Silver Lake State Park
Silver Lake State Park
4.5
About
Silver Lake State Park is almost 3,000-acres along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This area includes both dune country and acres of mature forest and the only sand dune off-road vehicle area in east of the Mississippi River. Our 200 site campground is the only campground in the area that is located along the shoreline of Silver Lake.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
155 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
27
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Richard Wooden
Cassopolis, MI11 contributions
May 2023
We spend our time last Friday afternoon doing the 4 mile round trip hike on a sandy/hard base driveway along Lake Michigan to climb the light house. A very informative woman gives up the history at the top of the light house. So much more to see and do in this wonderful state park
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seescokid
Grand Rapids, MI3,337 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Never drove dune buggies but went to the lighthouse several times and walked up on the dunes in December 2019 but this was first time swimming in the state park inland lake. Very shallow and warm great for little ones. Clean restroom and picnic table s
Very busy 5 th of July 2023
Great golf courses up and down 31. Today Lakeside links in Ludington. Have played Benona shores, Oceana, Colonial, Thoroughbred, Grandview, Hemlock and Old Channel. All have their own character but there is only one Silver Lake
Very busy 5 th of July 2023
Great golf courses up and down 31. Today Lakeside links in Ludington. Have played Benona shores, Oceana, Colonial, Thoroughbred, Grandview, Hemlock and Old Channel. All have their own character but there is only one Silver Lake
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alimcraig
Columbia Station, OH68 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
The State Park is located in a nice town that is family friendly. For those without kids , the best part is riding the dunes and taking advantage of any water activities.
The State park campground site #6 is where we stayed and the view was beautiful. The only thing We didn’t like are the campers are packed in like sardines and there is no privacy between each site . Not a very picturesque campsite and some campers were along a fence which was a view of the street or peoples homes .
The State park campground site #6 is where we stayed and the view was beautiful. The only thing We didn’t like are the campers are packed in like sardines and there is no privacy between each site . Not a very picturesque campsite and some campers were along a fence which was a view of the street or peoples homes .
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Livija B
8 contributions
May 2024 • Family
This is an RV- heavy campground that serves a primarily ORV crowd. We were tenting, and no ORV, but we were fine with that.
Excellent location, near everything.
Flat sites are well-maintained.
Shower house was clean.
Lots of amenities.
Excellent location, near everything.
Flat sites are well-maintained.
Shower house was clean.
Lots of amenities.
Written May 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wristonwheeler
Holliston, MA4 contributions
Aug 2021
We had a blast here. Rented a side by side one day on the dunes and a boat on another. This is the place to get outside and enjoy a landscape that is hard to find in this country. GO SEE MICHIGAN!!!
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria R
Windsor, Canada192 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
I'm going to start with the pluses as this is a beautiful area:
- nice lake with playground and modern amenities (vending machines, outdoor shower, washrooms, etc.)
- close to lots of activities
- park pass gives you access to area attractions like the lighthouse and beach areas
- friendly staff
Unfortunately there are drawbacks:
- very noisy; this is a party haven and trucks/buggies will be ripping and revving at all hours
- no breeze on the lower sites so very hot despite shade
- small, cramped lots
- only 1 washroom/shower block; not even outhouses so those night time treks to the loos are long ones
If you are going for the dunes and want to party, this is the place. If you are looking for a traditional serene site, avoid this at all costs.
We're glad we went as we enjoyed the lovely area but definitely won't return to the park for camping.
- nice lake with playground and modern amenities (vending machines, outdoor shower, washrooms, etc.)
- close to lots of activities
- park pass gives you access to area attractions like the lighthouse and beach areas
- friendly staff
Unfortunately there are drawbacks:
- very noisy; this is a party haven and trucks/buggies will be ripping and revving at all hours
- no breeze on the lower sites so very hot despite shade
- small, cramped lots
- only 1 washroom/shower block; not even outhouses so those night time treks to the loos are long ones
If you are going for the dunes and want to party, this is the place. If you are looking for a traditional serene site, avoid this at all costs.
