Michigan State Park With the Most Campsites: Find Your Next Forest Getaway
Jun, 5 2025
If you're hunting for the Michigan state park with the most campsites, Ludington State Park tops the list. This spot has more than 350 campsites spread across several wooded campgrounds. For anyone who loves that classic forest camping vibe—lots of trees, winding shaded roads, and that piney campground smell—Ludington pretty much spoils you.
Here's the deal: spots go insanely fast, especially for summer weekends. Reservation windows open six months ahead, and locals know to set a reminder for midnight. If you're thinking of rolling in without a reservation mid-July, good luck—there's a reason people plan for months. Keep this in mind if you're traveling with a big family or a bunch of friends.
- The Top Michigan State Park for Camping
- What Sets This Park Apart
- How to Book a Campsite Without Stress
- Other Forest-Rich State Parks Worth Checking Out
- Tips for an Awesome Stay in Michigan’s Forest Campgrounds
The Top Michigan State Park for Camping
When you’re looking for the Michigan state park with the biggest camping footprint, it’s hard to miss Ludington State Park. This place is the biggest name for forest camping in the state parks system, hands down. Ludington packs in 355 modern campsites across its three big campgrounds—Pines, Cedar, and Beechwood—all tucked between beautiful woods and dunes along Lake Michigan.
Just so you don’t need to dig through a bunch of websites, check out the numbers:
| Campground Name | # of Sites | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pines | 98 | Mature forest, easy beach access |
| Cedar | 107 | Closest to river, trails, most private sites |
| Beechwood | 150 | Mix of sun and shade, heart of the park |
Ludington is popular for a reason. It’s not just about the numbers, but how everything’s set up. The campsites are mostly wooded, so you’re not stuck on a giant open field. There’s enough space between most sites to make it feel less like a parking lot and more like the woods. Modern restrooms, plenty of water spigots, and paved roads make camping here an easy sell, even for first-timers.
This Michigan state park also backs up to over 5,000 acres of forest, miles of hiking and biking trails, and has some of the best swimming beaches in the state park system. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse hike is a classic that starts right from the campground and gives you serious bragging rights (and good Instagram photos).
What’s wild is that some families have been coming here for decades. Weekends from late June to mid-August sell out like concert tickets. If you’re after peace and quiet, aim for a weekday or hit early June—there’s still that fresh smell of pine, but half the crowds.
What Sets This Park Apart
Ludington State Park doesn’t just lead the state for campsite numbers—it delivers on what campers actually want. For starters, the park has Michigan state parks’ biggest campground, split into Pines, Cedar, and Beechwood loops, all bordering thick forests and a slice of Lake Michigan shoreline. That’s a rare combo—huge forest camping, plus epic beach access in one place.
Got an army of kids or just don’t feel like hiking everywhere? There’s a paved bike trail running right from the campsites to the beach area and the historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Walk it, roll it, or rent a Surrey bike right in the park.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Campsites | 355 |
| Shady + Wooded Sites | Most sites, especially in Pines loop |
| Lake Michigan Access | Over 1 mile of sandy shoreline |
| Hiking/Biking Trails | 21 miles total, including popular Lost Lake Trail |
| Kayak/Canoe Rentals | Yes, from Hamlin Lake concession stand |
| Showers/Flush Toilets | All loops |
| Season | Open April through November |
You’re surrounded by trees, but you also get tons of amenities. There’s a big camp store with ice cream, firewood, and anything you forgot. If you want activities, it’s easy to rent a canoe, hike to see rare birds, or catch one of those crazy Lake Michigan sunsets—walk straight from your site to the dunes in under ten minutes.
Bonus: Even if you don’t get the best site, everything is close enough that you don’t have to worry about dragging the cooler or toddlers for miles.
How to Book a Campsite Without Stress
Snagging a campsite at Michigan’s most popular parks seems almost like a competitive sport. If you want one of those prime forest campsites at Ludington State Park, you’ve got to know the system or you’ll probably miss out.
First, all Michigan state park campsites are booked through the official online portal at MiDNRReservations.com. Reservations open exactly six months ahead of your arrival date, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. If you’re aiming for a popular weekend—especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day—you’ll want to be online and ready to go right when booking opens.
- Create an account on the reservation site before your booking day. Fill out all your info so you aren’t wasting precious time during checkout.
- Know the exact dates and campground names—Ludington has multiple camping loops, including Pines, Cedar, and Beechwood.
- Use the online map to pick a site number, especially if you care about privacy, being close to the beach or trails, or want full shade.
- If you miss out, set up alerts—sites get canceled and pop up randomly, especially in the two weeks before a weekend.
