Nestled on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, Charles Mears State Park is a 50-acre gem boasting a buoyed swim beach, fishing pier, campground, lodge and interpretive trail. Renowned for its stunning sunsets, the park offers a peaceful retreat just steps from the charming town of Pentwater.
As a gift to the state in 1923, the park's land was once owned by Charles Mears, a founding member of the Pentwater community.
On nice summer days, it's recommended that you arrive early because the parking lot can reach capacity during the afternoon. There's no lighthouse in or visible from the park.
Park staff can be reached via email at DNR-MearsStatePark@Michigan.gov
Simple Adventures, located in the beach house, sells food, merchandise, firewood, ice and more.
There is an accessible fishing pier located at the south end of the park.
An accessible playground featuring slides, bars and swings is in the day-use area. It all sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for those of all mobility levels.
The beach house is in the day-use area and includes restrooms, changing courts and a park store that sells food, concessions, firewood, ice and more.
There are free, self-pay EV fast-charging stations in the park.
Fishing is popular from the accessible pier.
There’s a popular, quarter-mile, self-guided nature trail in the park.
The entire park is open to metal detecting. Please review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Paddling is popular along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
A pet-friendly beach is located at the south end of the park. 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.
Picnic table and charcoal grills – available first come, first served – can be found throughout the day-use area near the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The park’s sanitation station is located at the entrance of the campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
A buoyed swim area is situated along Lake Michigan. There are two accessible walkways to the water and a beach wheelchair available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy a quarter mile of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan.
Free WiFi is available throughout the modern campground.
The park's modern campground is divided into two loops, including the east and west loops. All sites have a concrete pad and are surrounded by sand and within short walking distance to Lake Michigan and the vibrant, laid-back beach town of Pentwater.
The campground is located near the day-use area that includes a designated swim beach, fishing pier, playground and picnic tables.
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The Dune Grass Villa modern lodge, nestled against the "Old Baldy" dune and located behind the campground, sleeps up to eight guests. It features two sets of bunk beds, a queen-sized bed and a full-sized bed, as well as a modern kitchen, two bathrooms with showers and a family room.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, microwave, toaster, refrigerator, pots, pans and dinnerware. The lodge also includes linens (bedding and towels), a washer and dryer, a television, a DVD player, games and a collection of books.
Outdoors, guests will find a picnic table, lawn chairs, grills and a fire ring. The vibrant and laid-back beach town of Pentwater is just steps away.
Daily cleaning service is not provided, and the lodge should be left in the condition in which you found it, including washing dishes, stripping beds and placing garbage in the containers outdoors.
There are no tents or hard-sided camping units allowed. Guests do not have access to the attached garage.
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An expandable hybrid camper - a mix between a hard-sided and soft-sided, pop-up camper - sleeps six. There are two beds and a convertible bed (transforms from a table to a bed), air conditioning, a mini fridge, microwave and convection hot plate. There's no running water; however, potable water is available at water spigots in the campground.
The toilet and shower building is just steps away from the camper.
Visitors must bring their own bedding, plates/cutlery and cooking utensils.
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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.
