Ludington State Park

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.

There is a picnic area located at Hamlin Lake day-use area and it is available on first-come, first-served basis or by reservation. The shelter can be reserved up to a year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting www.midnrreservations.com.

There is a boat launch on Hamlin lake.

Approximately 2/3 of the 5,300 acres is open to hunting. The best opportunities are for deer, squirrel and waterfowl hunting. The park 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.

There are designated swim beaches available at both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake.

The one-of-a-kind kayak/canoe trail is a way for visitors to explore portions of Ludington State Park not readily accessible on foot.

The one-of-a-kind kayak/conoe trail is a way for visitors to explore portions of Ludington State Park not readily accessible on foot.

An outstanding feature of the park is its trail system.There are eight separately marked foot trails that wind for 21.5 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.

Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.

The park is home to three modern campgrounds, including Pines, Cedar and Beechwood, with a combined total of 360 campsites and three mini cabins. The Cedar Campground includes eight tent-only sites that are located on a separate loop. These tent sites do not have electricity, but are within walking distance of the restrooms and showers.

For backpackers, the park offers 10 remote tent sites along a 1-mile trail in the Jack Pine Hike-In-Only Campground. There is no electricity and the toilet facilities are rustic. Showers are available at the Pines Modern Campground (seasonal). All equipment and supplies must be backpacked or bicycle packed into the sites.

Lake Michigan offers boaters and anglers a multitude of fising opportunities, including an abundance of Northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, tiger musky and panfish. In the spring and fall, salmon, lake trout, steelhead and brown trout swim along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and in the Big Sable River below the Hamlin Dam.

A heated log shelter is available at the trailhead parking area for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Check with the park for dates and times of popular snowshoe hikes.

A paved biking and hiking trail runs along the Big Sable River linking the campgrounds, Lake Michigan, the day-use area at Hamlin Lake and the amphitheater. Bicycles are also allowed on park roads and the non-paved road leading up to the lighthouse. This gravel-and-sand road travels along the Lake Michigan shore from the Pines Campground to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. There are no bicycles permitted on any foot or cross-country ski trails.