Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Mears, MI
A wide dune field between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan with an off-road area for vehicles and a separate pedestrian area. Part of Silver Lake State Park; a recreation passport is needed.
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are a dune field on Michigan's west coast near Mears in Oceana County, between Lake Michigan to the west and Silver Lake, about 280 hectares, to the east. They belong to Silver Lake State Park, which covers roughly 1,200 hectares.
The off-road vehicle area of about 180 hectares is the special feature: according to a travel article (Travel Awaits) these are the only dunes east of the Mississippi open to privately owned off-road vehicles (ORVs). When queues build up, a voucher system manages the parking lot. If you would rather not drive yourself, Mac Wood's offers a dune ride of about 40 minutes over roughly 11 kilometres with a stop at the summit, no reservation needed.
On foot, the Old Baldy Trail in Mears State Park is worth the effort, a walk of about 1.6 kilometres to a dune with a view of Lake Michigan. According to the same article the Little Sable Point Lighthouse of 1874 in Silver Lake State Park is open from late May to late September. A Recreation Passport is required in Michigan's state parks. Operating details date from 2021 to 2024; please check hours and ORV rules in advance.
- Nearest town
- Mears, MI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.6700, -86.5080
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Silver Lake State Park CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Silver Lake Sand DunesTentsCaravans
- Hideaway CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Silver Lake Sand DunesTentsMotorhomes
- Val-Du-Lakes CampgroundMotorhome stopover2 mi from Silver Lake Sand DunesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Stony Haven Campground & CabinsMotorhome stopover8 mi from Silver Lake Sand DunesTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Poncho's PondMotorhome stopover20 mi from Silver Lake Sand Dunes · 363 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Cartier Park CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Silver Lake Sand DunesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Silver Lake Sand Dunes?
Silver Lake Sand Dunes is in Mears, MI, at GPS 43.6700, -86.5080. It is about 20 mi from Ludington.
Can you camp near Silver Lake Sand Dunes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Silver Lake State Park Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Silver Lake Sand Dunes?
Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Michigan’s sunset coast: Saugatuck to Ludington.
What is there to see near Silver Lake Sand Dunes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ludington State Park (25 mi), Grand Haven South Pierhead Lights (44 mi), Windmill Island Gardens (64 mi) and Mount Baldhead (72 mi).
When is the best time to visit Silver Lake Sand Dunes?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)