A mile of flat, sandy service road separates Jackpine Hike-In Campground from the Pines Campground — Ludington State Park parking area, and that single mile makes a noticeable difference in atmosphere. The path is easy to walk, and campers have hauled gear in by wagon, bike trailer, and backpack. No cell service reaches the sites. The campground sits within Ludington State Park, forested and set back from the busier modern loops, with roughly eight sites marked by corner posts that define clear perimeters.
Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with tree cover providing shade across most of the area. Firewood can be ordered for delivery at check-in, which matters given park rules against collecting downed wood on site. Vault toilets are nearby and reviewers consistently describe them as clean and well-stocked. A water pump is on site, though at least one visitor found it closed during a spring trip, so confirming availability before arrival is worth the effort. Raccoons are active in the area and should factor into food storage decisions.
Lake Michigan sits just over a sand dune from the campground, a short walk up and over. The lighthouse is roughly a mile further along the same path, and foot traffic from day hikers passes through during daylight hours. "Lake Michigan is just up and over a sand dune," notes Rachel K., and the dune itself blocks a fair amount of wind off the water. Campers planning a first visit to the region can also browse camping near Ludington State Park for a broader look at what the area holds. Jackpine rewards those willing to carry their gear in.
Description
Ludington State Park is comprised of scenic sand dunes, a shoreline vista, ponds, marshlands and forests. It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of shoreline and beaches on both bodies of water. There are three modern campgrounds; Pines, Cedar and Beechwood. One of Michigan's most popular state parks, the Ludington State Park is comprised of nearly 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes, ponds, marshlands and forests. It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of shoreline and beaches on both bodies of water. Located within the Ludington State Park is the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJackpine Hike-In Campground is located in Michigan near Ludington
Public CampgroundDirections
Follow U.S. 10 west through the City of Ludington to Lakeshore Drive (M-116). Follow north 8 miles to the park. Located 100 mile northwest of Grand Rapids, 60 miles north of Muskegon.
Address
8800 W. M 116
Ludington, MI 49431
Coordinates
44.04444662 N
86.51172228 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Muskegon, MI
- 1 hr 58 min from Traverse City, MI
- 3 hrs 14 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 3 hrs 27 min from Green Bay, WI
