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 Reservation
- You can reserve sites at any of the three campgrounds at Ludington State Park via the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations website.
- Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
- 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.
Ludington State Park
Take a beach break at two lakes in one at this sandy state park.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
4 campgrounds in Ludington State Park
Let’s hear it for Lake Michigan beaches! At Ludington-Beechwood Campground, you'll find a bonus beach on Hamlin Lake, bordering the non-Lake-Michigan side. You can swim in both lakes, and what’s more, Hamlin has a boat launch! It’s never been easier to get your fill of water recreation right from your campsite. You can also hit the trails and expl Read more...
Located between Beechwood and Pines Campground, Ludington-Cedars Campground is like the ham in a delicious campground sandwich. You can take advantage of the playground located between campgrounds 205 and 208, then get your tush out on that beautiful beach. We can't guarantee your lunch will be as tasty as our campground analogies, but all the plu Read more...
A rustic beauty for the books, the Ludington-Jack Pine Hike-In Sites are the perfect getaway from your average drive-up campsite. 21 miles of trails loop through dunes and over dense woodlands to reveal 10 sites that won't be hard on the budget. With dunes, marshlands, beaches, and other geological treasures, you'll be sure to reap the rewards fro Read more...
Located on the far west side of the park, Ludington-Pines Campground offers the closest access to the Big Sable Pine Lighthouse in about a mile long walk. Enjoy the sandy views as you check out the landmark, then let loose at the beach and swing into full vacation mode. We have a feeling all the picturesque land formations around you won't disappo Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to camp at Ludington State Park?
Camping fees at Ludington State Park vary depending on the type of campsite and the time of year. In general, you can expect to pay between $25 to $35 per night for a standard campsite. Rates may be higher for premium sites or those with full hookups. It's important to note that a Michigan Recreation Passport is also required for entry to the park, which costs $12 for Michigan residents and $34 for non-residents annually, or $9 for a non-resident daily pass. You can find more information on Ludington State Park camping and make reservations through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
How many campsites are in Ludington State Park?
Ludington State Park in Michigan offers three modern campgrounds with a total of 352 campsites. The three campgrounds are Pines Campground, Cedar Campground, and Beechwood Campground. These campgrounds provide a variety of amenities, including electrical hookups, restrooms, and showers. To learn more about camping options in Ludington State Park, visit the Hipcamp Ludington State Park page.
Are dogs allowed at Ludington State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Ludington State Park, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owner's control at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and ensuring they do not disturb other park visitors. However, dogs are not allowed in certain areas of the park, such as the swimming beach, picnic areas, or inside park buildings. There are designated pet-friendly areas within the park where your dog can enjoy the outdoors with you.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —