Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park
5
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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- Vickie SWaterford, Michigan101 contributionsTake a HikeHave visited park in summer but this was our first time in winter! We did the Lantern Hike on Saturday night. How fun! Lots of people, dogs allowed. A bonfire greeted us and the volunteers talked with us before we set out. Paved trail about a mile. About half way another bonfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting. Just a nice event to be part off. Thank you!!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 February 2024
- Cathy VStrathroy, Canada119 contributionsGlorious Day at the BeachWe spent a beautiful sunny summer day playing in the water, walking the trails, and enjoying the park. One of the party uses a motorized wheelchair, and he could travel right down to the lakefront, no problems. Picnic tables, trails and bathrooms were accessible. My daughter and I brought floaties and coasted down the river to Lake Michigan—such a leisurely pleasure. Love this park!Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 August 2024
- MSueMichigan302 contributionsPure MichiganWhat a beautiful place to spend some time enjoying nature! So many hiking and biking trails, places to fish,play grounds, campgrounds and beaches. You'll never get bored! It truly is a special place. Come ready to explore. Or relax! This is Michigan in all her glory!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 August 2024
- WinddancerDMichigan90 contributionsThis Park Is Great For Spending A Day With Family!This park is huge. It has a nice campground and picnic area. There's so much to see and do. We went there in the fall. It was a cold and rainy day. It rained softly off and on allowing us to enjoy the park. We hiked the trails. Enjoyed the fall colors, woods, water and birds! Go! Enjoy!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
987 reviews
Excellent
850
Very good
112
Average
22
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Trish W
McMurray, PA1,060 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
This was voted the 3rd best state park in the country. We drove along the front which is extensive right along Lake Michigan. Unfortunately, there was no sunset that night due to heavy clouds. State Parks cost $9 per car but you don’t have to even enter this one to enjoy the fabulous views. A little closer to town you can also watch for the S S Badger ferry ship to come in.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace D
Michigan43 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I loved our stay here! We camped in the cedar campground for three nights, and it was extremely enjoyable. One day it was raining and we went into Ludington which is also great. We hiked one of the longest trails and I felt like it was well manicured and there were benches if we needed them. Overall it was a great experience and cool park.
We all brought our bikes and the park is very accessible for them. There is a super awesome bike path that connects all of the campgrounds and also goes up to the river access area. There are very many paths and places to bike, and you can even ride them right over the dam!
If you want to get a great view of the park, I recommend the skyline trail. You climb a small set of stairs then walk along a very short boardwalk stretch before you get easily the best view of the park.
Overall it was great park we will be coming again!
We all brought our bikes and the park is very accessible for them. There is a super awesome bike path that connects all of the campgrounds and also goes up to the river access area. There are very many paths and places to bike, and you can even ride them right over the dam!
If you want to get a great view of the park, I recommend the skyline trail. You climb a small set of stairs then walk along a very short boardwalk stretch before you get easily the best view of the park.
Overall it was great park we will be coming again!
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth C
Detroit, MI32 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
One of the nicest state parks in Michigan and arguably the best strip of beach on Lake Michigan. We had an amazing time clambering on the dunes, walking to the lighthouse, and hiking the Lost Island trail. Camping, however, is something else. Sites are small and on top of each other. Everyone seems to have a giant RV, extra shelters, trailers, and giant trucks to haul it all. It looks and sounds like a tailgate. It is kind of insane. We just turned our tent to face the dunes so as not to have to look at it and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Next year we will try for one of the few “tent only” sites. If RVing is your thing and you don’t mind getting to know your neighbors then the Pines campsites are the best. Many of the sites have trails off the back that lead right over the dunes—Lake Michigan is only 300 yards away.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
parksvisitor
Maple Grove, MN1,397 contributions
Sept 2022
We had a quick stop at Ludington State Park on our way from the Indiana Dunes area on our way to Traverse City. I definitely would like to return someday to see more of the park. We had our dog with us, which limited us somewhat. We made sure we understood where the dog beach was upon entering, and followed the rules, which didn't prevent one person from questioning whether she could be there. The beach was beautiful. We enjoyed the beach and breeze and ate our lunch at one of the very nice tables outside the beach house. Before heading off to hike the Skyline Trail we each checked out the museum/exhibit area on the upper floor of the beach house, which was pretty good. We enjoyed the Skyline Trail as well, but the various stairway branches off of the elevated boardwalk did confuse us a bit, but once we got back on the ground we very quickly reoriented ourselves and only ended up a short walk from our car.
The beach is beautiful, and I can only imagine the rest of the park is just as beautiful.
The beach is beautiful, and I can only imagine the rest of the park is just as beautiful.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Billy
5 contributions
Jun 2019
This park is the nicest of all the state parks in Michigan. Plenty of beach to enjoy and extensive hiking trails geared for short trips or longer trips. Make sure you go to the river as it is nice to swim across if you're a good swimmer plus the water is warmer. the beach house is an old building that was remodeled a few years ago. They have plenty of wildlife classes for the young and old. The campgrounds are very nice and we have stayed at all 3 in the 36 years that we have visited. The Hamlin lake beach is a good place for the younger children. They have boats to rent and a snack bar for the kids. there is never a reason to be bored at this state park plus it is roomy and you aren't all jammed together
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dotravels
Michigan531 contributions
Jul 2022
During our visit, we did the Island/Lost Lake Trail which goes around Lost Lake. Note that the Island Trail also continues to join Ridge Trail - we just did the first section. The trail is well maintained with clear trail makers.
