Ludington State Park

The park is home to three campgrounds, sandy beaches, scenic sand dunes, an iconic lighthouse, wetlands, marshlands and forests. The park is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes.

Activities:

Biking: A paved biking and hiking trail runs along the Big Sable River linking the campgrounds, Lake Michigan, the day-use area at Hamlin Lake and the amphitheater. Bicycles are also allowed on park roads and the non-paved road leading up to the lighthouse. This gravel-and-sand road travels along the Lake Michigan shore from the Pines Campground to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. There are no bicycles permitted on any foot or cross-country ski trails.

Boat Rental: Boat rentals, including kayaks, canoes, row boats and paddle boats, are available on Hamlin Lake from mid-May to mid-October. For more information call 231-843-1888.

Cross Country Ski: A heated log shelter is available at the trailhead parking area for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Check with the park for dates and times of popular snowshoe hikes.

Fishing: Lake Michigan offers boaters and anglers a multitude of fising opportunities, including an abundance of Northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, tiger musky and panfish. In the spring and fall, salmon, lake trout, steelhead and brown trout swim along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and in the Big Sable River below the Hamlin Dam.

Hiking: An outstanding feature of the park is its trail system.There are eight separately marked foot trails that wind for 21.5 miles throughout woods and over the dunes. There are three rustic trail shelters located along the trails. A portion of the trail system is a hard surface and is ADA accessible.

Hunting: Approximately 2/3 of the 5,300 acres is open to hunting. The best opportunities are for deer, squirrel and waterfowl hunting. The park allows trapping in the open zones during specified seasons. The terrain ranges from dune and jackpine swails, brushy marsh and wetlands to mature beech, oak and white pine forests.

Paddling: The one-of-a-kind canoe trail is a way for visitors to explore portions of Ludington State Park not readily accessible on foot.

Pet-Friendly Area: At this time, the park does not allow pets in any water area used for swimming or wading, including Lake Michigan. However, pets are allowed on the Big Sable River (east of the highway bridge) and on Hamlin Lake (outside of the swim area) as well as other public park areas. Pets must not be left unattended and must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owner's control at all times.

Swimming: There are designated swim beaches available at both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake.

Watchable Wildlife: Visitors have a chance to view a variety of wildlife, including deer, porcupines, herons and eagles.

Winter Camping

Campgrounds

Ludington Backcountry Camping
Ludington-Beechwood
Ludington-Cedar
Ludington-Pines

Trails

Ludington-Bicycle Trail
Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)

Ludington-Canoe Trail
Trail Length: 4.00 (Miles)

Ludington-Cross Country Ski Trails
Trail Length: 10.00 (Miles)

Ludington-Hiking Trails
Trail Length: 21.50 (Miles)

Facilities:

Amphitheater:
The 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, electrical and nearby restrooms. Access to the beach and other scenic areas is available for photo opportunities. For details and reservations, call 231-843-2423.

Beach: A brock dock allows all visitors access the shoreline.

Picnic Area: The day-use area has two sandy beaches, one located on Lake Michigan and the other on Hamlin Lake. Both areas have concessions that are open during the summer months. A picnic area with waist-high grills and tables is located at Hamlin Lake beach and along the Sable River.

Playground