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The best camping near Ludington State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ludington adventure.

The best camping near Ludington State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ludington adventure.

Camping near Ludington State Park

100% (29 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ludington adventure.

Take a beach break at two lakes in one at this sandy state park.  

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Community favorites near Ludington State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Stay at a public campground in Ludington State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Ludington State Park

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The 40 Acre Wood

5 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Shelby, MI
www.facebook.com/the40acrewood Before our forest was "owned," it belonged to the Odawa people. Once white settlers arrived and governments were established, land deeds were written. We traced those deeds back through the Oceana County Register of Deeds and found that larger tracts of land were owned by people from Chicago and California, which were later divided into smaller parcels. Interestingly, one owner lost the property after failing to pay back taxes of $3.50, shortly after World War II. It is likely that he never returned. In the mid-1900s, Ed Dewey was the owner. Today, we have a cabin on the east side of the 40 acres that was built by Ed, entirely constructed with oak. He had three sawmills there, each powered by the engines of old Studebakers. He cut and milled enormous oak trees, using the wood to construct crates for transporting cherries. Today, you can still see old oak crates on various farms, but they are slowly being replaced by plastic. Ed never finished the little cabin, and the story goes that he died there. The next owners were a couple from Inkster, near Detroit. Despite Ed leaving an acre of "yard art" all over, the place was used as a vacation home after a 50-foot long mobile home was placed near the cabin. As they aged, they sold off their property to us. First, we acquired the 20 acres where the Cozy Camper Cabin resides, then the 7 acres near Weaver Road and 44th, and finally, the remaining 13 acres with the cabin. We began purchasing the property in parcels in 1992 for $500 an acre and owned it all by 1998. From 1998 to 2008, we removed the mobile home, cleaned up all the yard art, refurbished the cabin, added a garage, and built a new shed nearby. The Hipcamp shed was originally built in 1999 and has been used for storage until it was converted into a unique little place in the woods in 2021. Over the years, our Forester has carefully managed the property. We have logged three times. The first round was to remove 75 huge oak trees. The second round involved culling mature poplar trees. The last time, we took out 276 mature oaks and beeches. A Woodsman spent a year cutting down the tops of the trees. Clearing these old growth trees revitalized the forest, as planned. Today, there are over two miles of trails running throughout the property. Some were logging roads, while others were carved out over time. The land is flat to the north but hilly to the south, as these are forested sand dunes. There are approximately a million trees on the property, densely forested with many large "mother trees" such as oaks, beeches, maples, and pines. The poplar trees are growing rapidly, as they do. Wild cherry, sassafras, beeches, oaks, and maples are also growing quickly and thickly. To the south, there are fenced-in asparagus fields and cherry orchards. To the north, on the other side of Weaver Road, is the privately owned Silver Lake Airport, which remains quiet most of the time. On the east side of our 40 acres, you'll find our cabin and buildings, and we kindly ask you to avoid wandering onto that side of the property. Signs will alert you when you get close. To the west, there is a 20-acre section occasionally occupied by some "Dunners." The area is famous for Silver Lake State Park and the sand dunes, located about 2.5 miles northwest of us. Our neighbors in that area have dune buggies, and they sometimes drive around their property, creating more noise than we prefer. It's possible that you may encounter this during your visit, so please be aware. Deer are abundant in the area, and in 2021, we spotted a porcupine for the first time, although we have occasionally seen evidence of their presence through bark-stripped maples. Raccoons come and go, while turkeys are frequent visitors at times. You can hear coyotes yipping away at night, and depending on the time of year and migratory season, you'll see lots and lots of birds. We're pleased to report that there is no poison ivy on the property! It is a beautiful place in the woods, not far from many entertaining activities suitable for both the young and old. Come and visit, but please be respectful of the land and our privacy while enjoying yours. Love Mother Earth while you are here and nourish your soul.
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$109
 / night
100%
(1)

