Charles Mears State Park, a Michigan State Park located near Ludington

CHARLES MEARS STATE PARK

CHARLES MEARS STATE PARK
P.O. Box 370, W. Lowell Street
Pentwater, Michigan 49449

Phone: 231-869-2051
Reservations: 800-447-2757

Charles Mears State Park is located in the quaint village of Pentwater along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Paved campsite lots are surrounded by fine sand, with a swimming beach adjacent to the harbor pier. Shore fishing is very popular at Pentwater Lake in the fall. Fishing from piers adjacent to the park is also a popular year-round activity. During the winter, Pentwater Lake provides excellent ice fishing. There is an interpretive trail about one mile in length for hiking. It winds around to the tip of Old Baldy, a wooded and sand-blown dune that provides an excellent view of Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the town of Pentwater and the boat harbor. Snowmobiles are not allowed on the hiking/cross-country trails, but the activity is supported in the park. It also has a metal detecting area.

History of the Area

The existing park land was once owned by Charles Mears, an early settler of Pentwater. The land was donated to the State of Michigan in 1923 by Carrie Mears, the daughter of Charles Mears.

Camping

Mears-Modern(800) 447-2757 175 site(s)Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms, Playground

Fishing

Shore fishing is very popular at Pentwater Lake in the fall, and anglers can expect to catch steelhead, perch, trout and smelt. Fishing from piers adjacent to the park is also a popular year-round activity. During the winter, Pentwater Lake provides excellent ice fishing.

Location

Charles Mears State Park is located near Ludington

Nearby Parks

Silver Lake State Park

Day Use Area

A beautiful sandy beach with a beach volleyball court, horseshoe pits, grills, and picnic tables.

Picnicking

Picnic tables, grills and fire circles are available at the picnic areas. Parking is available for 250 vehicles.

Trails

There is an interpretive trail about one mile in length that winds around to the top of Old Baldy, a wooded and sand-blown dune that provides an excellent view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the town of Pentwater and the boat harbor.

Area Attractions

The park is located just outside the resort village of Pentwater, which offers many unique activities for park visitors. The park hosts a fireworks display on July 3rd and a kids bike parade on July 4th. The Saturday after July 4th holiday is the start of the Pentwater Arts and Crafts Fair. The second Thursday of August marks the start of a four day Homecoming Festival that features a sand sculpturing contest on Park Beach and a fireworks display from a pier adjacent to the beach. The last weekend in September is Fall Fest, an annual art fair. There are boat launches and marinas in Pentwater. Charter fishing is also available at some of the local marinas. For more information on local area events visit the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce

Metal Detecting Areas:

Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statues.

Snowmobiles are not allowed on the hiking or cross-country trails, but the activity is supported in the park.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

August 28 Awesome, I will be back! by Fran

If Charles Mears State Park is anything like the rest of Pentwater, I am sorry I missed it.:( Aug. 25, 2012, was my first time in Pentwater, MI. I did not make it to the Mears Park and this is only one of the reasons I must come back. The people of Pentwater were very accommodating. It all started at the Beach Nut with Rachael, awesome family. Shout out to them! Awesome place for vacation. Awesome, awesome, awesome! :)

June 16 My Favorite Place in the Whole World

I am 13 years old and have been coming here with my distant family ever since I was born. I love this place with my heart and soul and I look forward greatly to that last week of July every year that I have the privlage to spend there. I know that town better then the one I live in. I love Pentwater Michigan and it is the best place you can ever go in your entire life. Long Live the Family Tradition!!!

June 30 Best place by Tyler R.

im tyler, im a teen and Charles mears is a great park. all of our family and relatives have been coming here for since i was born and them too. very friendly people. great beach and location. lots of things to do including downtown shopping and watching sunsets at the pier. july 4th and memorial day are great weekends to come up and enjoy with the family and have fun. i recommend this place greatly. thanks!