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Ludington State Park contains magnificent dunes, three campgrounds, the renowned Big Sable Point Lighthouse, 21 miles of defined trails, and more. It is between the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake and 7 miles of sandy Lake Michigan beachfront.
A 1-mile length of the Big Sable River runs through the RV park, providing good fishing, paddling, and tubing options. The historic Lake Michigan beach house houses educational exhibits and activities in the day-use area.
Hamlin Lake can be reached via a boat launch. Dogs are permitted at Ludington State Park but must be kept on a six-foot leash and under the owner's control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in various park areas, including the swimming beach, picnic areas, and inside park structures.
Other Sites in Ludington's Campgrounds
Ludington State Park, surrounded by natural trees, water, and dunes, has everything, whether you like modern or basic camping or even a Labor Day celebration.
The campgrounds have 355 sites, including three mini-cabins with full hookups. Scroll down for information about Ludington State Park campgrounds, then make your reservation for an unforgettable experience!
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1. Pines Campground
The Pines Campground features the main content skip with 98 modern campsites with electricity (some with 50 amp service), modern bathrooms and restrooms, a mini-cabin, and wheelchair-accessible sites, making it one of the best campgrounds.
From here, you can take miles of trails to the north or the Lighthouse Trail to the northwest, both leading to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
2. Beechwood Campground
The area closest to Hamlin Lake Beach has modern sites with electricity (some areas have 50-amp service), modern showers and restrooms, a mini-cabin, a playground, and a recycling center.
Get access right from the Lost Lake Trail down to the North Side of the Campground, then head to the Coast Guard Trail from the center.
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3. Jack Pine Campground
The Jackpine Campground is only accessible via climb, with only ten remote tent sites. Unfortunately, there is no electricity, and the restrooms are simple, making the RV sites perfect for rustic camping.
Supplies must be bicycle-packed or backpacked one mile from the approved parking location. The location is one mile north of the Pines Campground and one mile south of the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
4. Midwest Campground
Visitors can enjoy miles of trails, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and two beaches at the Midwest's most popular state park, actually one of the great places.
Most people identify Ludington State Park with camping, and the park's four campgrounds fill up months before the summer season.
5. Cedar Campground
The Cedar Campground, located between the Beechwood and Pines campgrounds not far from the Kibby Creek Campgrounds, has 110 modern sites with electricity, mini-cabins, modern bathrooms and restrooms, a playground, and eight non-electric tent sites.
The park store and campground host are located near the Cedar Campground entrance. Cedar Campground is the only one of the four campgrounds open year-round.
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Activities at Ludington’s Campground
At Ludington State Park, miles of sandy shores, wooded dunes, and marshlands run between the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake's west bank on the vast acres of scenic sand dunes.
Swim, canoe, or boat on one of the lake's beaches, then head inland to tube, paddle, or fish on the Big Sable River, the best among seasonal sites.
There is no better place to be in the summer than in Ludington State Park, as there’s tubing, hiking, bicycling, and fishing.
There is a camp store for groceries, spacious picnic areas, a sprawling hot tub, and some clean restrooms by the lake shore.
The State Park offers instructive and entertaining summer events on separate campgrounds, so take advantage of the one-of-a-kind experience of listening to live music in the open-air amphitheater surrounded by the natural beauty of Ludington State Park.
You might even see creatures come near to listen by the bodies of water. The Friends of the Ludington State Park generate funds to make these events possible on Memorial Day, spending the whole family time at the vacation station.
The State Park Amphitheater or the Lake Michigan Beach House hosts the programs just by the Michigan State Park.
Camping Cost at Ludington’s
The cost of camping at Ludington State Park varies according to the type of campsite and the time of year. Generally, the basic camper rentals with electrical hookups will cost between $25 and $35 per night.
It's also worth noting that access to the park requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, which costs $12 for Michigan residents and $34 for non-residents annually or $9 for a non-resident daily pass.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has more information on Ludington State Park camping and can help you make reservations.
Other Side Attractions in Ludington’s Park
Cartier Park has spacious picnic areas for guests, just a short drive from Michigan’s premier camping destination.
The main navigation heads from the Lost Lake trail by the lake shore to the city of Ludington, with vast shoreline vistas, clean restrooms, an active ice cream stand for the children, and a perfect backdrop fixed with some mini cabins holding up already installed electric sites.
Also, just by the miles of shoreline is Lincoln Lake, among the great options for ice fishing, shockingly with a fire ring, mini cabins, and portable restroom showers to suit visitors' convenience.
Take that step in making a reservation at Ludington’s Campgrounds today and get exciting moments to fill in life-long memories.