LUDINGTON STATE PARK
Ludington State Park is comprised of nearly 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes, shoreline vista, ponds, marshlands and forests. It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of shoreline and beaches on both bodies of water. There are three modern campgrounds at Ludington State Park -- Pines, Cedar and Beechwood -- with a combined total of 355 campsites including three mini-cabins. These sites have electricity and modern shower and bathroom facilities in each campground. Cedar Campground also has a small loop of eight tent-only stes seperated from the modern site loop. These tent sites do not have electricity but are within walking distance of the restrooms and showers. For backpack campers, Ludington offers 10 remote tent sites in the new Jack Pine Hike-In only campground. This campground has no electricity and the toilet facilities are rustic. Showers are available at the Pines modern campground during the site specific season. All equipment and supplies must be backpacked or bicycle packed one mile into the sites from the designated parking area. Dogs are not allowed in any water area used for swimming or wading. They may not be left unattended, and must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owners control at all times.
The winter perspective is quiet and serene, as visitors have a chance to view wildlife and various species of waterfowl that are abundant in the park.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
The Great Lakes Visitor Center, an outdoor interpretive facility, is a very popular attraction at Ludington. It offers interesting displays, slide presentations, videos and live programs that provide visitors of all ages with a better understanding of the local wildlife, geology, and history unique to the Great Lakes.
Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake day use areas have concessions that are open during the summer months. The Park Store, which is open mid-May to mid-October, is located in the Cedar campground.
Ludington-Beechwood(800) 447-2757 148 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms
Ludington-Cedars(800) 447-2757 115 site(s)Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms, Rustic Site
Ludington-Jack Pine Hike In Sites(800) 447-2757 10 site(s)Rustic Site
Ludington-Pines(800) 447-2757 100 site(sElectrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms
Boat launch can accommodate up to 22 foot boats. Boat rentals are available at Hamlin Lake from mid-May to mid-October for kayaks, canoes, row boats, and paddle boats. Call the concession at 231-845-8582.
The one-of-a-kind canoe trail is a great means for visitors to explore portions of Ludington State Park not readily accessible on foot.
Anglers will find an abundance of northern pike, largemouth and small-mouth bass, walleye, tiger musky and panfish. Lake Michigan offers boaters and anglers recreation opportunities as well. In the spring and fall, there is the challenge of salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and brown trout that swim along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and in the Big Sable River below the Hamlin Dam.
Approximately two-thirds of Ludington State Park's 5,300 acres is open to hunting. The best opportunities are for deer, squirrel and waterfowl hunting. The park also 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.