Muskegon State Park
Muskegon State Park
4.5
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This State Park offers a variety of winter recreation including ice skating, cross-country skiing and luge.
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22 within 6 miles
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- Justin PGaston, Indiana30 contributionsBeautiful Lake Shore SightsThis is a beautiful location located close to Muskegon. When I visited here the weather was not great with high winds and rain, but that did not stop my from exploring the shoreline and making an attempt out to the wave break light on the north side of the harbor. If you are planning on doing some hiking I recommend doing some cardio a month or so before this trip because the sand makes even the flattest trails tiresome. If you want beautiful pictures it is best to visit this park during the off season when its not as warm out.Visited October 2020Traveled soloWritten October 5, 2020
- MidwestKathMDetroit, Michigan879 contributionsNice lakeside parkOur Michigan State Parks are gems that we should all support and appreciate!! On a recent day trip to Muskegon, we spent a couple hours at this state park. Checked out the Blockhouse, which should have more historical context provided. The view was nice but trees in front are so tall now that they obscure the view of the lake. We just wanted to sit and relax and enjoy the water and nature. Seems there is a lot of beach, but no grass for picnicking and relaxing along the lake. Finally found a place near the channel and just chilled out for a while, watching boats and people and a momma bird who kept flying in to feed her three young ones snug in a nest in a picnic shelter. On our way out, we passed the north campground which seemed overly crowded during these COVID times. Nobody wearing masks at the ice cream place just outside the entrance so we did not stay.Visited August 2020Written August 22, 2020
- ahhNotEnoughNamesIndianapolis, Indiana93 contributionsWinter Sports Hot SpotAmazed on what we found here. The winter sports complex had every snow sport: cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing and luge. All the supplies can be rented but your personal snow suit. They had fires set up outside. Our son did the luge lessons and then had about 6 runs in 2hours. The luge goes up to 30miles per hour, wear an old coat if you can as those speeds can damage the sleeve. Plus this can be dangerous as one person in our group did break their leg. I think it's best to do this across many days such that you can withstand the physical activities. There were groups doing winter camping and there are a variety of hotels in the Muskegon area. It is cold as it's on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. No nearby resturants, need to go back into town.Visited January 2022Written January 19, 2022
- V R24 contributionsNice beach and hikingSome nice hiking trails. The one to lost lake was fairly easy bc it goes along cross country ski trails. Outdoor adventure place in the park looks fun, but was closed when we were there. Great ice cream place at the park entrance near outdoor adventure place. Very nice beach with cool sand dunes adjacent to it, no lifeguards. Great place to watch the sunset. Out of state costs: $11 per day (or $39 annual pass) gets you into all state parks. Note for dog owners: we were told that state park beaches allow dogs 100 feet from the swimming area which is marked by buoys. Nice place to spend the day!Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 10, 2023
- Emily S5 contributionsBeautiful snd pristine.., until the boats take overI love coming to this beach because it’s vast enough to spread out from large groups and have some beach time to yourself. The beach is clean and quite beautiful. This applies to weekdays when I’d give it a 5 on weekends it would go down to a 2 or 3.. I’ve had horrid experiences on weekends when boaters come in park close to the shoreline, hang out on their boats with their attached playpads for their kids to play on, play loud music and basically monopolize the beach. Who wants to swim around a bunch of boats letting off gas fumes? I’m not sure if this is due to covid laxness but it does not seem right in a public park space or what the beach is intended for.Visited August 2021Traveled soloWritten September 5, 2021
- nicoledianeAtlanta, Georgia746 contributionsAs they say, Lake MIchigan is salt and shark free.Absolutely great state park on Lake Michigan. The park has many different areas. There is Snug Harbor which is on Muskegon Lake. There is a boat launch and picnic area. There is a trail head that leads to a trail through the woods and into the sand dunes. There is a beautiful beach area on Lake Michigan. There are a few picnic tables but not much shade. Do not drive in the sand! It would be an expensive mistake. There are 2 campgrounds. ! is the channel campground at the end of the road next to the Muskegon channel. The other one is on 2 sides of the road, one being on Lake Michigan. It is on a bluff so it's a walk down to the beach. There is a winter sports complex that even has a luge. It has summer activities also. The best thing about the campground on the lake side is you can walk to Ruth Ann's ice cream store. There is a blockhouse that the kids might enjoy climbing around. There is a small parking lot by the channel. There is a paved walkway along the channel. There are a couple tables and benches at the start of the walk. You can see over to the Muskegon side, see the Silverside submarine and the light house and watch the boats come in out.Visited July 2023Written July 28, 2023
