat access to Lake Michigan. A number of local businesses rent watercrafts.
The Lighthouse Grill food trailer is set up near the Lake Michigan shoreline in the ORV area Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Silver Lake is stocked with walleye; however, fishing is more popular during the nonsummer months due to heavy boat traffic.
There are no designated trails in the park, but two-thirds of the dunes are for pedestrians only. Many visitors climb and walk the dunes. Please note that walking the dunes is considered more difficult. Parking is available at the pedestrian dune access parking lot, at the end of North Shore Drive.
Hunting is allowed in most areas of the state park; however, you should call the park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
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.
A fat-tire biking season takes place in Silver Lake ORV Area Dec. 15-March 15 from 8 a.m. to dusk each day.
The park is home to the 450-acre Silver Lake ORV Area, the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River. There are required permits, a parking lot voucher system and special rules and regulations.
Paddling is a popular activity on Silver Lake. Please keep in mind that paddling equipment is not allowed inside the designated swim area. A number of local businesses rent paddling equipment.
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline (3 miles) and the park’s inland lake, Silver Lake, in all areas other than the designated swim beach. 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 is a picnic area in the day-use area on Silver Lake that includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
There are three picnic shelters located in the day-use area on Silver Lake that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical and a modern bathroom that are available first come, first served.
The park’s sanitation station is located on the south side of the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
A buoyed swim area is in the day-use area on Silver Lake. There are two beach wheelchairs available to borrow, one located at the park entrance booth near the lighthouse parking lot and the second at the campground office.
Enjoy 3 miles of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan and the park’s inland lake, Silver Lake, located southeast of the dunes and adjacent to the campground.
Silver Lake State Park's modern campground includes 200 campsites with 20- or 30-amp electrical service. A majority of the campground is situated in the shade, and sites 1-13 are on Silver Lake, the park's inland lake.
A designated swim area is within walking distance in the day-use area. Registered campers may moor boats in the shallow portion of the lake adjacent to the campground.
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