Main park entrance: Follow M-116 to the end. Large vehicles not recommended on Piney Ridge Road.
Ludington State Park, situated between the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake and 7 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, features scenic sand dunes, three campgrounds, the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, 21 miles of marked trails and more. A 1-mile stretch of the Big Sable River runs through the park and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, paddling and tubing.
Reach the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse via a 1.8-mile (one-way) sand-and-gravel Lighthouse Path, accessible by foot or bike. While the path offers little shade and can be challenging, especially in warm weather, the reward is a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.
There's a boating access site with vehicle and trailer parking on Hamlin Lake with vehicle and trailer parking. Just a short 50-foot walk north, find an accessible canoe and kayak launch, complete with accessible parking and temporary gear storage racks.
The historic Lake Michigan beach house features restrooms, interpretive exhibits, programming and concessions (food, ice cream and beach equipment). The Hamlin Lake beach house includes restrooms, changing courts, a food concession and rentals for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.
Enjoy south-facing views along the Skyline Trail through an EnChroma-enabled viewer, generously provided by the Friends of the Ludington State Park.
Beginners can enjoy Lost Lake's protected coves, while experienced paddlers can explore the 4-mile Hamlin Lake water trail through marshlands. An accessible canoe/kayak launch is located north of the boating access site on Hamlin Lake.
There are picnic areas, including picnic tables and charcoal grills, located at the Hamlin Lake day-use area and along the Big Sable River (across from the Cedar Campground).
An accessible playground, located in the Hamlin Lake day-use area, features slides, climbers and other interactive features. It sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for those of all mobility levels. A second playground is located adjacent to the Cedar Campground.
Buoyed swim areas are located in the Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake day-use areas.
Each location provides an accessible walkway to the water and beach wheelchairs that float.
The park's track chairs expand access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Explore the park's history and ecology through year-round interpretive programs, and visit the seasonal visitor center in the historic beach house for exhibits, restrooms and concessions.
An outdoor amphitheater is available to rent for open-air weddings and other events. The rental fee includes reserved parking, exclusive use of the amphitheater facility and electrical service. For reservations, call 231-843-2423.
The Skyline Trail's elevated boardwalk offers breathtaking dune vistas. Enhancing the experience, the Friends of Ludington State Park have installed EnChroma-enabled viewers along the trail, specifically designed to improve color perception. Please note, access to the viewers requires navigating stairs.
Rent bikes and grab firewood, groceries and souvenirs at Dune Grass Concessions at the Cedar Campground entrance. Call 231-843-1888 for details.
Explore the park by bike! A paved path connects campgrounds, the amphitheater and day-use areas along the Big Sable River. A 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel path leads to the lighthouse (note: may be challenging for road bikes).
From food and ice cream to beach equipment, watercraft rentals and groceries, Dune Grass Concessions provides a wide array of supplies at the Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake beach houses and Cedar Campground. For more info, call 231-843-1888.
Enjoy spring and fall runs of salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and brown trout along the Lake Michigan shoreline and in the Big Sable River.
Special fishing regulations (Aug. 1-Nov. 1): Only single-pointed hooks (no larger than .5 inches) or treble hooks (no larger than 3/8 inches) are allowed when fishing with bait, plugs, spinners or spoons in the Big Sable River from its mouth upstream to Hamlin Lake Dam. An artificial lure is not a device primarily constructed of lead.
A small fishing pier is located on Hamlin Lake, just upstream from the Hamlin Dam.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations. The area open and closed to hunting is signed. View park map for approximate locations.
Hike or bike to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse via the scenic 1.8-mile (one-way) sand-and-gravel Lighthouse Path. Despite limited shade and potential warmth, the breathtaking Lake Michigan views make the trip unforgettable. Park near the warming shelter, ensuring clear path access. Lighthouse tours, including a gift shop and tower climb (fee applies), are available May through October, operated by the Sable Points Lighthouse Association,.
Directions: From Pines Campground, follow the lighthouse symbols to the path between campsites 58 and 59. Continue 1.5 miles (one-way) to the lighthouse, returning via the path or, weather permitting, along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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.