Forever Moore Farm -

1 site ¡ Lodging16 acres ¡ Scottville, MI
Small, simple, cozy cabin on a 16 acre working hobby farm is ready for you to enjoy! Perfect for someone looking for solitude or doing some soul searching, to couples needing a place to rekindle and reconnect, to a family looking for an adventure and bonding, or a get together with friends! Cabin is located in the back of our country property, near our animal barns and woods, in Scottville, MI. Indoor Space: Sleeping - There is a queen size bed and reclining couch. You are welcome to bring an air mattress. Playpen is available by request. Entertainment - WiFi does not work in the cabin, so unplug and enjoy a DVD, board games, coloring books & crosswords, table foosball, or a game of cards. Amenities - Cabin comes fully stocked with a coffee pot, microwave, toaster oven, mini fridge, crockpot, dishes, towels, cleaning supplies, and extra toiletries in case you forget anything. Mini A/C and fan to keep cool on hot days and mini heater/electric fireplace to stay warm on cold nights. Primo water jug for filtered water (cabin has electricity but no plumbing). Outdoor Space: The area surrounding the cabin will be for your private use. Sit on the deck and watch the sunrise, enjoy a meal at the picnic table, and in the evening, a fire in the firepit under the starry sky. We will do our best to give you privacy during your stay, but please keep in mind that we do live on the property along with a lot of animals, so you may see us from time to time. Other Things to Note: Animals - This is an animal farm, and our family home. We expect our guests to enjoy the space while being respectful to all that call this home. Most of our animals free range (goats, chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs, ducks). You will likely encounter a few while you are here. If they are bothering you, we will do our best to redirect them, just let us know. You are welcome to interact with them, but please do not enter the barns or pasture without arranging to have one of us with you. If you encounter a bear, we would recommend not interacting at all. 😉 We have not seen a bear, but they are in the area, along with coyotes, raccoons, deer, birds, etc, which we see frequently. Proper disposal of food/trash is very important. Town/Shopping/Things to Do - We are 8 mins from downtown Scottville which is a very small town with a couple of cafes, post office, Dollar General and a gas station. However, Ludington is only a 15 min drive and has A LOT to offer from restaurants, shopping, Amish market, antique shops, Lake Michigan, beaches, state forests/hiking, tubing/canoeing down the river, fishing, biking/ORV trails, famous Badger (ferry boat), orchards, petting zoos, and much more. There is a portapotty next to the cabin for your private use while staying with us. A well water pump is available next to the horse barn for washing up/washing dishes. Drinking water is provided in the cabin. For guests staying more than 1 night, we would be happy to provide/scheduled use of our guest shower by request. Play structure, sandbox, and toys in the front yard are available for your use (this is not private space but you are welcome to enjoy it). We will be setting up the pool soon which you can schedule time to use as well. Other items available by request: Use of charcoal grill Use of back deck Use of telescope Extra pillows/blankets, towels, sleeping bags Animal Feeding/Up Close Experience Flashlight More DVD's or Board Games Meals (when available, small fee $, please ask if interested) Tablecloth If there is anything that could make your stay more comfortable/enjoyable, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. We love our farm/home and want to share our piece of country paradise with others!!! Please Note: This is in the country. We have bugs, critters, and wildlife that we share space with. We do our best to keep the cabin clean and the area as safe as possible, but we cannot control nature. Plan to use bug spray, the fly swatter, and the word mosquito, a lot while staying here. There is also a lot of animal poop, everywhere. Again, we do our best to keep it clean, but don't wear your favorite shoes. Roosters cock-a-doo as they please. We can ask them to stop, but they tend to ignore us. You will likely smell manure as we have horses and our neighbors have a cow farm. You will also inhale the freshest air you may have ever inhaled. It's like that here. It's a fun mix of relaxing in nature, endless adventures, animal chaos, and everlasting memories. **We are new hosts and this is a new rental. Please let us know if anything is missing or needs attention so we can have an opportunity to fix it and make this a great stay for all. ***The door is sticky and currently requires a hard slam to close and cannot lock at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to correct this. Your privacy will be respected while you are staying with us. **Feel free to play music and make noise while you are staying with us, at whatever time you choose, so long as it doesn't disrupt the neighbors (very unlikely). Smoking is allowed outdoors only. We cannot allow pets at this time, as we have too many other animals here already that may not get along with yours. Nearest town: Scottville, 8 min drive Nearest Bigger town: Ludington, 15 min drive Nearest airports/Cities: Manistee (limited airlines) - 30 mins Grand Rapids - 1.5 hrs Chicago - 3 hrs Detroit - 4 hrs Flint - 3 hrs Lansing - 2.5 hrs Ann Arbor - 3.5 hrs Come be our guest!
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$49
 / night
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(17)

Northern Michigan Getaway

8 sites ¡ RVs10 acres ¡ Manistee, MI
10 acres, with its own pond ! Beautiful property !Full of Wildlife !Learn more about this land:Only camp sites One and Two will be available for RV or Trailor.  Trails are trimmed around the property, I find dogs have a good time here. There is much wildlife to experience across the 10 acres and your own pond ! You will be minutes from both Lake Michigan and Manistee Lake. Our beautiful rivers are close by ! Canfield lake is also right down the road and provides a nice clean swimming spot for everyone. 110 electrical cord provided with potable water supply. Chickens eggs available as well as Firewood, Noisy rooster will wake everyone at sunrise !  10 Acres is clearly marked with yellow stakes and orange snow fence, please keep shoes on at all times on the trails and down by the pond.Kayaking, Hunting, Fishing, Beaches, Nature, it is all just a few miles from this nice little property. "Northern Michigan Getaway".
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$55
 / night
95%
(21)

