Silver Lake State Park

9679 W. State Park Road
Mears MI, 49436

231-873-3083
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

3000 (Acres)

Required

Silver Lake State Park encompasses 3,000 acres along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s home to nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a modern campground, a day-use area on inland Silver Lake and a popular 500-acre ORV scramble area.
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Event Information

Explorer Programs
Silver Lake State Park hosts weekly nature programs (PDF) in the park.

More Information

Silver Lake State Park is home to nearly 3 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, a modern campground, nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a day-use area on Silver Lake (inland lake) and Silver Lake ORV Area.

To expand off-season outdoor recreation, shoreline horseback riding and fat-tire bicycling takes place in the dunes and along the shoreline.

Silver Lake ORV Area – the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River – offers 450 acres of dunes open to ORV riding!

Thanks to Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association and Silver Lake Recreation Association for supporting the park.

View a 360-degree view of the dunes.

track chair iconComing soon! The park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – will expand access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair will be available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Campgrounds

Silver Lake-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(200)

Trails

Silver Lake ORV Area
Trail Length: 0.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Visit ThinkDunes.com for information on the local community surrounding the park.

Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions Item is accessible.
Alcohol Restrictions: Alcohol is prohibited in the ORV area, ORV welcome center area, pedestrian area and within .25 miles of the boundaries of the ORV scramble area.
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Silver Lake is stocked with walleye; however, fishing is more popular during the nonsummer months due to heavy boat traffic.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking: There are no designated trails in the park, but two-thirds of the dunes are for pedestrians only. Many visitors climb and walk the dunes. Please note that walking the dunes is considered more difficult. Parking is available at the pedestrian dune access parking lot, at the end of North Shore Drive.
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in most areas of the state park; however, you should call the 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.
Paddling Item is accessible.
Paddling: Paddling is a popular activity on Silver Lake. Please keep in mind that paddling equipment is not allowed inside the designated swim area. A number of local businesses rent paddling equipment.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline (3 miles) and the park’s inland lake, Silver Lake, in all areas other than the designated swim beach. 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 in the day-use area on Silver Lake. There are two beach wheelchairs available to borrow, one located at the park entrance booth near the lighthouse parking lot and the second at the campground office.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: An accessible beach house, located in the day-use area on inland Silver Lake, includes restrooms and family restrooms.
Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: A boat launch is in the day-use area on Silver Lake. The lake does not provide boat access to Lake Michigan. A number of local businesses rent watercrafts.
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: The Lighthouse Grill food trailer is set up near the Lake Michigan shoreline in the ORV areaMemorial Day Weekend Friday trhough Labor Day.
Lighthouse Item is accessible.
Lighthouse:

The iconic Little Sable Point Lighthouse is in the southern portion of the park and can be accessed by vehicle or bike. The 1874 tower stands more than 100 feet tall and still harbors its original third-order Fresnel lens.

There is a 10-foot-wide, paved, accessible walkway that leads to the base of the lighthouse. There are vault toilets.

The lighthouse is open for tours mid-May through October and is maintained by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. There is a gift shop and an entrance fee to climb the tower. The lighthouse tour includes a 130-step climb.

Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: There are modern restrooms in the beach house, located in the day-use area on Silver Lake, and in the ORV scramble area parking lot.
ORV Scramble Area Item is accessible.
ORV Scramble Area: The park is home to the 450-acre Silver Lake ORV scramble area, the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River. The area is very popular, especially on the weekends. Please learn about the voucher system and special rules and regulations ahead of time.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: There is a picnic area in the day-use area on Silver Lake that includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There are three picnic shelters located in the day-use area on Silver Lake that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical and a modern bathroom that are available first come, first served.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: An accessible playground featuring climbers, a slide and other play equipment, which all sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for those of all mobility levels, is in the day-use area on Silver Lake.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located on the south side of the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

Enjoy 3 miles of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan and the park’s inland lake, Silver Lake, located southeast of the dunes and adjacent to the campground.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety.