Warren Dunes State Park

12032 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer MI, 49125

1500 (Acres)

Required

The park is home to 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 6 miles of hiking trails and two campgrounds. A rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views.
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Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

Warren Dunes State Park provides 1,500 acres of recreational opportunities along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. Its rugged dune formation, rising 260 feet above the lake, offers spectacular views and is excellent for hang gliding (permit is required). The park is home to 3 miles of shoreline, 6 miles of hiking trails and two popular campgrounds.

The unofficial gateway to Michigan’s state park system from the west, the park is home to an extensive network of richly forested dunes, large open dunes and interdunal wetlands. It also features significant bird diversity because it is a stopover location on a bird migration route.

track chair iconThe park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Campgrounds

Warren Dunes- Youth Group Use Campground
269-426-4013
(6)
Warren Dunes-Hilldebrandt Semi-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(37)
Warren Dunes-Mt. Randall Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(182)
Warren Dunes-Rustic Mini Cabins
800-447-2757
(3)

Trails

Warren Dunes-Blue Jay Trail
Trail Length: 0.75 (Miles)
Warren Dunes-Cross-Country Ski Trail
Trail Length: 3.00 (Miles)
Warren Dunes-Golden Rod Loop
Trail Length: 0.33 (Miles)
Warren Dunes-Mt. Randall Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)
Warren Dunes-Nature Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)
Warren Dunes-Red Squirrel
Trail Length: 0.66 (Miles)
Warren Dunes-White Tail Trail
Trail Length: 0.80 (Miles)
Warren Dunes-Yellow Birch Loop
Trail Length: 1.20 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions Item is accessible.
Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the park April 1 through Sept. 30 (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: Third Coast Surf rents stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and paddleboats at the north end of beach parking lot 2. Open Monday-Friday 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday noon to 6 p.m., mid-May through Labor Day.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity on Lake Michigan. Third Coast Surf provides rentals at the north end of beach parking lot 2.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed north of the northernmost swim buoy at the beach, providing 2.5 miles of shoreline open to pets. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming:

A designated swim area is located along the day-use area on Lake Michigan. There are three 100-foot, accessible walkways between the day-use sidewalk and the water (please note the walkway doesn’t quite meet the water’s edge). There are also two beach/aqua wheelchairs available to borrow at the ranger station.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water.

Facilities (Display as List)

Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: There are four food trucks (hamburgers, hotdogs, ice cream, tacos and more) located in the beach parking lot May through Labor Day weekend. In addition, food truck are often open on nice weekends in September too.
Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: There are three accessible bathroom buildings located within the day-use area on the beach. Each bathroom building offers two foot showers and bottle fillers.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: There are five picnic areas located along the main entrance road leading to the beach area.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter located near the campground that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

Enjoy 3 miles of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water.