The small harbor town of Ludington in Mason County is situated along shores of Lake Michigan. Ludington has a lot to offer campers. Ludington State Park has four different campgrounds, and the county maintains Mason County Campground. Several privately-owned campgrounds, mostly catering to RVs, also can be found in the area.
Ludington State Park Rustic Camping
Ludington State Park offers 5,300 acres situated between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, which is fed by the Big Sable River. The park has frontage on both lakes, as well as both banks of the Hamlin Lake outlet, which flows through the park into Lake Michigan. All of the park's campgrounds are on the north side of the outlet, including the Jack Pines Rustic Campground. This campground is only accessible by foot, and is one mile from the park headquarters and parking. Jack Pines has 10 sites, vault toilets, a water pump, and fire rings. This camp is easily the most secluded in the park, and provides access to more than 20 miles of trails winding through the park's large northern section.
Improved Campgrounds at Ludington State Park
Three campsites offering more than 350 improved sites lie just north of the Hamlin Lake outlet. Beechwood, Cedar and Pines campgrounds all offer sites with electricity, access to running water, modern bathrooms, and showers. Beechwood is close to Hamlin Lake, and a boat launch, playground and a swimming beach are nearby. Pines Campground is closest to Lake Michigan, and its swimming beach. Cedar Campground is the middle campground, and is located near the recycling center and park store. Cedar also has a separate loop of tent-only sites without electricity. These sites are still within easy walking distance of water and the bathroom and shower facilities. All three campgrounds have trail-heads giving access to the network of trails in the park allowing hikers to appreciate the dunes, wetlands, long shorelines, and large forests.
Mini-Cabins
Ludington also has mini-cabins available for campers. Each of the three improved campgrounds has one cabin. These cabins, outfitted with electricity and water, are very popular and reservations fill up many months in advance.
Activities at Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park campers have access to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Fishing in Hamlin Lake and its outlet to Lake Michigan is excellent. Hiking and biking trails wind through the park's 5,300 acres. Swimming beaches at both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake are wide and sandy. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is reachable by trail and is a favorite of sightseers and photographers. Canoes are available for rent and use on Hamlin Lake. Wildlife abounds throughout the park and there are viewing areas where visitors can see bald eagles, deer, raccoons, and many species of waterfowl.
Mason County Campground
This campground, maintained by the Mason County government, is a 56-site facility tucked in among mature hardwood trees. This campground has a rustic feel, but offers electric hook-ups at all sites, as well as fire rings, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. Fully improved sites for RVs with gravel pads, water and sewer service also are available. The campground also offers cabins for four people with bunk beds, picnic tables and grills, but no running water. Running water is available at several locations around the campground. This camp has its own disc golf course, and an airfield for flying model planes. Lake Michigan is less than a mile away, and just to the east is the Lakeside Links public golf course.
Privately Owned Campgrounds
Many privately-owned campgrounds can be found in the area around Ludington. Most are geared toward RV camping, but lack the space and access to many of the activities afforded by the state and county campgrounds.
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