Michigan's Premier Camping Destination Is A State Park Situated Between Two Scenic Lakes

With so much natural beauty, like many must-visit national parks in the West, the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachians, two epically long ocean coasts, Alaska, Hawaii, and so much more, Michigan might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about pristine wilderness in the United States. But the Great Lakes are surely on the list of America's top jaw-dropping natural wonders, and there's a reason the state's marketing slogan is "Pure Michigan."

The Great Lakes are more akin to seas with golden sand beaches, sandstone cliffs, and an arrow-straight horizon line way off in the distance. Michigan has over 3,000 miles of coastline with four of the five Great Lakes within its borders, featuring more than 100 public beaches — like this uncrowded, little-known spot with a rustic campground. Beyond the waterfront, there are 19 million acres of forests with thousands of miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. A large portion of that natural beauty is protected in Michigan's 103 state parks and recreation areas for all to enjoy.

One such premier camping destination is Ludington State Park. Situated between the shores of Lake Michigan and the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake, it has the quintessential Michigan balance of water and forest. The park boasts three campgrounds, miles of marked trails, and a scenic lake on either side. To the west, there are 7 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, sand dunes, and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The east features Hamlin Lake with a boat launch and ample fishing opportunities. Ludington State Park is a revered destination in a state loaded with untouched natural beauty. It's the perfect spot for campers and nature lovers alike — just be sure to book a campsite well in advance because the summer reservations go quickly.

Ludington State Park is right next door to the town of Ludington on the west coast of Michigan's lower peninsula. It's about a four-hour drive from Detroit or Chicago. There are closer regional airports in Manistee and Muskegon (34 and 65 miles away, respectively), while the nearest international airport is in Grand Rapids, which is around a 90-minute drive. The park sits on the shore of Lake Michigan with Wisconsin across the way. So, a fun summer travel option is to drive to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, load up the car, and take the SS Badger Ferry to Ludington.

Day trips to hit the beach, hike some trails, or see the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse are an option. But Ludington State Park is best enjoyed on an overnight camping trip. The park is massive with 5,300 acres of forest, sand dunes, marshland, and shoreline. There are three separate campgrounds: Ludington Pine, Beechwood, and Cedar. All three are located between the lakes and feature modern sites with fire pits, electricity, and restrooms nearby. There are also a few cabins and non-electric tenting sites available — and any campsite can transform into a luxury glamping experience with some easy hacks.

The campgrounds are well-connected by paved paths, and the entire park is crisscrossed with 21 miles of marked trails, like the popular Lost Lake-Island Trail loop. Another unique feature of Ludington State Park is the one-mile stretch of the Big Sable River that cuts right through it. Connecting Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, the Big Sable River offers a third option for water fun with fishing, tubing, and paddling. All of it makes Ludington a memorable visit for campers, hikers, fishers, bikers, or anyone looking to enjoy a bit of nature.

Beyond miles and miles of trails through the forest, Ludington is all about shoreline vistas and enjoying the water. On the Lake Michigan side, there are dunes to explore, beautiful beaches, and the convenience store, Lake Michigan Beach House. You can get souvenirs, any beach items you might have forgotten to pack, or simply enjoy a nice bite to eat while the sun slides behind the lake. Visitors can also hike or bike the 1.8-mile trail to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. From May through October, there are lighthouse tours, tower climbs, and a gift shop on site.

On the Hamlin Lake side, there's another beach that is very family-friendly with calm waters, a picnic area, a playground, and the Hamlin Lake Concessions, where campers can grab a cold drink, ice cream, or a hot dog. They also have watercraft rentals, so you can grab a kayak, canoe, paddle board, or rowboat and head out onto Hamlin Lake. The park has a marked "water trail" that takes around three hours to complete. It goes along the shoreline of Hamlin Lake, tucking into quiet bays and marshes.

All that water means the park is a draw for anglers as well. You can cast out to big Lake Michigan or drop a line in the Big Sable River. Lake Hamlin also has a boat launch and fishing pier, so anglers of all ages can try to catch walleye, bass, northern pike, or perch. Stunning natural beauty, plenty of space to get lost, and situated between two lakes, it's no wonder that Ludington State Park is widely considered one of the most popular parks in the Midwest.