Having been raised in West Michigan, Ludington is one of the most beloved towns of my childhood adventures. I grew up camping in Ludington a few weeks each year, and love the town, its beaches, and the beauty it offers.
getting to Ludington
Ludington is about 1.5 hours north of Grand Rapids, situated along the shores of Lake Michigan. Consider flying into Grand Rapids and renting a car if you’re from out of town - you’ll definitely want a car up there. There’s so much to do!
where we stayed
I grew up camping at Poncho’s Pond, a campground / RV park with hundreds of sites, a few pools, and plenty of other amenities. If you’re looking for a more high-end campground, this is the one! It books up quickly, so if you know the dates you’re hoping to go, book early.
Most recently, we camped at Ludington State Park. They have plenty of sites, but also book quickly. Since it’s managed by the Michigan DNR, their sites open for booking 6 months in advance. The bathrooms are reasonably nice, and there’s access to Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake (a beautiful inland lake), as well. You will need a Michigan recreation passport to enter, so be ready to buy that if you don’t have one already.
Ludington (and the surrounding area) has plenty of other campgrounds, hotels, bed & breakfast’s and more — but be sure to book quickly.
delicious food & drinks
Dairy Queen - Located right outside Poncho’s Pond, Dairy Queen blizzards and chocolate shakes were a staple of childhood camping.
Jamesport Brewing Company - Delicious, traditional American food, such as burgers, salads, and the like.
Ludington Bay Brewing Company - Once again, your standard American brewery food, with some fantastic local beer, wine and cider options.
Downtown Ludington’s website has a more complete list of places to eat and drink, which I’d recommend consulting for the most updated menus and ratings.
things we did
Since we were in Ludington for a few days, the itinerary was short and packed. If you’re traveling with young kids, I’d recommend taking full advantage of the beach!
Here’s some of our favorite things:
Boating on Hamlin Lake - My father in law graciously took us on a boat ride around Hamlin Lake. They also have kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards available to rent at Hamlin Lake.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse - The hike to Big Sable Point is very easy and flat (you can go inland or along the shores of Lake Michigan), and for a small fee, you can walk the stairs to the top of the lighthouse. I personally wouldn’t advise it if you’re scared of heights, and I think there are age limitations for kids.
Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery - Todd and Brad Reed are a father-son outdoor photography team based in Ludington, and I’ve loved their work since I started visiting Ludington as a kid. Their gallery is full of books and images to purchase, featuring Ludington and other Michigan wonders.
Lost Lake Trail - Ludington State Park has plenty of great hiking trails, and Lost Lake is by far my favorite (most of it due to childhood nostalgia, but the views are great, too!). It’s very easy to do with kids, and there are places to stop and swim in Hamlin Lake, as well.
SS Badger - One of Ludington’s unique features is its carferry, which makes daily trips during the summer to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. You can visit their website for fares and other information. If you’re not into boats and overnight trips, you can watch the Badger leave or return from the marina (Harbor View or Municipal) or breakwater lighthouse.
Beaches - Ludington has miles of great shoreline. Ludington State Park and the city beach both are easily accessible. Stick around for a sunset after a day of swimming!
