Cedar Campground

For Michiganders, Ludington State Park is a jewel in our state's park system, and nestled within its expansive beauty is Cedar Campground. This popular destination offers a quintessential Michigan camping experience, perfectly blending the allure of pristine natural landscapes with the convenience of modern amenities. It's a place where the towering pines meet the vast waters of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your next outdoor adventure.

Cedar Campground is known for its vibrant and activity-filled atmosphere, making it a particular favorite for families. While some state park campgrounds can be quite close-knit, Cedar offers a good mix, with many sites providing a sense of space amidst the wooded surroundings. Visitors consistently praise the "full service with bathrooms, showers and camp store," ensuring that your stay is comfortable and well-supported. The ease of access to both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake for "great swimming" and endless water activities is a major draw.

Whether your family enjoys hiking miles of scenic trails, tubing down the Big Sable River, exploring the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, or simply relaxing on one of Michigan's best beaches, Cedar Campground serves as an excellent home base. Its central location within Ludington State Park means you're never far from the action, promising a vacation filled with discovery and cherished memories. It’s no wonder that getting a reservation here often requires planning well in advance – it’s a truly sought-after Michigan experience.

Cedar Campground is perfectly situated within the renowned Ludington State Park, specifically located in Hamlin Township, MI 49411, USA. This places it in a highly desirable and accessible region of West Michigan, a popular vacation destination for residents from across the state. Ludington State Park itself is famed for being a sprawling, 5,300-acre paradise nestled between the majestic shores of Lake Michigan and the calmer waters of Hamlin Lake.

Within Ludington State Park, Cedar Campground is centrally located between Beechwood and Pines Campgrounds. This position makes it a convenient hub for accessing many of the park's key features. You can easily walk or bike to the stunning Lake Michigan beach, known for its vast sands and breathtaking sunsets. Access to Hamlin Lake, ideal for calmer waters and families with younger kids, is also a breeze. The campground is notably "closest to the camp store," making it simple to grab essentials, rent bikes, or purchase firewood and ice.

Accessibility to Ludington State Park from various parts of Michigan is straightforward, typically via major state highways like US-31. Once inside the park, well-maintained roads lead directly to Cedar Campground. While the park can get very busy, especially during peak summer months, the internal road network ensures relatively easy navigation to your campsite. Its proximity to the city of Ludington (just a 10-minute drive) means quick access to additional groceries, restaurants, and other urban amenities, providing the best of both worlds – immersed in nature yet close to conveniences. The ability to "float down the creek to Lake Michigan" directly from the park also highlights the seamless integration of water adventures with the campground's location.

Cedar Campground, as part of Ludington State Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors, particularly those seeking a modern state park setting.

• Electric Campsites: Cedar Campground features 115 sites, with 110 of them offering electrical service (20- or 30-amp). This is a significant convenience for RVs and trailers, allowing for lights, climate control, and charging devices.
• Tent-Only Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional experience, there are eight designated tent-only sites available, which do not have electricity but are within walking distance of modern restrooms and showers.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides "modern restrooms and shower buildings," including a family restroom. These facilities are generally well-maintained and clean, offering hot showers, a highly valued amenity for campers.
• Camp Store (Dune Grass Concessions): Located at the front of Cedar Campground, the Dune Grass Concessions store offers a variety of conveniences, including bike rentals, firewood, ice, grocery items, and souvenirs.
• Sanitation Station: While individual sites do not have sewer hookups, a sanitation/dump station is conveniently located near the park's camper registration station, about 2 miles south of the main park entrance. Additionally, a walk-up sanitation station geared toward tote-along waste tanks is available in the campground's east loop.
• Potable Water: Drinking water faucets are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh water.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Playground: A playground is located adjacent to Cedar Campground, providing a dedicated space for children to play and burn off energy. There's also an accessible playground at the Hamlin Lake Beach House.
• Accessibility Features: Ludington State Park is increasingly focused on accessibility. This includes an accessible playground at Hamlin Lake, an accessible kayak/canoe launch on Hamlin Lake, and even an Action Track Chair available for use to access beaches and some trails for those with mobility issues.
• Concessions at Beaches: Beyond the camp store, concession stands offering food, ice cream, and beach equipment are located at both the Lake Michigan beach house and Hamlin Lake beach house.
• Bike Rentals: Bikes can be rented directly from the Dune Grass Concessions store in Cedar Campground, making it easy to explore the park's extensive bike paths.

