Ludington State Park is without doubt one of the hottest locations to camp in Michigan. Located between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lakes, the closest city is Ludington.
This state park boasts over 5,300 acres and has 360 campsites. Plus, there are many actions to maintain your loved ones busy on your complete tenting journey.
Read on to be taught extra about Ludington State Park tenting!
History of Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park started within the city of Hamlin in 1852. Originally a logging group positioned on the banks of the Big Sable River, a dam was constructed alongside the Hamlin sawmill.
The space had an energetic group all through the late nineteenth century. However, the dams broke on two separate events, and the group ultimately pale away.
With such lovely land already cultivated, the state of Michigan selected to not let it go to waste.
In 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps established a crew of 300 males to construct Ludington State Park. They constructed every little thing that may turn out to be a part of the park, together with trails, campsites, buildings, and roads.
In addition to the park, additionally they planted timber, dunes, and erosion management constructions because of the injury left by the logging group within the many years prior.
Ludington State Park was formally devoted and open to the general public in 1936.
What to Expect When Camping at Ludington State Park
There is a lot to do whereas tenting at Ludington State Park. With dunes, seashores, mountain climbing, tenting, fishing, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, out of doors recreation, and even a canoe path, the entire household can have a good time!
The state park has 7 miles of seashore alongside Lake Michigan and 5 miles of seashore that borders Hamlin Lake. The seashores are good for sunbathing, taking part in sports activities, or simply spending time collectively as a household. Specific areas of the seashores are wheelchair accessible.
While you’re there, go to the Lake Michigan Beach House. Built in 1935, it has concessions, altering services, and interactive shows.
Hamlin Lake is positioned additional inland, so general it’s shallower and hotter than Lake Michigan. The seashore is smaller, however there’s a playground, watercraft leases, a pavilion, and picnic tables for spending the whole day having fun with the solar!
Another place of curiosity is the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Constructed in 1867, it stands at 112 toes tall. It’s listed on each the state and nationwide historic registers. The prime of the tower has a panoramic view of the park and features a present store and a museum.
In the winter, get pleasure from ten miles of cross-country ski trails. There can be a two-mile bicycle path accessible to be used all year long.
Performances on the amphitheater happen at designated occasions of the yr.
Ludington State Park Camping
Fair warning: Camping at Ludington State Park is without doubt one of the hottest locations within the state! You ought to guide your tenting reservations at the least six months prematurely.
All three of the modernized campgrounds characteristic restrooms and electrical energy. Note that there isn’t a privateness between the campsites.
Beechwood Campground
This campground has 147 websites and is positioned the closest to Hamlin Lake. It has entry to the Lost Lake Trail and the Coast Guard Trail. There can be a boardwalk positioned on the jap facet of the campground.
Cedar Campground
Located between the Beechwood and Pines campgrounds, this location has 106 electrical campsites and eight non-electric campsites. The Campground Host and Park Store are each positioned close to the doorway. This is the one campground that’s open all yr lengthy.
Pines Campground
This campground connects to the Logging Trail and Lighthouse Trail. The latter mountain climbing path results in the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It has a complete of 99 campsites. It is the closest campground to the country campground positioned to the north.
Jack Pine Campground
This campground is taken into account rustic and is accessed as a walk-in-only campground. It has ten campsites with entry to a vault rest room and hand pump. It is positioned one mile from the parking space, so every little thing wanted on your tenting journey should be carried in. This campground sits north of the Pines Campground and is one mile from the Big Sable Lighthouse.
Mini-Cabins
Are you seeking to camp at Ludington State Park however don’t wish to sleep in a tent?
There are three mini-cabins accessible to hire, one cabin positioned at every of the electrical campsites. Each cabin has one double mattress and three single beds. They all have a microwave, fridge, and an electrical wall heater.
Outside the cabin are a firepit, picnic desk, and cooking grill. All cabins have electrical energy.
Additional Things to Do at Ludington State Park
You received’t wish to solely camp at Ludington State Park! There are loads of different actions and enjoyable available.
Hiking
There are eight individually marked trails that complete 20 miles of mountain climbing. They lead by way of dunes, woods, and even wetlands. Bring pair of sneakers and revel in a 30-minute stroll or a three-hour hike!
Fishing
Hamlin Lake and Big Sable River are standard locations to go fishing. Catch walleye, bass, northern pike, perch, bluegill, trout, or steelhead. And don’t miss out on the autumn Salmon run, the place the fish try to leap over the dam on their manner upstream!
Water Activities
Besides swimming on the seashore, there are many choices for water actions whereas at Ludington State Park.
Hamlin Lake is the official boat launch space for motorized boats. There are additionally a number of entry factors alongside Hamlin Lake and Big Sable River for kayaking or canoeing. And there’s a one-of-a-kind canoe path totaling 4 miles positioned alongside Hamlin Lake.
One of the most well-liked actions goes kayaking or tubing alongside the one mile of Big Sable River that connects to the lakes!
Plants & Wildlife
The wildlife is plentiful at Ludington State Park! During your keep, you’ll see deer, river otters, muskrats, chipmunks, and raccoons. Bird watchers will get pleasure from seeing the native waterfowl species and different birds — hold your eye out for sightings of uncommon ones just like the trumpeter swan, Eurasian wigeon, and boulder wren!
Also, remember that bears often make their manner into the park, so take security precautions with meals storage so that you don’t inadvertently entice a hungry one to your campsite.
Plan Your Ludington State Park Camping Trip!
That wraps up every little thing you must learn about Ludington State Park tenting! This park is sizable, with heaps to do! Plan to spend a full week there to expertise all of the actions with your loved ones.
Looking for extra state parks on your tenting adventures? Check out our State Park Camping guides that will help you resolve the place to go in your subsequent journey!