Up North Rivers Camping

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Manistee, MI
We have 20 Acres of rolling hills, mostly forested, nestled on the banks of a flowing creek, we are also a budding flower farm, this summer there will be hundreds of dahlias blooming, along with many other flowers. If you have a special occasion, that calls for fresh flowers, be sure to let us know! Our setting is quiet, private and scenic. We occasionally see the Aurora Borealis right from our house. We are located in beautiful Manistee, Michigan where outdoor adventures abound!! Manistee is a peaceful, quaint Northern Michigan town with shopping, antiquing, fine dining and a River Walk. We are minutes from award winning fishing spots on the Big Manistee, Little Manistee, Bear Creek Trout Streams and the Platte River. There are many opportunities to canoe, kayak and paddle board. We are 10 minutes from the Lake Michigan shore, and many beaches are close by. You have a choice of gorgeous sand beaches with picturesque dunes, and rocky beaches for those looking for fossils, agates and beautiful beach stones. We are within an hour of Sleeping Bear Dunes which has award winning hiking. Traverse City is 40 minutes away with many activities, especially the Cherry Festival. The area is known for live music venues, and lots of weekend art festivals. Manistee is also home to the Little River Casino. We have firepits at each campsite, dry firewood is available to purchase, feel free to pay by cash, Venmo or CashApp, cost is $10.00 a wheelbarrow. Fresh flowers are available to purchase, seasonally. An outhouse is available for use and is supplied with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is a garbage can and recycling bin near the outhouse. A scenic small creek runs by many of the campsites. We live on the property and are here to answer your questions. Feel free to text us. We hope you enjoy your stay!! Dean and Jackie
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$26
 / night
90%
(5)

Maplehill Farm Adventures

1 site ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Scottville, MI
Hello We’ve a cute little trailer all set up for two with a large covered deck to enjoy a beverage and listen to the crickets. In the morning take your coffee out on the deck and hear the farm animals begin to wake up. Take a ride into downtown Ludington or a kayak/boat trip down the Pete Marquette or the Manistee rivers. Spend the day at the beach relaxing, eat ice cream from the House of Flavors or visit the White Pine Village for a historic lesson. Come back, grill up some dinner and enjoy a beverage with a campfire or watch the tele.
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$99
 / night
100%
(17)

The Bird’s Nest - Riverside Retreat

1 site ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ Pentwater, MI
Our riverside retreat is a beautiful 3 acre parcel located on the North Branch Pentwater River. It is located in a small neighborhood with houses that are spread out with several acres per house, with forest on the other side of the river. It is quiet, secluded, and a perfect oasis to use as a launchpad for exploring the Pentwater/Mears/Hart/Ludington area.
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$50
 / night
67%
(3)

Forest and lake

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Manistee, MI
Learn more about this land:We have a lot of forest that people could find their own private place or we can prepare spots and direct them to campsites throughout the property Some spots are more accessible than others. Again this is new idea so it needs to be set up to accommodate whatever is most successful with hip camp We also have a lake that we can build access to
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$30
 / night

Red Barn Camp

1 site ¡ RV, Tent60 acres ¡ Custer, MI
We have 60 acres with a mix of grassy fields, rolling terrain, food plots and wooded areas. There is two smaller ponds on site along with remote areas which are perfect for primitive tent camping away from the barn. You will have access to the entire 60 acres so feel free to explore and enjoy the wildlife. We have a century old barn on site, currently the barn is not available for use but we hope to renovate it in the future. Our property is perfect for taking those special family photos and the barn and terrain have been featured in many family backdrops. We are about a mile from the Scenic Pere Marquette River which is home to some fantastic fishing opportunities or spend the day paddling and exploring. There are also numerous lakes and streams within just a few miles and the beautiful Ludington Beach and State Park are within 20 minutes. The North Country Trail is nearby as well as numerous acres of public land with excellent hunting opportunities. We do have a fire pit on site and we are adding to the site all the time. Come stay, play and relax in your own country oasis.
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$50
 / night
Saved 11 times

Freesoil Gun Lake

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Free Soil, MI
Learn more about this land: Beautiful lake view and platted access 50 yards away! Hiking, Fishing ( bring your own boat) Camp fires. 12 miles from Ludington and Lake Michigan.
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$35
 / night
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(12)

