Ludington State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Coming in at 4,800 acres, Ludington State Park is one of Michigan’s most unique state parks, offering 7 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic sand dunes, three campgrounds, the picturesque Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and 21 miles of marked trails. A 1-mile stretch of the Big Sable River flows through the park as well, offering fishing, paddling, and tubing, while the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake provides the opportunity for motorized water sports. Visitors can enjoy several miles of shoreline on both sides of the park, as it sits right between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake.
Nearby Cities:
Ludington, MI
Manistee, MI
Pentwater, MI
Cadillac, MI
Spring 30–60 F
Summer 57–74 F
Fall 36–69 F
Winter 21-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Ludington State Park
Campground Accommodations
Ludington-Beechwood Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 35 feet
Other amenities: Fire pits, restrooms, dump station, picnic tables
Ludington-Cedar Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 35 feet
Other amenities: Fire pits, restrooms, dump station, picnic tables
Ludington-Pines Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 30 feet
Other amenities: Fire pits, restrooms, dump station, picnic tables
Vacation Station RV Resort
When you stay at Vacation Station RV Resort is in Ludington, MI. You can enjoy area’s sandy Lake Michigan beaches, restaurants, shops, and tons of family fun! Motor coaches, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, pop-ups and park models are welcome, (sorry, no tents) in the modern, state-of-the-art luxury resort. Paved, lighted, winding roads lead to the community center clubhouse, known as the “Roundhouse.” The Roundhouse overlooks a private fishing pond and is available to patrons and their guests. Here you will also find some of Michigan’s finest off-road trails for ATVs, ORVs, and dirt bikes.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: convenience store, heated pool and spa, double wide concrete pads, enclosed pet area, propane refills, pull-through sites, cable, playground, RV/Boat storage, fishing pond, game room, bike rentals, fire pits, picnic tables, 24/7 restrooms, showers and laundry facilities
Henry’s Landing
Located in Scottville, MI, only about 9 miles east of the beautiful beaches of Ludington, MI. Henry's Landing is a small privately-owned campground burrowed along the banks of the peaceful Pere Marquette River. There are 41 sites right on the river’s edge. From your site, you can swim, fish, kayak and kick back. For $30 per night, this is true relaxation at its best.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: picnic table, firepit, camp store, bait & tackle, canoe, kayak, tube and SUP board rentals, sport courts, activities, shower room, flush toilets, dump station
What to Do at
Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park offers a unique experience when contrasted with other Michigan state parks, as it includes miles of pristine, sandy Lake Michigan beaches. You can also enjoy the famous sand dunes while taking in the breathtaking sights atop the Big Sable Lighthouse. Typical camping activities, including fishing, hunting, paddle sports, and hiking, are also available in this state park.
You can enjoy a variety of activities while visiting Ludington State Park. Less common adventures that are unique to the park include metal detecting, sightseeing atop the Big Sable Lighthouse, and picnics at the beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Inside Ludington State Park
There really is an unbelievable number of sites to see around this park. A good place to start in order to map out your time and interests, might be the Nature Center. There are a number of weekly nature programs including classes, guided hikes and interpretive programs throughout the year and most of them are free. Visitors can learn about dune and Great Lakes ecology, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the former lumber town. the Civilian Conservation Corps, and so much more.
Here are a few more options to explore:
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.
Boat rentals: Rent kayaks, canoes, row boats and paddle boats on Hamlin Lake from mid-May to mid-October.
Cross-Country Skiing: 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 a multitude of fishing 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 through 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.
Paddlesports: The one-of-a-kind canoe trail is a way for visitors to explore portions of Ludington State Park not readily accessible on foot.
Swimming: There are swim beaches at Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake.
Fishing
There are two fishing options within the park. Hamlin Lake offers anglers plenty of opportunities to catch their favorite species, including northern pike, perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, tiger muskie, and panfish. During the spring and fall, salmon, lake trout, brown trout, and steelhead can be found along the shoreline making their way to Lake Michigan. For those without a boat, the Big Sable River is another fishing option. Note that a State of Michigan fishing license is required.
Nature Watching
Guided nature walks are offered throughout the year, enabling visitors to view the various wildlife that calls the park home. Nature lovers are sure to see plenty of birds, beavers, squirrels, and even bald eagles on occasion.
Stargazing
Nestled in a remote area of northern Michigan, Ludington State Park provides an excellent stargazing opportunity. Being close to Lake Michigan helps reduce any light pollution, making it easier to view your favorite stars and other celestial bodies.
Hiking
Ten designated hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty await you at Ludington State Park. These trails range in distance from half a mile to 4 miles. However, many of these trails intersect, allowing you to create longer routes and loops. You will find both paved and unpaved trails, providing you with a variety of hiking options during your stay.
Boating
Visitors can enjoy boating on Lake Hamlin by either bringing their own boat or renting a kayak or canoe. Rentals are available from mid-May through early October.
Swimming
Designated swim areas are available in both the Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake day-use areas. When swimming in Lake Michigan, parkgoers will need to be mindful of the beach flag warning system. Red flags indicate that the water is unsafe and may not be something campers are used to dealing with while swimming in smaller lakes.
Biking
Bikes are allowed on the paved path that runs along the Big Sable River and links the campgrounds, amphitheater, and Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake day-use areas. Biking enthusiasts can also use the pathway leading to the lighthouse. However, keep in mind that it is covered with sand and gravel, which can be difficult for road bikes to navigate. Bike rentals are available in the concession store located at the front of the Cedar campground.
How to Get to
Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park is located at 8800 W. M-116 in Ludington MI. When traveling from Pentwater, MI, you will take US-31 and exit at US-10 heading west. From US-10, turn right onto N Jebavy Dr, then take a left onto W Jagger Road. Turn right onto M-116 N, and head toward the park. Note that the main park entrance is at the end of M-116 and not along Piney Ridge Road.
Entering Ludington State Park
A Michigan recreation passport is required for entry to the park. The passport requires a $13 annual fee for residents, while non-residents can obtain one for $39 a year or $11 a day. There are multiple parking areas throughout the park, especially near trailheads. No designated visitor parking areas are located within the three designated campgrounds.
Exploring the U.S. and creating memories with the ones you love becomes effortless with RVshare. Making travel easy and worry-free is what we do. Take the ride, live your best life in style and comfort when you visit Ludington State Park in an RV rental from us! We would love to see pictures of your adventures so send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ludington State Park
The spring and summer months are the best times of year to visit the park, as the weather then allows you to partake in all the activities the park offers. The park is also open in winter if you prefer that time of year.
Wildlife that can be spotted throughout the park includes squirrels, birds, seagulls, and chipmunks.
Yes, there are over 300 designated RV camping spots. Some are even equipped with 50-amp service.
Yes, you need to reserve a camping spot. This can be done online, and the cost is $30 per night.
Yes, pets are welcome within the park. They must be kept on leash no longer than 6 feet and under their owners' control at all times.
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