My wife and I are thinking about going to Ludington State Park for a couple of days. Anyone been there that can give us some info?
Ludington
Reserve your campsite now, if they are still available. We camped there every summer growing up, but it is definitely more crowded now. The dunes are great - maybe the best beach in the state. The west shore of Hamlin Lake, accessed from the state park, offers nice paddling. I believe some of the campsites back up directly to the small marshy lakes that adjoin Hamlin.
As an alternative to the overcrowded state park, you might look into the national forest campground immediately to the north, Nordhouse Dunes. It has campgrounds as well as a designated wilderness area for backcountry camping, if that’s your thing.
wmcka event in april
here is the content from the club site
Spring Confluence
Where: Ludington State Park
When: Apr 24-26, 2009
WMCKA’s Spring Confluence at Ludington State Park. (see the link below for Michigan State Parks online reservation system link).
Most attendees camp at the park (although some stay at motels in town and just join the group for paddling and meals). The group tends to congregate somewhere in the middle section of the Beechwood campground. Look for a site with the “WMCKA” white awning or ask anyone with a kayak on their vehicle or campsite.
We usually put in Saturday morning around 10:00 am by the south end of the boardwalk on Lost Lake. In years past we paddled as a group to the dunes at the north end of Hamlin lake, then backtracked for lunch in the protected cove. After lunch the group can break up into smaller groups, depending on paddling interest and skill: those who want to continue on or return to Lost Lake, or venture out to Lake Michigan.
The menu for this years event will be Brats, Burgers and Veggie Burgers. WMCKA is requesting a $5.00 donation per person for meats, charcoal, buns, etc. If they are able, members are asked to bring side dishes of salads, vegetables or desserts to complement the main menu.
We look forward to seeing old and new friends at Ludington State Park for the spring WMCKA paddling event.
Click Here: Michigan State Parks Online Reservation System
(Preferred sites are 263-268 & 290-305)
Second vote for Nordhouse
If you are OK with backcounty camping as opposed to car camping the dunes are a great place to go. It borders the state park on the North. There is small charge for parking, and on weekends there are usually a bunch of people between the parking area and the water. If you spread out farther you will have more privacy.
There is also a National Forest campground to the north of the dunes. It may be first come first serve. They have water and toilets.
Provides nice options…
– Last Updated: Mar-29-09 10:28 PM EST –
Should wind on the big Lake produce waves beyond your comfort level, Hamlin Lake is a nice body of water to explore. Wife & I vacation in Pentwater (just south of) annually, and will spend some time on Hamlin when we go up. Lot's of swans in July. We've gone out on weekday mornings, and the boat/jet ski traffic has been pretty light. Not sure about the weekends, though. Hopefully others might be able to speak-up if that need be a concern.
Todd
PS: Pleasant dinner can be had a PJ Steamers. Had our wedding dinner there!