Little River Tiny Cabin - Manistee

1 site ¡ Lodging20 acres ¡ Manistee, MI
Learn more about this land:Our Tiny Cabin in this enchanted glen by the river is the perfect place to unplug and unwind. You can hear and see the river from your porch, explore the riverside (all natural-no landscaping or paths!) enjoy a campfire and watch the incredible fireflies. Read a book or take a nap, and indulge yourself in peace and quiet. No electricity, but plenty of battery operated lights, a propane lantern and camp kitchen with Coleman cook stove. Queen size bed, outdoor composting toilet. (The outdoor shower isn’t done, yet!). While only 15 minutes from downtown Manistee, this gorgeous spot in the heart of the Little Manistee River corridor is the only way to truly experience the “spirit of the woods.”
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$110
 / night
100%
(53)

Kampvilla RV Park & Campground

45 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Bear Lake, MI
Are you ready to make memories? From a day on the water to a night under the stars, memories are made at Kampvilla RV Park! From the moment you arrive, you’ll know you’re someplace special. Our beautiful campground is nestled on 40 acres, where you will find sunny and shaded campsites, from rustic tents to pull-through full-service sites, a catch-and-release fishing pond for the kiddies, swimming pool, shuffleboard and basketball courts, a covered poolside pavilion, shower rooms, and restrooms, and plenty of family fun planned activities. From sun-up to sundown, you’ll find incredible outdoor area activities. We are located just five miles from the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan where you can enjoy 25 miles of sandy lake Michigan shoreline, three Michigan harbors, 270 miles of pristine paddling rivers and so much more! -Local Attractions- Looking to spend the day hiking, swimming, or site seeing? Try these amazing places! • Huron-Manistee National Forests • Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve • Crystal Mountain • Elberta Dunes South Natural Area • Betsie River Pathway • Esch Beach • Beulah Public Beach Or maybe you’d like to take a scenic day trip? • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore • Point Betsie Lighthouse • Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve • Interlochen State Park • Harrietta DNR Fish Hatchery For the Golfer out there • Arcadia Bluffs • Bear Lake Highlands • Chesnut Hills • Crystal Mountain • Pinecroft & Champion Hill -Amenities- • Wifi • Heated Swimming Pool • Catch and release Pond • Clubhouse with laundry • Playground • Bath House • Fish Cleaning Station • Storage • Picnic Tables • Fire Rings -Camping Rules - subject to revision by management at any time- Check-in is 2:00 PM Check-out is 12:00 PM
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$50
 / night
100%
(97)

Sportsman's Port

49 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents38 acres ¡ Wellston, MI
Gearing up for our 5th season as the new owners of The Sportsman's Port. We have made many updates and will continue to do so. We take pride in a clean bath house, and want everyone to have a great time at our campground. Sometimes it's crazy booked up and other times it may just be you. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and we will answer them as soon as we can. We look forward to meeting lots of new faces and hopefully starting family traditions for you and yours. We have spacious sites that are all different shapes and sizes. Depending on the site it may have 20/30/50 amp service depending on the site. There are currently only three that have 50 amp service. Also some sites have a septic hookup. Water fill station is located near the bathhouse. There is a private dump station also available for use just ask.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Ludington State Park guide

Overview

About

Miles of sandy shores, forested dunes, and marshlands stretch between the east bank of Lake Michigan and the west bank of Hamlin Lake at Ludington State Park. Take your pick of lakeside beaches to swim, canoe, or boat, then head inland to tube, paddle, or fish along the Big Sable River. Prefer hiking? There are more than 24 miles of trails to explore, so perhaps hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse or spot bald eagles along the Island Trail. Campers have options, too, with three campgrounds providing easy access to both lake shores, plus hike-in tent sites hidden away in the dunes. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for beachside camping: Pines Campground has 100 sites, all with electric hook-ups, within a short walk of the beach
  • Best for winter campers: Cedar Campground is the only one of the campgrounds open year-round, although facilities are limited from November through March. 
  • Best for boat access: Beechwood Campground has 148 sites, all with electric hook-ups, close to the swimming beach and boat launch on Hamlin Lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve sites at any of the three campgrounds at Ludington State Park via the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations website. 
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
  3. Campsites and cabins can fill up quickly for summer and holiday weekends, and it’s not uncommon for sites to book up as soon as they’re available. Plan well in advance and book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

When to go

There’s outdoor fun to be had in all four seasons. While the swimming beaches pull in the crowds in summer, leaf-peepers will want to hit the trails in fall, and come winter; there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Camping is possible year-round, but two sites are seasonal—Beechwood opens from June through October only, while Pines opens from April through October.

Know before you go

  • Ludington State Park is on the east shore of Lake Michigan, seven miles north of Ludington or about a 10-minute drive away.
  •  A Recreation Passport is required to visit all Michigan state parks. Camping reservation fees also apply. 
  • Facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, and food concessions at both beaches. Hamlin Lake also has a boat launch and kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and swimming beaches at Ludington State Park.

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