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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Northwest Region
Ludington State Park
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Ludington State Park Bike Path © Wes Gerber
Great bike trails
Ludington State Park Visitor Center © Wes Gerber
Great Lakes Visitor Center
Ludington State Park Hamlin Dam © Wes Gerber
Dam between Hamlin Lake Big Sable River
Ludington State Park Big Sable River © Wes Gerber
Walking bridge over the Big Sable River
Ludington State Park Lost Lake Boardwalk © Wes Gerber
Lost Lake Boardwalk at Beechwood Campground
Ludington State Park Dune Hill © Wes Gerber
Skyline trail dunes
Ludington State Park Big Sable River © Wes Gerber
Big Sable meets Lake Michigan
Ludington State Park Ludington Dunes © Wes Gerber
Dunes as seen from the Big Sable Lighthouse.
Ludington State Park SS Badger © Wes Gerber
Car Ferry coming into Ludington from Wisconsin
Ludington State Park Big Sable Lighthouse © Wes Gerber
Ludington State Park Beach house © Wes Gerber
Lake Michigan Beach House
Ludington State Park Lake Michigan © Wes Gerber
Shoreline in front of Beachhouse.
Ludington State Park © Ben Prepelka
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LUDINGTON STATE PARK
LUDINGTON STATE PARK
8800 W. M-116
Ludington, Michigan   49431

Phone: 231-843-2423
Reservations: 800-447-2757
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.
Nature of the Area
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.
Passes
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.
Visitors Center
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.
Park Store
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.
Camping
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
Swimming
1. Ludington State Park offers several swimming options in Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake.
2. The park features a sandy beach along the shoreline of both lakes for swimmers to enjoy.
3. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so visitors should swim with caution and supervise children closely.
4. Swimming is also possible from boats anchored offshore within designated areas only.
5. Water temperatures can vary greatly between spring and summer; check conditions before entering water.

Boating
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.
Canoeing
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.
Fishing
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.


Location
Ludington State Park is located near Ludington, Manistee

Picnicking
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. Located at Hamlin Lake day use area. Available on first-come, first-served basis or by reservation. For reservations, contact the park at 231-843-2423.
Trails
An outstanding feature of the park is its trail system. There are eight separately marked foot trails that wind for 18 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.

Trails in the park:

Ludington-Hiking Trails - 18 (Miles), Hiking

Ludington-Bicycle Trail - 0 (Miles), Biking, Mountain Biking

Ludington-Mountain Bike Trail - 0 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking

Ludington-Cross Country Ski Trails - 16 (Miles), Cross Country Ski

Ludington-Canoe Trail - 0 (Miles), Canoeing
Bicycling
A paved biking and hiking trail runs along the Big Sable River linking the campgrounds to Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake day use areas, and the Great Lakes Visitor Center. Bicycles are allowed on park roads and the non-paved Lighthouse Road, but not on any foot trails or cross-country ski trails. The gravel and sand Lighthouse Road travels along the Lake Michigan shore from the Pines Campground to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities. Be sure to check with the park for dates and times of popular snowshoe hikes. A heated log shelter is available at the trailhead parking area.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 350 species, including rare Kirtland's Warblers. Birdwatchers can explore varied habitats like marshlands, forests and sand dunes. The Skyline Trail provides elevated views for spotting birds of prey.
Area Attractions
Lighthouse:The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is open for tours May-October and maintained by the non-profit Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. Access to the lighthouse is obtained by walking 1.5 miles one way.

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. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.

Wireless Internet Access:

MiWiFi provides wireless Internet access near the main office headquarters building. The access point is located near the concessions area and radiates about 150 feet from this location in all directions.

The area surrounding Ludington State Park has many attractions. White Pine Village is a local historical village located just south of Ludington. The Ludington Car Ferry runs between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin during the summer.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 16 There is fun for all---
park review stars; one to five Did not camp here, but this place has lots to offer- swimming,fishing,walking,tubing-a family couldnt ask for more.
August 17 Watch the coons! by jasonfromrochester
park review stars; one to five An adventure of a lifetime. Not for the Holliday Inn camper... Don?t leave food out though. You will be surrounded by 10+ raccoons that fearless in no time. They like to stare you down with their beady little eyes at night to get you to crack and feed them. Don?t do it. Keep it locked up!
July 16 A must go to camp ground every summer!!!
park review stars; one to five Summer fun with kids and choose swimming in 3 choices, Lake Mi. - Hamlin lake or the river that flows between the 2. The mouth of the river by Lake Michigan is our favorite spot to swim. In the fall the salmon run up the river, what special place to camp.
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Area Campgrounds
Cartier Park Campground
1254 North Lakeshore Drive
Ludington, MI
231-845-1522
Kibby Creek Travel Park
4900 West Deren Road
Ludington, MI
231-843-3995
Mason County Campground
5906 West Chauvez Road
Ludington, MI
231-845-7609
Poncho's Pond R.V. Park
5335 West Wallace Road
Ludington, MI
231-845-6655
Vacation Station RV Park
4895 West US 10
Ludington, MI
231-845-0130
Crystal Lake Campground
1884 West Hansen Road
Scottville, MI
231-757-4510
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
8 miles N. of Ludington on Lakeshore Dr. and M-116 Hwy.

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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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