Michigan’s Epic Adventure Guide for Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Visit Silver Lake Sand Dunes for Thrilling Adventures the Whole Family Will Love
Adrenaline filled sand dune rides, soft sandy beaches, and family-friendly activities can all be found in the lively beach town of Mears, Michigan. Silver Lake draws visitors from all over the Great Lakes state to explore and conquer the nearly 2,000 acres of sandy dunes. The experience of riding on the dunes is hard to find anywhere else in the Midwest. If you’re contemplating planning a trip to Silver Lake this summer, here is your guide with tons of tips for visiting Silver Lake. We’re sharing our honest reviews of campgrounds and lodgings, the best places to eat and kid-friendly things to do with the family.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse at Silver Lake
Why We Love It
This is a one of a kind experience in the Midwest area. Not only can you ride the dunes during your stay but you can also get a sky high view of Lake Michigan from the top of Little Sable Point Lighthouse, play at Craig’s Cruisers and fuel up at Chicken Shack with food and drinks, plus live music. With tons of options for campgrounds and lodgings it’s the perfect summer vacation to create family memories together.
Explore the Dunes
Dunes Beach can only be reached by trekking over the sand dunes or by boat
Unlike Sleeping Bear Dunes, there are multiple ways you can experience the Silver Lake Sand Dunes situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. Ride, sandboard, or climb the dunes during your stay.
Sand Boarding
Try out the fun and challenge sport of sand boarding with rentals at Silver Lake Sandbox. They have both adult and youth sleds available. Prices $10 per hour or $30/day.
Hike to Dunes Beach
During your stay, if you’re up for a trek over the sand dunes, Dunes Beach is a well earned reward since there is no easy footpath to this destination, unless you access it by boat. If you’re bringing your boat, you can launch from Silver Lake State Park and anchor at Dunes Beach. It’s a popular spot to relax for the day!
TIP Careful with younger children, there is a steep drop off in the water at the beach area of Dunes Beach.
Ride the Sand Dunes
There are 3 options for riding on the dunes. Bring your own off road vehicle, rent them or choose a guided private company.
ORV (Off Road Vehicle) Area
Hitting the dunes is one of the biggest draws of Silver Lake. Attracting visitors form all over Michigan, you’re bound to have an epic time. From jeeps, four wheelers and RZR you’ll find a variety of ORV’s traversing the dunes. The ORV area at Silver Lake Sand Dunes remains open from April 1 – Oct. 31 each year. While riding, remember the sand dunes are always changing and can be dangerous so know and adhere to all the rules and guidelines. For additional information for the ORV area and purchasing of flags and permits click here .
TIPS On Saturday and Sunday from Memorial-Labor Day, there is a voucher system to get into the dunes. It’s advisable to arrive early on Thursday before the busy weekend, to orientate yourself to the area. For first timers, the rules can be a bit confusing, especially during the busy season. When planning where to stay in the vicinity, note that unless it is road legal you cannot drive your ORV on the streets, this is strictly monitored and enforced.
Private Sand Dune Rides
Vehicle Rentals
Silverback Offroad Rental (4-wheel ATVs, SxS vehicles, street-legal Jeeps)
Silver Lake Buggy Rentals (4x4 ATVs, buggies and SxS vehicles)
Mac Dune Rides at Silver Beach
Guided Private Rides
Want to experience the thrill of the dunes but don’t have your own ORV, no worries. There are private tours and rentals such as Parrot’s Landing and Mac Dune Rides. A thrilling, but safe way for groups and families to enjoy the dunes with trained professionals driving and still get the dune ride experience.