We're glad we went as we enjoyed the lovely area but definitely won't return to the park for camping.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon N
25 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
We had our annual family reunion at Sliver Lake State Park. Only two out of 6 families camped. The campsites were large with plenty of room for everyone to park. We brought our Jeep and took turns going out to the dunes. Highly recommended. The park staff had at least 2 'events' a day and one was for small children that involved arts and crafts. We participated in the butterfly lesson. There were also sunset hikes on the beach and those that went raved about it. The town of Mears is pretty much a tourist trap and there are no grocery stores. However, there are small towns close by with everything you would need. We made a trip up to Pentwater for an afternoon which was enjoyable. The weather was perfect while we were there at the end of July. No rain and cool. That made having a campfire nice. I have the feeling that it may not have been so enjoyable if it had been raining. I think the campsites would have been muddy. The roads in the campground are paved. The bathrooms were clean and they have shower rooms. We were able to get a shower room with no wait every evening. The only negative for us was the road noise. We had 2 campsites that backed up to the main road. During the day the road noise was very noticeable. If we go back again, we will be sure to try to avoid those sites. Also, the weekend we were happened to be a 4-wheeling event so the campground was full. So unless you are going for an event, it is suggested that you check local event calendars to avoid the crowds.
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal H
Utica, OH27 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
The climb up the dune is rough but worth it! Once you make it to the top the views are amazing! The dunes are overlooking Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. Definitely a must when visiting the dunes.
Written August 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atmanand douglas
Uttar Kashi454 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
This is the center of Michigan's Gold Coast, and as good as it gets in the Great Lakes. Sugary fine, white sand beaches and dunes amidst fresh water lakes. It doesn't get much better, except that it can be crowded in the high season of summer.
Written August 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri K
East Tawas, MI75 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Lived in Michigan my whole life but had never seen the Dunes. It was breathtaking. We climbed up a woodsy hill and the next thing I knew I was on my hands and knees crawling my way up to the top of a sand hill. Got to the top and was blown away. Could see nothing but rolling sand as far as my eyes could see. If it hadn't had such a chill in the air I would have sworn we were in the Arizona desert!! A must see if your traveling the west side of Michigan!
Written January 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking to plan a day trip for the 4th (tomorrow). Want a good beach, possibility of barbecuing, with a good view of the fireworks, also wouldn't mind walking the dunes or at least doing the dune ride. Can someone help me with the best park/beach(es) to go to for the 4th? Thanks!
Written July 3, 2019
I believe dogs are allowed on the dunes as long as their vaccinations /rabies shots are up to date. Also dogs must be on a leash and the owner must pick up after them. Owners are not to leave dogs unattended or take dogs into state park buildings.
Written July 3, 2019
rates are on their website.
Rates vary by site requirements and tent vs trailer.
In July we paid $33/ night for standard tent site, $8 fee per reservation. One car is included and you must get a permit for extra cars (that’s another fee).
Written January 19, 2019
You need a permit to park there. You can buy it at the gate house. If you have a state park annual permit you are good. Accessing the dunes is done separately though and requires additional permits. If you just want to use the lake or walk the dunes, that is free if you park elsewhere and walk over.
Written August 21, 2018
I believe that it is electrical hookups only.
Written August 2, 2018
I don't recall any cabins. The sites are on the rustic side. It depends what you are camping in and your preferences. We have a 35 foot 5th wheel so we found some of the turns tight because of the trees. The park has 2 sites. One beside the lake which is less rustic and suited to smaller RVs. Great if you have kids. The one we stayed at is across the road and has more trees. It's a great park with great acces to the dunes.
Written July 23, 2018
While we will be vacationing here, we still have need of wi-fi access due to work connections. Is there free accessible wi-fi available at the state park campground?
Written May 30, 2018
Similar to the other questions, but I don't see a specific answer. We're a family of 4 and are looking to go spend a day at the beach, without walking the dunes to get there. We want to park and walk to a sandy beach and swim. Which location do we go?
Written June 2, 2017
You can go to the lighthouse for a short walk to s sandy Lake Michigan beach, or there is a nice beach area at the state park campground. Both are easy access with no hiking over sand dunes.
Written June 5, 2017
Is there a way to get to the beach without climbing the dunes or renting a buggy? And are dogs allowed on the beach area?
We are considering camping there, but health concerns prevent our group from actually climbing the tall dunes.
Written August 1, 2016
Yes you can access the silver lake right off the main road. you have to purchase a 10.00 parking pass, but that allows you to visit all the area parks...on that day only. I did see pets there. Now if you want to go to Charles Mears State park beach..same thing..get a pass right there in parking lot..but pets were only permitted towards the back of the beach...except for a certain part..a little farther down..then they are permitted in the water. Hope this helps..Its really a great camping place. the only way to the dunes itself is to walk....straight up...fun once you make it up there..
Written August 5, 2016
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