Written 13 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy V
Strathroy, Canada119 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We spent a beautiful sunny summer day playing in the water, walking the trails, and enjoying the park. One of the party uses a motorized wheelchair, and he could travel right down to the lakefront, no problems. Picnic tables, trails and bathrooms were accessible. My daughter and I brought floaties and coasted down the river to Lake Michigan—such a leisurely pleasure. Love this park!
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tscheblo
Indianapolis, IN592 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
We experienced 2 miles of this park to get to Big Sable Point lighthouse. The hike to the lighthouse starts at the campground then to the primitive camping area. There were signs identifying plants and nature. I recommend the 2 mile hike to the lighthouse since it isn’t strenuous. However, it felt every bit of 2 miles and back.
Written 3 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Missy Zettel
United States21 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We brought our friends to see the lighthouse which is a sight to hike the 1.8 mile walk to.
However the parking lot nears the restroom/concession stand building needs some repair. There are large broken pieces of concrete and large holes as you drive in.
However the parking lot nears the restroom/concession stand building needs some repair. There are large broken pieces of concrete and large holes as you drive in.
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agolddog
Denver, co545 contributions
Jun 2020
Overpriced for just a campsite. People weren't particular conscious of those around them, talking around their campfire or when walking by loudly enough to bother others.
The park activities are quite nice, though--the Lake Michigan shore line, and some nice hiking trails about. The facilities were clean, drinking water available in several spots.
The park activities are quite nice, though--the Lake Michigan shore line, and some nice hiking trails about. The facilities were clean, drinking water available in several spots.
Written 6 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If we are camping at Beechwood and bring our fishing boat, do we need to reserve a space to tie it up along the boardwalk? Is there a nightly slip fee?
Written 10 January 2023
We camped here over the 4th of July weekend and stayed the whole week. By end of our week, we noticed or fresh water was smelling like rotten eggs. Came home and dumped the remaining fresh water tank and hot water tank and really smelled bad. Anyone else experience this?
Do I need to sanitize my water lines again?
Written 13 July 2022
What trails would you suggest in Luddington State Park for two senior citizens who are used to hiking over an hour each day on hilly terrain? We love lighthouses, and scenic beauty but must limit hikes to less than two hours because of bad backs.
Written 10 September 2020
The wide "road" walking path to the lighthouse is very flat and a nice walk. Also just walking along the river from the mouth of the river at Lake Michigan back to the dam is a great walk on the path along the river. Also the the Lost Lakes trail is awesome but if you don't want a hill don't take it all the way around - start at the Hamlin Lake parking lot and go North along lake, then take the trail you come to that goes to a bridge heading out into the lake. Take this trail across the island with great views of Hamlin Lake. Once you get to the first hill you can turn around and come back the same way. From that first bridge you can continue North and a little ways further you can walk along the boardwalk. I hope that helps!!!! Its a beautiful, HUGE state park! Enjoy!
Written 11 September 2020
Do any of the tent sites have electricity? What about running water/dish washing facilities?
Written 17 September 2018
There is electric at or near the sites but water is a little walk away from the site. You will see the Blue water faucets with push knob on the side. As for washing dishes, you must take water back to your site and wash dishes there. Do not attempt to wash dishes at the faucet site or in the bathroom, that is against the rules of the park. Was there this last week. The mosquitoes were terrible. Take lots of spray with you.
Written 17 September 2018
Does anyone know if you can purchase souvenirs at Ludington State Park? I'd like to get a magnet for my refrigerator. If they don't sell them, any suggestions for other places in Ludington that sell souvenirs? Thanks!
Written 25 August 2018
The state park is only about 8 miles from downtown Ludington. Great shops, restaurants and other attractions there.
Written 17 September 2018
We will be staying in Beechwood campground close to the boardwalk area . Is it possible to put in our kayak there? Or is it a far distance to where you must put in the kayaks?
Thanks!
Written 19 August 2018
As others have said, there is plenty of parking everywhere. but the closest place for you to put your kayaks out would be at Hamlin Lake. If you would like to go down the river there are spots to park your car while you kayak down the river either to or from Lake Michigan.
Written 20 August 2018
How long does it take to tube from Hamlin Beach out to Lake Michigan on the Sable River?
Written 9 July 2018
You have to put in past the Dam. And it takes quite a while, DonandKim's 2.5 hrs is pretty accurate. There is almost no current (and once I saw the current moving east toward the Dam) so make sure you have paddles/oars and good tubes. You also have the option to shorten the float by starting at numerous points along the Big Sable after the Dam. Regardless, it is a great float.
Written 12 September 2018
taquata59
Martinsville, Illinois
What is the price to pay to enter the state park?
Written 11 April 2018
If you are a Michigan resident, pay $11 for a recreation passport when you renew you MI license plates. Non-residents pay $9 for a vehicle each day or $32 for an annual pass for a vehicle. Motorcycles and mopeds cost $5. If you're going to spend some time in MI, I recommend the annual pass because there are lots of terrific state parks in both the lower and upper peninsulas.
Written 11 April 2018
Has anyone stayed in the campground at the Lake Michigan Recreation Area, just north of Ludington State Park? I can't find much info on TripAdvisor about it.
A few reviews on google maps and recreation org where you can reserve a site at the campground but not a lot of information about it.
Written 14 February 2018
There are SEVERAL different campground areas at Ludington. We did NOT camp there, but the facilities look modern. We have stayed at several other MI campgrounds, though, and all have been great. Tons of activities around the campground, including several bike and hiking trails, plus a sandy beach.
Written 20 February 2018
Is there a certain area that will accommodate a 30' travel trailer, no problems backing in. Never been there before would like to try it
Written 16 July 2017
there is a camping area in the park . for r.v. too.
look for details into the park's site
Written 16 July 2017
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