- Rachel G37 contributionsLake Michigan HikingThis park was a fun place to visit. There wasn't a lot of people there since school had started most places, so we had most of it to ourselves. Definitely glad I was able to go. The hiking trails were also worth seeing but beware the sand can be hot!Visited August 2022Traveled with friendsWritten September 7, 2022
- Marissa CQuincy, Michigan244 contributionsDecent campingGood place for camping except the campsites are tiny. Definitely geared more toward the RV crowd versus the old tent campers like us. They don’t have any kind of store for supplies like some other state parks I’ve visited but they sell ice and firewood at the ranger station.Visited September 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten September 19, 2021
- seescokidGrand Rapids, Michigan1,580 contributionsFun time snowshoeing!!Been to winter sports park a few times, this time the wife of 40 years and I found something we could do together. First time in our lives we snow shoed. 1.5 km was fine, good exercise. She wants to do it again!Visited February 2022Traveled with friendsWritten February 5, 2022
- hikinghappily62South Bend, Indiana91 contributionsLooks promisingFirst time here to check out the park (drove 120 miles). No gate so no cost but also couldn’t find a map so we had not idea where the trails were. No restrooms open or found so we only drove around and checked it out. Very beautiful with snow. We picked a foggy day so couldn’t see all of the coastline but excited to come back. The campground looks amazing.Visited February 2021Traveled with friendsWritten February 27, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
272 reviews
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V R
24 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Some nice hiking trails. The one to lost lake was fairly easy bc it goes along cross country ski trails. Outdoor adventure place in the park looks fun, but was closed when we were there. Great ice cream place at the park entrance near outdoor adventure place. Very nice beach with cool sand dunes adjacent to it, no lifeguards. Great place to watch the sunset. Out of state costs: $11 per day (or $39 annual pass) gets you into all state parks. Note for dog owners: we were told that state park beaches allow dogs 100 feet from the swimming area which is marked by buoys. Nice place to spend the day!
Written August 10, 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.
Emily S
5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
I love coming to this beach because it’s vast enough to spread out from large groups and have some beach time to yourself. The beach is clean and quite beautiful. This applies to weekdays when I’d give it a 5 on weekends it would go down to a 2 or 3.. I’ve had horrid experiences on weekends when boaters come in park close to the shoreline, hang out on their boats with their attached playpads for their kids to play on, play loud music and basically monopolize the beach. Who wants to swim around a bunch of boats letting off gas fumes? I’m not sure if this is due to covid laxness but it does not seem right in a public park space or what the beach is intended for.
Written September 6, 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.
nicolediane
Atlanta, GA746 contributions
Jul 2023
Absolutely great state park on Lake Michigan. The park has many different areas. There is Snug Harbor which is on Muskegon Lake. There is a boat launch and picnic area. There is a trail head that leads to a trail through the woods and into the sand dunes. There is a beautiful beach area on Lake Michigan. There are a few picnic tables but not much shade. Do not drive in the sand! It would be an expensive mistake. There are 2 campgrounds. ! is the channel campground at the end of the road next to the Muskegon channel. The other one is on 2 sides of the road, one being on Lake Michigan. It is on a bluff so it's a walk down to the beach. There is a winter sports complex that even has a luge. It has summer activities also. The best thing about the campground on the lake side is you can walk to Ruth Ann's ice cream store. There is a blockhouse that the kids might enjoy climbing around. There is a small parking lot by the channel. There is a paved walkway along the channel. There are a couple tables and benches at the start of the walk. You can see over to the Muskegon side, see the Silverside submarine and the light house and watch the boats come in out.
Written July 28, 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.
Rachel G
37 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This park was a fun place to visit. There wasn't a lot of people there since school had started most places, so we had most of it to ourselves. Definitely glad I was able to go. The hiking trails were also worth seeing but beware the sand can be hot!
Written September 7, 2022
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.
Marissa C
Quincy, MI244 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Good place for camping except the campsites are tiny. Definitely geared more toward the RV crowd versus the old tent campers like us. They don’t have any kind of store for supplies like some other state parks I’ve visited but they sell ice and firewood at the ranger station.
Written September 19, 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.
seescokid
Grand Rapids, MI1,580 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Been to winter sports park a few times, this time the wife of 40 years and I found something we could do together. First time in our lives we snow shoed. 1.5 km was fine, good exercise. She wants to do it again!
