Silver Lake State Park and campgrounds spell fun and adventure. Nestled along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Silver Lake’s diversity includes miles of rolling sand dunes along with forests. Needing a camping fix, we opted to spend several days here camping in the State Park Campground.
What did we find? Hiking, beaching, water sports, dune buggy drives in the desert and easy walks are within minutes of the campground. Oh, and a bit of well-welcomed Michigan sunshine.
This easy to access area offers a modern campground. With a vintage feel, campers enjoy miles of hiking trails in the nearby dunes. In addition to kicking back in our nuCamp Tab 400 Boondock, there’s plenty to do around the area.
Silver Lake State Park – the Campground
Do you prefer active or quiet campgrounds? The good news is Silver Lake has 2 campground areas when making reservations online. RVers and campers choose locations on the water side or the heavily wooded side. We camped by the water and each night the evening sun cast a rosy, golden light across the lake. Campsites are relatively flat with modest leveling needed. As Silver Lake is a boating and sporting lake, the campsites on the water side are a bit more active.
We hiked through the quiet, wooded campground side to check it out. Filled with big deciduous trees, gentle breezes, cool shade and less traffic make this a great little camping spot too. We look forward to staying on the wooded side on our next trip.
Hiking Silver Lake State Park – Over 2000 Acres of Sand Dunes
Michigan has a desert? Well, we definitely have sand. A lot of sand!
Exploring the dunes with Dave and our doggies carried us across steep climbs, gentle rollers and woods. Rolling sand dunes held driftwood ‘sculptures’ mother nature created with time. We reached a tree-lined, Lake Michigan overlook after hiking through twisty turn paths lined with trees. Throughout our walk, sounds of dune buggies echoed across the dunes.
From hilltops we saw drivers navigating and hurdling the dunes in the zoned area. The roundtrip hike totaled roughly three miles. With over 2000 acres of sand, options for sanding your own trail are everywhere.
Lighthouses & Light – Photographing Icons
Within short drives, photographers, locals and visitors have access to iconic lighthouses.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse is a short drive away. Lined with a big sandy beach, a great place to kick back under an umbrella. Or, if you’re ready to dive in to Lake Michigan’s blue ‘lagoon’, blue waters await. With long summer days, the sunset golden and blue hours hang around for a bit. Instead of a shutter frenzy, our pace is relaxed while exploring and capturing the evening glow.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse, about 45 miles from Silver Lake starts with a flat, easy walking trail within the Ludington state park campgrounds that leads you to the Lighthouse. The Ludington state park campgrounds are resting within long, sandy beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, marshlands and forests.
This year’s summer started with cooler than normal temps and dense foggy days. The outcome is hazy, tranquil views of Lake Michigan and the lighthouse.
Groceries, Treats and Dune Buggy Rides
Rennhack Orchards Market – Need some fresh veggies and fruits? June is asparagus season and this little market was big on selection. We left with asparagus, jalapeno peppers, watermelon and some yummy blackberry jam by Coopers Family Spreads (see recipe for skillet biscuits below using their Blackberry Jam). You’ll find Rennhack’s one mile east of US-31, exit 149 (Hart) at 3731 West Polk Road, Hart, Michigan.
Mac Woods Dune Rides – Want to explore the dunes in an open buggy? Mac Woods offers a 40 minute cruise into the dunes. Experience the highs and lows of this area’s amazing ‘desert’ in the midwest.
Tasty Creationz – Need a quick bite to eat? Give their fried asparagus a whirl, never had it, now love it! Their menu rocks it with BBQ, burgers, ice creams and fresh squeezed lemonade.
Silver Lake Buggy Rentals – Take a crack at driving the dunes (be careful) with Silver Lake Buggy Rentals.
Silver Lake State Park – Human and Dog Friendly
Our review of this area? Fantastic. Every area we explored welcomed dogs (always on a leash!). We all took in several miles each day with hikes. Our fur kids (and the humans) really enjoyed their naps in the camper.).
For more travel blogs: Aperture and Light Travels