Here’s a cheat sheet for Ludington booking:
| Campground | Total Sites | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pines | 98 | Woods, closest to trailhead |
| Beechwood | 147 | Shade, easy walk to Lake Michigan |
| Cedar | 108 | Spacious sites, quieter vibe |
Quick tip: If you’re flexible, try weekdays—open spots are much easier to find Tuesday through Thursday. And don’t forget vehicle entrance fees for all Michigan state parks; you’ll need a Recreation Passport, which you can buy when you renew your license plate or right at the park entrance.
Once you master the timing, you’ll get your pick of the best Michigan state park campsites, no drama.
Other Forest-Rich State Parks Worth Checking Out
If you can't snag a site at Ludington State Park, don't stress. Michigan is stacked with other forest-heavy campgrounds that are perfect for nature lovers and anyone hunting for the Michigan state parks experience. These parks offer a real mix—some are bigger, some are quieter. But they all let you wake up with the trees right outside your tent or camper.
Here are some top contenders when it comes to forest camping:
- Hartwick Pines State Park (Grayling): Famous for its rare old-growth pine forest, this park gives you over 9,000 acres to wander and 100+ campsites shaded by century-old trees. You get a mellow, woodsy vibe, especially if you choose the Pines loop.
- Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon): You get two parks here—North Higgins Lake and South Higgins Lake. Both surround the brilliant blue lake and offer thick forest cover. South Higgins has more than 300 campsites nestled under big oaks and pines.
- P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon): This one's a favorite for folks who want hiking and wandering the dunes, but Hoffmaster's campground sits in a forest with 290+ campsites and quick access to the woods or Lake Michigan beaches.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon): Want remote? Head up to the UP where "the Porkies" give you real wilderness and about 63 modern sites in a massive, thickly forested park. Serious hikers and tent campers love it for the views and deep quiet.
Here's how these parks stack up by the numbers:
| State Park | Modern Campsites | Notable Forest Feature | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ludington State Park | 360+ | Mixed hardwood and pine forests | West Michigan |
| South Higgins Lake State Park | 350+ | Big oaks and pines, lakefront | Central Michigan |
| P.J. Hoffmaster State Park | 297 | Forested dunes and woodland | Lake Michigan Shore |
| Hartwick Pines State Park | 100+ | Old-growth white pine stands | Northern Michigan |
| Porcupine Mountains Wilderness | 63 (modern sites) | Deep UP wilderness, maple & birch | Upper Peninsula |
Finding the "best" spot can depend on what you want. If you want big, social campgrounds with lots of other families, Higgins Lake is your jam. Looking for a remote adventure? Try the Porkies. Wherever you end up, Michigan doesn’t make you settle for anything less than true forest camping with plenty of room to build some memories.
Tips for an Awesome Stay in Michigan’s Forest Campgrounds
Getting the most out of a Michigan forest camping trip isn’t just about picking the right park. There are some practical things experienced campers swear by to make the whole experience way less stressful—and way more fun.
- Book early. Seriously, those forest spots at Ludington State Park are snatched up almost as soon as they go live. The DNR's online system opens exactly six months in advance, at 8 a.m. Set a reminder. If you wait, you’re betting on a cancellation.
- Don’t forget bug gear. Mosquitos in June and July? Ruthless. Bring strong repellent, keep your tent zipped, and consider a portable screen tent for evening hangouts.
- Prepare for sand and dirt. Forest campgrounds like Ludington, Tahquamenon Falls, and Hartwick Pines get sandy fast. Floor mats and a handheld broom are life savers for keeping your tent or camper from turning into a sandbox.
- Firewood: Buy local. Michigan’s DNR is strict about not moving firewood between regions to avoid spreading pests. Luckily, most parks sell bundles on-site—grab some when you check in so you’re not left without a fire night one.
- Cell reception can be spotty, especially under heavy tree cover. Download maps and trail guides before coming or grab a printed map at the entrance.
"Michigan’s state forest campgrounds offer a real escape, but you have to plan ahead—pack for bugs, know the rules about firewood, and expect limited cell service. The extra prep is worth it."
—Paul Yauk, Michigan Department of Natural Resources State Trails Coordinator
If you’re traveling with kids, look up which parks have junior ranger programs or special nature talks. Ludington and Tahquamenon, for example, often have free weekend activities like nature hikes, scavenger hunts, or even star-gazing nights.
Here’s a quick look at the stuff you’ll want to have ready for a Michigan forest camping trip:
| Must-Have Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Bug spray & Thermacell | The biting flies and mosquitoes kick in by late spring |
| Local firewood | Follows state rules and supports the park |
| Tent footprint or tarp | Ground is often sandy or root-covered |
| Bike or scooter | Many park roads are bike-friendly—great for kids |
| Rain gear & tarps | Pop-up storms are common in July and August |
Last thing: campsites at big parks like Ludington have electric and modern bathrooms, but smaller forest spots can be rustic. Double check your site details so there are no surprises when you show up.