Cedar Campground, situated within the dynamic Ludington State Park, boasts an array of features and highlights that make it one of Michigan's most beloved camping destinations. It truly offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

• Dual Lake Access (Lake Michigan & Hamlin Lake): This is perhaps the most significant highlight. Campers have "easy access to Lake Hamlin and Lake Michigan for great swimming." Lake Michigan offers vast sandy beaches and stunning sunsets, while Hamlin Lake provides calmer, warmer waters perfect for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and families with younger children. A designated "dog beach" north of the Big Sable River is also a hit with pet owners.
• Extensive Trail System: The park offers over "18 miles of scenic park trails," including both paved and unpaved options. Highlights include the Skyline Trail with elevated boardwalks offering dune views, and the opportunity to hike to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse (a 1.8-mile walk/bike one-way). Many appreciate that "The hiking trails are some of the best."
• Modern and Clean Facilities: The "full service with bathrooms, showers and camp store" is consistently praised. "Modern restrooms and showers" are available, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• On-Site Camp Store: The presence of the Dune Grass Concessions store right in Cedar Campground is a major convenience for necessities, bike rentals, and treats like ice cream.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The campground is widely regarded as "Super family-friendly," with a lively atmosphere and a playground nearby. There are plenty of activities and spaces for kids to enjoy themselves.
• Tubing and Paddling on Big Sable River: Visitors can "Float down the creek to Lake Michigan" via the Big Sable River, making for a unique and enjoyable water experience. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available within the park.
• Fishing Opportunities: Excellent fishing is available in Hamlin Lake (pike, bass, perch) and Lake Michigan (salmon, trout, steelhead in season), as well as along the Big Sable River.
• Big Sable Point Lighthouse: This historic 112-foot tall beacon (built in 1876) is a must-visit. Visitors can hike or bike to it and even climb to the top for "breathtaking views over the lake" during open hours.
• Accessibility Enhancements: Ludington State Park is actively working to be more accessible, with features like an accessible playground, kayak launch, and Action Track Chairs for mobility-impaired visitors to enjoy the beaches and trails.
• Year-Round Camping: Cedar Campground is notably "the only one of the four campgrounds that is open all year long," offering winter camping opportunities for those brave enough to enjoy Michigan's colder months.

As a Michigan State Park campground, Cedar Campground's pricing and "promotions" are primarily governed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fee structure. Direct commercial discounts or traditional "special offers" in the private sector sense are not typically offered. However, Michiganders can benefit from:

• Michigan Recreation Passport: This is the most significant "offer" for Michigan residents. By purchasing the $13 annual Recreation Passport when renewing their license plate, residents gain unlimited entry to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas for the year, including Ludington State Park and thus Cedar Campground. This provides immense value for frequent park visitors. Non-residents can also purchase a daily or annual Recreation Passport.
• Reservations: While not a discount, the ability to reserve campsites up to six months in advance through MiDNRReservations.com or by calling 1-800-447-2757 is a crucial benefit given the park's popularity. This ensures you secure a coveted spot.
• Value of Amenities: The standard camping fee (which varies by season and site type, but includes amenities like modern restrooms, hot showers, and access to all park features) represents excellent value given the extensive recreational opportunities and well-maintained facilities available. While one reviewer found it "expensive" at $32+ a night, many consider this a worthwhile investment for the quality of the experience.
• Seasonal Availability: Cedar Campground's unique feature of being open year-round, unlike other campgrounds in the park, offers value by extending camping opportunities beyond the peak summer season, potentially at different rates during quieter months.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping fees, Recreation Passport details, and reservation availability, it is best to visit the Michigan DNR website (Michigan.gov/DNR) or contact the park directly.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about planning your visit to Cedar Campground within Ludington State Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Hamlin Township, MI 49411, USA (located within Ludington State Park)
• Ludington State Park Local Office Phone: (231) 843-2423
• Michigan DNR Reservations (for booking campsites): 1-800-447-2757 or visit MiDNRReservations.com
• Dune Grass Concessions (for store and bike rentals in Cedar Campground): (231) 843-1888

Given the high demand for campsites, especially during summer and holiday weekends, it is highly recommended that Michiganders make reservations well in advance. Calling the local park office can be helpful for specific park information and conditions, while the DNR reservation line is essential for securing your camping spot.

For Michiganders, Cedar Campground within Ludington State Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable camping destination that perfectly encapsulates the "Pure Michigan" experience. Its location in Hamlin Township offers the ideal blend of accessibility from various parts of the state and immersion in some of Michigan's most iconic natural landscapes. This means less travel time and more time enjoying the outdoors that we call home.

What truly makes Cedar Campground a favorite among locals is the unparalleled access it provides to both the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and the tranquil waters of Hamlin Lake. Whether it's swimming on a vast sandy beach, catching a sunset over the big lake, or enjoying a calm paddle on Hamlin Lake, the diversity of water activities caters to every family member. The extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including the path to the historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, ensures endless opportunities for exploration and exercise right outside your tent or RV.

The presence of modern, clean facilities, including hot showers and flushing toilets, along with the convenience of an on-site camp store for essentials and bike rentals, elevates the camping experience, making it comfortable and hassle-free. This combination of amenities with the raw beauty of the state park provides the perfect balance that many Michiganders seek. While it's a bustling and family-friendly environment, the sheer volume of activities and natural attractions means there's always something to do, ensuring that memories are made and cherished. Cedar Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a quintessential Michigan adventure waiting to happen, a place where locals return year after year to reconnect with nature and create lasting family traditions.