The best camping near Ludington State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ludington State Park 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 State Park adventure.
100% (29 reviews)

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

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ludington State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Ludington State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Ludington State Park

91%
(22)

Winding River Campground

70 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Benzonia, MI
Majestic River Centric Campground is nestled on 11 acres of land overlooking the Betsie River. We are right off of US-31 before downtown Beulah. We are known as a fishing destination and many locals have said our 1900ft of frontage on the Betsie has the best fishing holes of any stretch from Homestead Dam to Grace Road. We have over 100+ camping sites with approx. 75 sites available for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals with a variety of stay options that meet your needs including RV rentals, tenting and car camping sites, river sites, highland sites close to the pool and camper amenities, glamping options, two cabin rentals, and one frame rental. Weekly and monthly activities include live music, food trucks, fishing lessons, tap takeovers, electric bikes, kayak rentals, hay rides, farm animals, crocket/horseshoe/bags tournaments and much more. Make your next Northern Michigan Visit HERE at Winding River Campground! For seasonal rates please call our main office and our staff can provide you with information. Open Dates: March 16 to November 1
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$45
 / night
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(10)

Timberline Campground

101 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Benzonia, MI
On the cusp of Crystal Lake, where the Betsie River flows, your Timberline Campground awaits in the place where the heart of the camper glows. The go-to base camp for the expert angler and avid boater, we’re famous for trout and salmon fishing. First-time campers and seasoned explorers drop in as part of a longer Michigan expedition or stay all season. We’re a large campground and spacious, with about every conceivable configuration of RV site you can imagine. The accommodations are ample, and we’re very strategic in locating the conveniences, close and easy to get to, whether you’re driving your home, pulling it or pitching it. Our RV sites have water, electric and sewer with pull-throughs, back-ins, and buddy back-ins with 30/50-amp electric service options. We have primitive sites for tenting and a rentable cabin for those who don’t want to rough it. Whatever your camping style, you’ll have easy access to all the good stuff. Our emphasis is on providing all the recreation you could want while you’re at the campgrounds. In fact, plenty of our guests spend their vacations in our heated pools, jamming on the basketball court and hiking around the nearby Michigan beauty. With lots of storage available for boats and RVs, Timberline is the perfect home base for the whole season.
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$74
 / night
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(13)

Camp Aylaway

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Beulah, MI
Welcome to your beautiful base camp to explore all the best that Northern Michigan has to offer! You'll have 7 acres of land all to yourself, with a combination of pine and maple forests, located across from thousands of acres of State land with many snowmobile trails. Bring your bikes and head 1 mile on our dirt road to the Betsie River Trail where you can bike to Crystal Lake in 30 minutes. We're so close to Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, wine country, and many wonderful bars and restaurants. We're more than happy to send you recommendations of what to do, eat, and drink during your stay! We have a covered picnic area, campfire ring, and basic pit toilet on site, with water and electricity coming soon, but be prepared to bring what you need and please take everything you bring with you :) We can tell you where to get water nearby if needed. We welcome both tents and RVs on our land, and are happy to accommodate larger groups for an additional fee.
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$38
 / night
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(6)

Bear Woods Resort

6 sites · Lodging, RVs65 acres · Bear Lake, MI
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan, our enchanting 65-acre property offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature's beauty. Situated amidst rolling hills and woods, our property serves as a basecamp for your Northern Michigan adventure. From here, you'll find yourself conveniently positioned to explore all the region's hotspots, including the pristine Lake Michigan beaches, a round of golf at the acclaimed Acadia course, the iconic M22 drive, and visits to charming cities such as Frankfort, Traverse City, and Bear Lake. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, golfer, beach lover, or simply looking to soak up the local culture, our property offers the perfect starting point for your daily excursions. For those who prefer the comforts of home on the road, we offer three spacious RV full hook-up sites, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. These sites provide all the essential amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer connections, making it convenient for RV enthusiasts to relax and recharge. Additionally, we offer a unique glamping experience with canvas tents that allow you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a cozy retreat. As the sun sets, gather around a campfire, stargaze under the vast Michigan sky, and savor the tranquility of our secluded haven. Whether you're embarking on a romantic getaway, an adventure with friends and family, or a solo retreat, our 65-acre property welcomes you to experience the best of Northern Michigan.
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$40
 / night
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(6)

Deer Run Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Manistee, MI
Escape the hustle and bustle at Deer Run Retreat, a haven for those seeking tranquility and new memories in the embrace of nature. Here, you can wake up to the sight of deer grazing in the pasture and spend your evenings by the fireplace, gazing up at a sky adorned with countless stars. Our retreat offers a serene environment to unwind and relax, providing a peaceful getaway from the demands of everyday life. Whether you're drawn to the Little River Casino, historic downtown Manistee, or the array of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, tubing, and hiking, you'll find something for everyone in the surrounding area. We provide two gravel pads with full hook-ups for RVs and an additional grassy area with electric and water hook-ups. For those without their camper, we offer the option to rent a beautiful camper on-site. Deer Run Retreat is designed to be family-friendly, creating the perfect backdrop for building lasting memories with your loved ones. Come and rejuvenate at Deer Run Retreat, where the beauty of nature meets the comfort of a welcoming retreat. We can't wait to host your stay!
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$50
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98%
(65)

Up North Rivers Camping

11 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, beach glass 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 $11.00 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. We installed a water hydrant so you can get potable water to bring back to your site, or hose off with on the spot. 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
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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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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