Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Ludington State Park is 5,300 acres of Michigan paradise. Located in the northwest corner of "the mitten," this state park is host to a variety of activities that are sure to keep the family occupied.

Don't miss visiting the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Built in 1867, the famous white- and black-striped lighthouse is immaculately maintained despite standing through years of harsh Michigan winters. A visit to the top is $5 for adults and $2 for kids.

Enjoy the clear cold water of Lake Michigan on the large sandy beaches. Anglers can wet a line in an attempt to catch a variety of freshwater species from the beach or on their boat using the park's ramp, suitable for boats up to 22 feet. The fall salmon run is a particularly popular time to try your luck. Enjoy a leisurely canoe, kayak, or inner tube float trip on the 4-mile Canoe Trail. Then, put on your hiking shoes to explore the boardwalks, sand dunes, and forests along 18 miles of well-maintained, well-marked hiking trails.

Ludington State Park is very popular for camping. With 335 sites ranging from primitive walk-in sites to modern mini-cabins, there is something for everyone's comfort level. The Beechwood, Cedar, and Pines campgrounds offer electrical hookups with modern showers and restrooms. Alternatively, the Jackpine Campground is a short, 1-mile hike- or bike-in campground for tents only offering more seclusion and rustic restrooms.

Even winter brings visitors with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Entry to the park requires the purchase of the $11 recreation passport per vehicle.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Historic lighthouse. Sand dunes. Variety of activities.

Cons

Summer crowds.

Features

Campgrounds + Campsites
Showers
Backcountry camping
Historically significant
Flushing toilets
Boat ramp(s)
Lighthouse
Bicycling
Potable water
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Volleyball
Horseshoes
Old-growth forest
Fishing
Playground
Bird watching
Wildlife

Site type

Full hookups
Cabins

Location

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