Dune Grass Concessions offers watercraft rentals (kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards) at Hamlin Lake mid-May through early-October. For more information, call 231-843-1888.
The majority of the park’s Lake Michigan shoreline is closed to pets to protect endangered piping plover habitat; however, there is a pet-friendly beach on Lake Michigan, located between the beach house and the Big Sable River. 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.
A picnic shelter located in the Hamlin Lake day-use area is available by reservation (or on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved). The shelter can be reserved up to a year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting MiDNRReservations.com.
The park’s sanitation station is located at the camper registration station, just 2 miles south of the main park entrance at the Big Sable River. There is potable water available and four lanes. Additionally, each campground has a walk-up sanitation station geared toward tote-along waste tanks.
Enjoy 7 miles of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan and 4 miles of shoreline along Hamlin Lake.
This modern campground is divided into three loops, including the back (or north), middle and front (or south) loops. Most sites are generous in size and are shaded by big trees. The campground is on the park's east side and is located near Hamlin Lake. There is 20/30 amp service available at each site, and some sites offer 50-amp service. There is a sanitation station nearby. Recycling is available at the Cedar Campground.
Each loop connects to a park trail, including the very popular Lost Lake-Island Trail loop.
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A cozy mini cabin, located in the Beechwood Modern Campground, accommodates five guests with a double bed and three singles. Inside, you'll find a mini refrigerator, electric wall heater and a table with chairs. Outside, enjoy a picnic table, fire pit and waist-high cook grill. Electricity is provided.
Please bring your own linens and cookware.
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A cozy mini cabin, located in the Cedar Modern Campground, accommodates five guests with a double bed and three singles. Inside, you'll find a mini refrigerator, electric wall heater and a table with chairs. Outside, enjoy a picnic table, fire pit and waist-high cook grill. Electricity is provided.
Please bring your own linens and cookware.
The Cedar Mini Cabin is pet friendly. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin. Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed.
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A cozy mini cabin, located in the Pines Modern Campground, accommodates five guests with a double bed and three singles. Inside, you'll find a mini refrigerator, electric wall heater and a table with chairs. Outside, enjoy a picnic table, fire pit and waist-high cook grill. Electricity is provided.
Please bring your own linens and cookware.
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The modern campground is divided into two loops, the back (or north) and front (or south) loops. Most sites are modest in size and heavily shaded. The campground is on the park's west side and is located near Lake Michigan. There is 20/30-amp service available on each site, some sites with 50-amp, and a sanitation station nearby. Recycling is available at the Cedar Campground. The popular Logging Trail starts at the north end of the campground.
The campground is a jumping-off point for the 1.8-mile-long (one way) sand-and-gravel pathway that leads to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The pathway has little shade and is considered more strenuous, especially in the heat of the day. The pathway is accessible by foot or bike (although it can be more difficult for road bikes).
Directions: Follow the signs into the Pines Campground and then follow the lighthouse symbols painted on the road until you come to the sand-and-gravel pathway located between campsites 58 and 59. Continue down the pathway for the remaining 1.5 miles (one way) trip to the lighthouse. You can return along the same route or walk the shoreline back to the Lake Michigan day-use area (high water levels may make this difficult).
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The campground is divided two loops, the east and west loops. The sites are generous in size, some open and sunny and others shaded. There is 20/30-amp service available on each site and a sanitation station located nearby. Recycling is available in the campground.
There are 114 sites, including eight tent-only sites (no electrical) located off the campground's west loop.
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There are 10 walk-in sites that require an approximately 1-mile hike from the designated parking area along the 1.8-mile-long, sand-and-gravel pathway that leads to the lighthouse. These unique sites area nestled along the dunes and jack pines, and Lake Michigan is just a few steps away. There are vault toilets nearby and a hand pump for water, as well as fire rings and picnic tables at each site.
Dune Grass Concessions will deliver firewood to the sites in the evenings. To make arrangements, call 231-843-1888. Cutting wood from trees is prohibited.
Campers can use the modern restroom and shower building at the Pines Campground.
There is a designated parking area for Jack Pine campers located behind the park headquarters.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
