Sunday, October 14, 2018

Ludington State Park Fall Camping

Rainer Maria Rilke said that, “At no other time than autumn does the earth itself be inhaled in one smell, the ripe earth; in a smell that is in no way inferior to the smell of the sea, bitter where it borders on taste, and more honey-sweet where you feel it touching the first sounds. Containing depth within itself...”

The other side of the dam. 

Fall is the perfect season to camp if you want to see the beautiful colors around you. 

It was a travel defined by being immersed in the glorious beauty of October when the verdure alternates between being crisply golden and fiery red. Valleys are aflame and trees adorned the transient beauty of everything around it.

We are blessed to have kind neighbors, Mark and Stacey, who allowed us to use their camper. The luxury of comfortable bed, complete amenities such as water, electricity and furnace was beyond what our grateful heart could express.

We are sincerely appreciative of Zack, Samantha and their kind family for allowing us to join their group. Of course, for the gift of friendship that Heather and Randy shared with us. The time spent with them was the best ever filled with love and laughter. Certainly, camping is a relaxing vacation if you are in the right place and with the right people.

Clear water and colorful trees are everywhere. 

Fishing is one of the activities that you can do and this is a famous place for salmon, lake trout, steelhead, and brown trout.

The Campground
Ludington State Park encompasses nearly 5,300 acres featuring lighthouse, forests, sand dunes, dam, and miles of clean water. Midwest Living magazine voted this state park as the Number one state park in the Midwest.

There are three modern campgrounds- Pines, Cedar and Beechwood- with a combined total of 355 campsites including three mini cabins. We Stayed at Cedar Lot 162 which is right beside the restrooms. All the sites have electricity and modern bathroom facilities.

The park has only remote tent sites but they don’t have electricity and toilet facilities are rustic.

Our first morning was spent biking in trails and visiting the dam. 

"The scarlet of the maples can shake me like a cry of bugles going by. And my lonely spirit thrills to see the frosty asters like a smoke upon the hills." -Bliss Carman-

One of the best features of the park is its trail system. There are eight separately marked foot trails that wind for 21.5 miles throughout woods and over the dunes. A paved biking and hiking trails runs along the Big Sable River linking the campgrounds to Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake day use areas, and the amphitheater.
Bicycles are allowed on park roads and the non-paved Lighthouse Road,
but not on any foot trails or cross-country ski trails. 

My husband with Sam's dog, Rosie. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and they are not allowed on the beach. 

PARK INFORMATION:
Recreation passport: Just 11$ when purchased with your license plate registration renewal. $16 at State Parks.
Beautiful colors, clear water. 

Invasive insects and diseases have killed millions of trees in Michigan. 

CAMPING RATES:
20/30 AMP Modern Campsite $33 per night
50 AMP Modern Campsite $37 per night
Mini Cabin $52 per night

Check their official website for updated rate.

One of the picturesque sceneries you will see while hiking on the trail 



There are 21.5 miles of hiking trail, 10 miles of cross-country ski trails, a 2-mile bicycle trail and a 4-mile canoe trail. 

Hiking trails are generally very well marked but a map from the park rangers' station will come in handy. 

Beautiful views of dunes and water that never get boring. 

Father and daughter. Thank you, Sam for allowing us to join your group. 

One of the most romantic places you will ever find. 


Transporting firewood is not allowed because of the fear of invasive insects and diseases. You need to purchase on the premises or from nearby vendors who sell USDA-certified firewood.

The Ludington State Park dam. 


Big Sable Point Lighthouse was honored as 2013 Featured Lighthouse of the Year for the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival

The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan and remains a testament to lighthouse keepers of the past

You can purchase a Trex board that will be used in the new walkway around Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Each engraved board costs $100 and allows 25 characters on one line. 




SANITATION STATION: The station is located two miles south of the Big Sable River at the Camper Registration station. My husband was not aware of this so we drove directly to the campground and needed to go back and register. This is where you also fill your camper tank with water which we failed to do since it was our first time.

Thank you, Mark and Stacey for the camper! 

RESERVATIONS: Advance camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance. My husband’s daughter, Samantha, made our reservation three months prior since this is known to be a really busy place. Reservations can be made by visiting this website.

Morning walk with Heather and Randy. 

Best buds, David and Randy who prepared our breakfast. 




This giant fish was caught by this boy. Memorable way to end our vacation. 

93 comments:

  1. Great read on Ludington Park, what a huge catch you got btw!

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    1. It was the kid we don't know who caught it. :) Thanks!

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  2. I have never been to such a place especially the fall winter time. I love trees during that time of the year, the parks filled with maple and other trees that shred beige and red leaves. Awww it must be so romantic :)

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  3. Oh wow! your pictures are amazing. That looks so beautiful with all of the stunning autumn colours!! LOVE!

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    1. Thank you! It was definitely beautiful!

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  4. What beautiful photos! It's really lovely there. I am still waiting for fall leaves down here. Looks like a wonderful trip!

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    1. The part where we live doesn't seem to have the full colors yet but this place definitely looks amazing!

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  5. Camping is love and I love the view there. Its lovely. Lovely clicks though, must say.

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  6. This looks so good, I really enjoy a bit of camping myself. I love all the pictures and it looks like th weather was kind to you.

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    1. We had really good days though it was extremely cold. Thank you!

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  7. Such a beautiful post to drink my coffee to x

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  8. that looks like so much fun, camping during fall never thought of doing that.

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    1. It's beautiful and yes it was a lot fun!

