Ludington State Park **Camping** (Muskegon, Norton Shores: house, rent, art)

[tombo]

I'm thinking about camping at Ludington State Park this year.
They have 3 different camp sites...

1.) Beechwood Campground
2.) Pines Campground
3.) Cedars Campground

Can anybody, who has camped there, care to splurge their thoughts on their experience? I'm looking for information about cleanliness of facilities, noise, any secluded sites, overall.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!

[JimmyInGreatLakes]

As far as state parks go, LSP is probably my favorite. Mostly wooded sites, great amenities and a great variety of attractions. You've got dunes, a great fishing inland lake (Hamlin), Lake Michigan and a cool stream in between. Then there's numerous hiking trails as well. I'm not familiar enough with the camp sites to recommend anything specific. By all means, if you can get a spot, go for it!

[MainStreet]

I just returned from Ludington State Park, but we were in the new hike-in Jackpines one mile north on the lighthouse road. If I had to choose between the three other campgrounds, I would choose the Pines for it's proximity to Lake Michigan. My daughter and I were on the beach half way between the front gate and the light house in the early evening and often were the only people as far as the eye could see. Very peaceful.

I was on the reservation site before I saw your message...looks like a booked solid summer. When I was there, they were at capacity.

I also camped at PJ Hoffmaster, just south of Muskegon...loved it. Very quiet campground at night, and lovely path to the lake.

I can't get over how clean west Michigan beaches are....Grand Haven to Norton Shores, Ludington, Arcadia, Elberta, Frankfort, clean white sand.

I'll be back at Ludington State Park in August...love the area.

[jumpygh]

Originally Posted by MainStreet

I just returned from Ludington State Park, but we were in the new hike-in Jackpines one mile north on the lighthouse road. If I had to choose between the three other campgrounds, I would choose the Pines for it's proximity to Lake Michigan. My daughter and I were on the beach half way between the front gate and the light house in the early evening and often were the only people as far as the eye could see. Very peaceful.

I was on the reservation site before I saw your message...looks like a booked solid summer. When I was there, they were at capacity.

I also camped at PJ Hoffmaster, just south of Muskegon...loved it. Very quiet campground at night, and lovely path to the lake.

I can't get over how clean west Michigan beaches are....Grand Haven to Norton Shores, Ludington, Arcadia, Elberta, Frankfort, clean white sand.

I'll be back at Ludington State Park in August...love the area.

Yeah, Ludington is easily the most desired campground as far as reservations. I've tried to get in there four about four years with no luck. I've tried reserving on the first day they become available, but even then I got denied. Must be a nice place.

I agree that Hoffmaster is another great campground. Stayed there last year and loved it. Orchard Beach is north of Ludington in the Manistee area. I stayed there this year and it is pretty nice as well.

The Grand Haven campground is a parking lot, so I wouldn't stay there. But the beach at GH is beautiful!

Silver Lake State Park also has a beautiful beach at the Little Sable Lighthouse. The park caters to off-roaders, however, so the campground is full of loud dune buggies and such. Probably not a good place to camp.

Meers State Park south of Ludington also looks nice. I haven't been there yet, but plan to go next year.

If you want to go further north, you can't beat Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Platte River campground is awesome. You'll have more seclusion in this campground than any state park I've been to in Michigan. Highly recommended! The nice thing about this camp is that most of the sites are first-come first-served, so you can go on short notice and still get a site.

[MainStreet]

This past week and a week after camping at Ludington, we went a bit south to P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Norton Shores, Michigan. Between and a short distance to both Grand Haven and Muskegon. Had a wonderful time. Beautiful and quiet campground.

This photograph was taken Tuesday night from the campground beach.

[tallgirl]

I love Ludington and the state park. Haven't camped in the state park though because we always had a cottage to stay at on hamlin lake. I would recommend that you check out the private camp ground in ludinton, Cartiers. it's a lot easier to get into.

[josetjo]

Does anyone have any reviews of Brimley State Park or The Straits State Park in Upper Pininsula? Thanks

[jumpygh]

Originally Posted by josetjo

Does anyone have any reviews of Brimley State Park or The Straits State Park in Upper Pininsula? Thanks

Straits State Park is nice--we stayed there last year. It's very convenient if you want to go to Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls, or the Soo Locks. There are some sites that are right next to the water with a great view of the Mackinac Bridge. It looks awesome at night.

Unfortunately, the "beach" is very rocky there, so you can't really go swimming. The facilities (showers, bathrooms) are somewhat old. Nice park overall, and I would stay there again. It's such a convenient location.

[josetjo]

Thanks for your review. We'll have to check it out this fall I'm hoping.