Written February 5, 2022
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.
hikinghappily62
South Bend, IN91 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
First time here to check out the park (drove 120 miles). No gate so no cost but also couldn’t find a map so we had not idea where the trails were. No restrooms open or found so we only drove around and checked it out. Very beautiful with snow. We picked a foggy day so couldn’t see all of the coastline but excited to come back. The campground looks amazing.
Written February 27, 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.
witchbroomstick
Bay City, MI350 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Boy, early September camping is excellent! During the week it's so quiet. Warm enough during the day to enjoy the beach and cool eat night for a fire and good sleeping. We come here yearly
Written September 28, 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.
Cosmopolitan7276
Atlanta, GA1 contribution
I just got back from a most wonderful stay at Muskegon Park!! This is my new favorite vacation spot!! The beach is so clean and clear waters!! Very peaceful! And nice facilities! My only advice is, take bug spray! The flies are insane!
Written August 30, 2002
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.
Jecake
Chicago, IL2 contributions
We took our 3 kids (ages 7, 5, and 3) to Muskegon State Park and tent camped for two nights. Site 65 was right on the path to the Muskegon beach and just a short walk to the flush bathrooms. The site was very clean and big enough for our 2 room tent. We had great weather, and the kids loved the giant sand dunes and basins that were just a short trek down the ship channel towards Lake Michigan. My husband enjoyed the fishing, and the kids played at the small but very clean beach both days. The campground host was friendly and helpful (firewood, coffee, and books were available to borrow). There was a playground, but honestly my kids loved the beaches and the trails so we didn't spend much time at the playground. The camp itself is just beautiful. You won't regret taking your family.
Written July 9, 2010
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.
How are the stars at night here? Are you able to see more than 50% of the night sky? The milky way cloud?
Stella M
17 contributions
We left before dark and didn’t notice significant stars sights
iamtravling
Grand Rapids, MI22 contributions
Any flat beach area for campers at the north muskegon state park?
I’m noticing there’s only one bathroom bldg for many many sites. Is it enough? Do you have to wait? How many showers per bldg?
Michael O
North Muskegon, MI23 contributions
There are plenty of showers and bathroom facilities at the campgrounds. At some of the parks or beach areas they are no waits to very short waits for the facilities. Some are pit toilets with hand sanitizers at the more remote or less used areas. I have used most of these at lots of areas and not have had any problems.
How is the walk to the beach? Is it a trek like hoffmaster, where u have to walk thru lots of deep sand?
Beach on lake Michigan I mean
I just want to visit your beach..but my son's wants to bring their jet ski! Is their a launch close to beach!?? Can this be a family thing?
bsmathiot68
Muskegon, MI127 contributions
I am not sure if there is an actual launch for them so they may have to carry them a little bit but not too far...and yes it can be a family thing...especially given the condition of some of the other beaches in the area...this one and pere marquette are probably the best!
Sierra M
Milford, MI3 contributions
Hi, Is there anywhere in the campground that dogs might be able to swim.
Thanks
ErinHasGoneFishing
Cincinnati, OH2 contributions
The beach adjacent to the Lake Michigan campground sure has shrunk over the years -- can anybody who's been there recently report back on what it's like these days?
Ace C
Whitehall, MI225 contributions
The main beach along Lake Michigan is still in great shape. The further you walk to the north, it has eroded away quite a bit as water levels are up in Lake Michigan. The inland beach in the campground that sits on Muskegon Lake is tiny and not great sand. If you go to the northeast part of the campground, there is a large sand dune that runs down towards Muskegon Lake and usually boats anchor just off shore, but there is really no flat areas to set up shop and layout there.
alondragarcia33
Detroit, MI
Are the bathhouses/showers open in April?
paularenagarcia
Muskegon, MI28 contributions
my guess is no, but I am not positive about this.
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Claim your listingMuskegon State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Muskegon State Park
- Hotels near Muskegon State Park:
- (0.40 mi) Snug Harbor Resort
- (0.38 mi) The Snug Harbor Inn
- (1.42 mi) The Pidge Inn
- (4.20 mi) Shoreline Inn & Conference Center, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
- (3.61 mi) Port City Victorian Inn, Bed and Breakfast, LLC
- Restaurants near Muskegon State Park:
- (3.91 mi) Fatty Lumpkins' Sandwich Shack
- (4.89 mi) The Station Grill
- (5.60 mi) The Hearthstone Bistro
- (6.07 mi) Toast 'N Jams
- (1.66 mi) The Deck Bbq & Beer
Muskegon State Park Information
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