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  9. Wow! What a great hangout with your husband :) Love your pictures <3

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  10. Your pictures are amazing. I just love the autumn colours. Unfortunately we don't have the four seasons in my county. Look like you had so much fun.

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    1. I came from a country with no four seasons, too and everything is a new experience for me.

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  11. I am loving the beautiful photos here. I love how pretty the autumn season is. I can see you had a great time.

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    1. Thank you! It was a really fun experience!

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  12. Elizabeth OOctober 16, 2018

    This looks like a beautiful place to camp. The pictures you took are just lovely and it seems like you had the best time.

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    1. Thank you! We did have a really good time.

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  13. Looks so relaxing and so cute! i absolutely love it. Fall camping is absolutely special, totally not like one during spring or esp summer. And it is way more calm and quiet.

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  14. Se manifique moments captured. Great views and vibes.
    my mom and sister would love this!

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  15. This place looks so beautiful <3 I would love to visit

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  16. This seems like an amazing place to camp at, whatever time of the year. But I can just imagine how amazing the experienec is in autumn, with all those colours around you, and that slight chill in the air!

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    1. It's so busy during summer so it's hard to get booking but you can make an advance booking.

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  17. Great pictures - Autumn is such a beautiful season - I would take the beautiful browns of Autumn over the exhausting summer sun any day

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    1. Uhm, maybe the colors are beautiful but it's hard getting rid of leaves.

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  18. Amazing fall colours and camping 🏕 spot.. wish I could visit it.. 👍🏻

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  19. This park is stunning I love all of the Autumn colors! Unless I go up north I don't really get to see that where I am.

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  20. This park is gorgeous. I think that I would enjoy it. It's ashame that I've never been camping but my 6 year old has. Keep sharing your beautiful travels.

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    1. Thank you! It was nothing what I expected it to be. Quite luxurious having the camper.

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  21. Camping can be great fun, especially when it is executed at such beautiful place.

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    1. and with the comfort of the camper. lol

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  22. This looks like so much fun! The pictures are all so wonderful!

    Xoxo Elizabeth | www.akeenesenseofstyle.com

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  23. Looks like you had a blast. It’s always a good thing when you can bring your pets!!

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    1. We didn't bring ours because they bark a lot. That's the dog of my husband's daughter.

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  24. 21.5 miles hiking trail.... Awesome..... Great for jogging all the way and immerse in the beauty of fall.... It must be like walking in a canvas..... You're one lucky girl....

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    1. Yes, though it was cold a lot of people were jogging.

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  25. What a gorgeous camp site! It is such a magical places. It kind makes me sad through because my mom loves camping at state parks. And, since I am older and live half the world away, I can't enjoy it with her that much anymore.

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    1. Sorry to hear that. This State Park is quite known for its camping site.

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  26. Awesome pictures! That water looked beautiful

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  27. Looks like a great fall place to go out and camp. Love the fall weather and the leaves and I'm all for a good place to camp. This looks perfect.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, it was definitely a great place!

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  28. Wow. What a beautiful park. I would love to go there. The parks in America are better than the ones in the US i think - stunning!

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  29. I love to see that other people enjoy camping this time of year too! I get that it is cold, but you just need to be prepared for that. We love that the camp areas and trails are always so quiet when we camp in the fall. Thanks for the recommendation

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    1. We stayed at a camper and it has all the amenities needed including the heat furnace.

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  30. Nina, this place is very lovely! The serene lake, the falling leaves, the climate, OMG. I am sold!

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    1. Thank you! It's a really beautiful place!

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  31. Wow I wanted to experience autumn! Thank you for sharing this!

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  32. Couple goals. I will love to try camping some day.

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  33. I love camping! This are such great pictures. Thanks for sharing!

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  34. I don't go camping but this place looks amazing. Fabulous photos!

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  35. So much beauty. Love all the pictures and the fall colors..<3

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  36. Love picnics and camping. I just love the autumn season, it's beautiful! By the way, cool bike.

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    1. I can't ride a usual bicycle so I need this Terra trike. lol

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  37. What a beautiful looking place!

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  38. Oh this looks absolutely awesome! I love the leaves in Autumn!

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  40. Autumn is my favorite season. The falling leaves makes the city as if it is a canvas and God's making the best painting !!! The campground looks looks beautiful !!!

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  41. Beautiful photos! I have never been but I anticipate that this is definitely a place in should put on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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  42. I love the autumnal colours in these pictures. Northern Michigan looks so picturesque!

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    1. Yes. It's one of the best places to visit during Autumn.

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  43. We love camping too. Great pictures. Looks like you guys had a great time.

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    1. Yes, we definitely had such a great time!

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  44. I have been there before in the summer. Lovely place. Thanks for sharing. You take great pics.

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  45. Wow what an amazing place and photos! I wish there was a place like this near us in the UK

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    1. Do you have the four seasons also? My sisters live in Ireland and they said they do have snow but not as much as what we get here.

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  46. Wow beautiful photography I love it

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  47. This is a very detailed post. Lovely park. I'm going to invite my friends on this camping trip before it gets too cold.

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    1. I believe they're still open even during winter.

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  48. Fall time is truly blissful. Though it is sad for trees to lost its beauty but they shine more than ever during fall. Beautiful pictures!

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    1. It's also beautiful during winter there's a lot of snow.

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  49. Love all your captures shared here, I wish to experience autumn too. Thank you for sharing
    Cheers, siennylovesdrawing

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