We highly recommend Mac Wood Dunes Rides, which have their own private land without any public access for other ORV. You’re guaranteed an exciting ride through the dunes along the stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline without the crowds that fill the public access area. Hang on to your hats, this adrenaline inducing ride was one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Boating at Silver Lake State Park
Silver Lake is a great spot for all types of water sports. You can anchor your boat along the shoreline at Silver Lake State Park. Also you can park your boat / flat bed trailer or any extra vehicles in the large parking lot across the street. You can park Jeep, RZR’s and boats all in the parking lot for a week with no issues. Two trailers are not allowed on a site at once but if you have a tent you can still keep one trailer on the site.
Water Sport Rental
Want to enjoy the water, options are available to rent jet skis, wave runners, paddleboards, ski boats etc at Wave Club Water Club Rentals.
Nearby Attractions /Things to Do
View from the top of Little Sable Lighthouse at Silver Lake
Silver Lake State Park Positioned between beautiful Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, Silver Lake State Park is a prime place to camp or spend the day. This Michigan State Park has a water front playground and a day use area on the shores of Silver Lake, as well as an ORV dune area. Recently the state park has begun to offer two unique outdoor activities, a shoreline horseback riding season Nov 1-30 and a fat-tire bike season Dec 15- March 15, if you decide to visit during the off season.
Little Sable Lighthouse Climb the 100 ft tall lighthouse located in Silver Lake State Park for a small fee. This beautiful spiral staircase leads to sweeping views for miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline and the surrounding area.
Silver Lake Tees Pick up Silver Lake swag, t-shirts and souvenirs at this local store.
Stony Lake Stables A unique way to experience the beauty of West Michigan is by horseback. We saw dozens of bucks with massive antlers, which call this wooded area home. Offering 1-1.5 hour trail rides for both novice and experienced riders, including young children with an adult. There are multiple stables that offer guided tours of vary lengths that will accommodate in the area including the State Park during the off season.
Stony Lake Stables
Hart- Montague Trail Bring your bikes, scooters, rollerblades or running shoes as you explore this 22-mile paved path leading past orchards, besides fields, woodlands areas and small towns.
Tin Man Originally displayed at Art Prize in 2021, this massive art piece known as the Tim Man lives in Hart, MI.
Craigs Cruisers Packed with all sorts of attractions you can enjoy Go-Karts, the Dune Drop Tower, Zipline, Mini Golf, Arcade, and Water Bumper Boats. Kids will be in their glory!
Lewis Adventure Farms When you’re in the area, stop at New Era and play at Lewis Adventure Farms. Your family will love the variety of fun activities complete with a zoo, orchard, farm market, and splash pad. Easily spend a half day being entertained and creating memories.
Craigs Cruiser’s
Pentwater This nearby beach town is an easy day trip. You’ll find cozy cafes, sweet candy shops, restaurants, art galleries and a marina.
Dining Restaurants
The Chicken Shack has an outdoor pavilion with live music and dancing.
Chicken Shack: Enjoy a drink and some of the best wings you’ll find in Michigan at the Chicken Shack. They’re seriously amazing! Sit under the large covered pavilion as you listen to live bands during the summer months. Let loose and kick up your heels in this fun and relaxed atmosphere. We headed back two nights in a row for the music and dancing!
Pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and baked goods while you explore what’s blooming at the beautiful Lavender Labyrinth and Herb Garden at Cherry Pointe. Eat outside on select days in the summer when you participate in a Fish Boil. This Great Lakes tradition is steeped in history from Scandinavian immigrants. The meal of whitefish is cooked in a large kettle with potatoes, onions and seasonings, as well as coleslaw, garlic bread, cherry pie and ice cream.
Silver Scoops Fuel up on sweet treats after an exciting day on the dunes. Seriously, is any summer vacation complete without a stop at the local ice cream shop. TIP Head across the street to Silver Tees to grab some souvenirs from your trip afterwards.
Fox Barn Market & Winery This enormous old barn has been transformed into a winery, including an outdoor stage for live music. This venue creates a social atmosphere where you can sample wines and ciders with friends and family.
Golden Sands Golf Course Don’t feel like cooking, Golden Sands has delicious pizza and is known for their casual backyard atmosphere.
