Silver Lake State Park is an almost 3,000-acre park in Oceana County along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This area includes both dune country and acres of mature forest. The dune ridges and valleys are mostly windblown sand and lack trees, scrub brush and dune grass. The dune area is sometimes compared to a desert. Silver Lake State Park contains more than four miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and boasts a large sandy beach.

In 1919, Carrie E. Mears donated 25 acres of land for park purposes. The park's boundary was dedicated in 1951 and a master plan was officially approved in 1964. Now, nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes are available for exploration and hiking. One of the park's biggest draws is the 450-acre off-road vehicle area. But, because of the high demand, it requires a special set of rules. Please review rules and regulations of ORV use in the state of Michigan and the more specific requirements of using an ORV/ATV in Silver Lake State Park before participating in this activity.

Silver Lake is an excellent lake for boaters and anglers. Panfish, walleye, northern pike, crappie and bass are the common species that are caught in the lake. The lake is a good place for pleasure boating and watersports as well. Ice fishing on Silver Lake is a very popular winter activity. Walleye, northern pike and crappie are all commonly caught in the winter.