Ludington State Park sits between the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake and about 7 miles of Lake Michigan beach. The Michigan DNR lists sand dunes, three campgrounds, Big Sable Point Light, 21 miles of marked trails and a one-mile stretch of the Big Sable River. 1 The light has its own page: Big Sable Point.

What to see

Hamlin Lake has a day-use beach, a boat launch and an accessible canoe and kayak launch a short walk from the trailer lot. Lost Lake's coves are the park's quieter paddle; a four-mile water trail runs through marsh on Hamlin Lake. 1

On the Lake Michigan side, a historic beach house holds restrooms, exhibits, a seasonal visitor center and concessions. Buoyed swim areas sit on both lakes, each with an accessible walk to the water and beach chairs that float. 1

The lighthouse walk is 1.8 miles one way on sand and gravel, on foot or by bike. The DNR says the path has little shade and can be hard in heat. Tours, a shop and a tower climb run May through October with volunteer keepers; the park notes a fee for the climb without posting the amount here. 1

A paved path ties the campgrounds, the amphitheater and the river day-use areas together. 1

Best seasons

The park is used year-round. The lighthouse tour season the DNR names is May through October. 1 The DNR lists spring and fall runs of salmon, lake trout, steelhead and brown trout along the Lake Michigan shore and in the Big Sable River. 1 Winter in the dunes is on our Winter page.

How to get there

The DNR says the main entrance is at the end of M-116. It does not recommend large vehicles on Piney Ridge Road. 1 A Recreation Passport is required for motor vehicles entering Michigan state parks. 2

Tips

  • Start at the Lake Michigan beach house when the visitor center is open. Seasonal hours belong on the park page. 1
  • Most of the Lake Michigan shore is closed to pets to protect piping plover. A pet stretch sits between the beach house and the Big Sable River. Keep pets on a 6-foot leash. 1
  • The DNR posts trail work on the park page, including projects that can close a trail for more than one season. Read it before you plan a loop. 1
  • Special hook rules apply on the Big Sable River from August 1 to November 1. The park page has the sizes. 1

Safety

Lake Michigan currents and heat on the lighthouse walk are the main risks the DNR names. This page does not report today's flags, water level or which trails are closed. Check the Ludington State Park page and the DNR beach safety page before you go. 13