Country Dairy Explore a working dairy farm, which provides farm tours daily and learn about the automated process of how cows are milked. Grab some delicious ice cream or fresh milk while utilizing the play area.
Up North Market If you have your children in tow, this new restaurant in nearby Hart is worth the visit. While your kid’s are fully entertained with an outdoor play structure and petting farm area, you can actually sit back and enjoy your food and a cold drink.
Festivals/Events
Silver Lake Sand Dune Jeep Invasion Thousands of jeeps will fill up the dunes May 30 - June 2, 2024. Enjoy tons of vendors, raffles, food, and music.
The Big Apple BBQ Festival This annual event is occurring September 6-7, 2024, and features live bands, a huge craft show , 5k race, vendor fair, car show and, of course, tons of BBQ and food trucks.
4th of July Celebration Watch fireworks on July 4th, 2024 over the dunes and avoid the crowds and drive. Thunder Over the Dunes is a free event with fireworks starting at 10:00PM and is hosted by Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce with the support of local businesses. Sit anywhere on Silver Lake to see the show or climb to the top of the dunes to experience a close up view.
Where to Stay /Accommodations
Mears has a wide selection of lodgings near Silver Lake from cabins and lake houses to campgrounds and hotels. Check out the best VRBO deals and offers. Bookings.com provides options from cozy cabins to larger lodges that can accommodate families and large groups.
Camping in Silver Lake
Numerous options for camping are available in Silver Lake from the state park to private campgrounds. Here is quick look at some of the local campgrounds.
Silver Lake State Park
Home to 3 miles of Lake Michigan shores, a modern campground, miles of sand dunes to explore, a boat launch and day-use beach area on Silver Lake, plus the ORV Area, Silver Lake State Park is a popular campground that attracts people from all over the Midwest.
Beautiful Sunrise at the Boat Launch at Silver Lake
One con is that the state campground does seem to draw a rowdier crowed and can be somewhat loud and crowded. One advantage is the beach at Silver Lake SP is great for younger kids because it’s shallow for a long ways out with calm waters. They also have gorgeous sunsets and a nice playground.
Dunes Harbor is a great private family campground that offers a host of activities, plus a pool, splash pad and even horseback riding. We appreciated the well maintained, grassy sites with cement pads, garbage pickup right at your camper, large spotless bathhouse, showers, restrooms and laundry. Holiday Lake wraps around the campground, creating ample sites with lake views. We loved being able to launch our kayaks right from our site and fish whenever we wanted. There are options for full hookups, tent sites, as well as cabin and RV rentals.
Dune Town Camp Resort (formerly Silver Lake JellyStone) Located right in the center of town, Dune Town features 200 campsites with full hookups, as well as cabin rentals. A heated pool and a large playground will entertain kids during your stay, plus a host of activities. Easy access to Craigs Cruisers and intown activities.
Silver Lake Resort & Campground
Top-notch bath house, family fun activities and camp store. You’ll appreciate the swimming pool, hanging out in the hammock area, the fishing pond, basketball and a playground for the kids, plus Free- Wifi.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the prime time to visit this unique area with miles of towering sand dunes. If you’re wanting to ride in the ORV area, make sure to visit between April 1 – Oct. 31 for their open season. Visit during the week to avoid crowds.
FAQ’s
Is there Cell Reception at Silver Lake? Silver Lake is a dead zone for service
Are dogs allowed at Silver Lake? Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline (3 miles) and the park's inland lake, Silver Lake, except for the designated swim beach. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash.
How much is the parking fee at Silver Lake State Park? Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration if purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24. Additional fees are charged for the ORV area.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re looking for a Michigan getaway, then you can’t go wrong choosing Silver Lake for your next family vacation. Don’t forget to Save and Pin this for later and follow Discovering Anew’s Facebook page for more Michigan Adventures and campground reviews. Subscribe to get emails right to your inbox.
