Silver Lake State Park is in Mears, Michigan, on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Oceana County. It has a 200-site campground, about 2,000 acres of sand dunes, and a 450-acre ORV area where you can drive on the dunes. We camped here for a few nights in July 2025 on our Michigan road trip.
Silver Lake State Park Quick Facts
Location: 9679 W. State Park Rd., Mears, MI 49436 (Oceana County)
Size: Nearly 3,000 acres, with about 2,000 acres of dunes
Lake Michigan shoreline: About 3 miles
Campground: 200 sites with 20 or 30 amp electric, no water or sewer hookups
ORV area: 450 acres, open April 1 to October 31
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport
Reservations: midnrreservations.com or 800-447-2757
Park office: 231-873-3083
Why Camp at Silver Lake State Park
The park has three things in one place: the dunes, Lake Michigan, and a warm inland lake, Silver Lake. The campground sits beside Silver Lake, and the dunes and the big lake are a short drive or walk away.
- Dunes you can walk or drive. The park splits them into a pedestrian area, an ORV area, and a section leased by Mac Wood’s Dune Rides for guided tours.
- The only ORV dune riding of its kind east of the Mississippi River, according to the DNR.
- 200 campsites with electric service.
- Swimming and paddling on Silver Lake, plus a Lake Michigan beach.
- Little Sable Point Lighthouse, built in 1874, inside the park.
Camping at Silver Lake State Park
Quiet hours start at 10 p.m. and campers kept to them, even in July. Every site was full, so it was busy, but we did not hear late-night noise.
Campground facts:
- 200 sites with 20 or 30 amp electric service. Most are shaded.
- Sites 1 to 13 sit on Silver Lake, and registered campers can moor small boats beside the campground.
- Modern restrooms, showers, and a sanitation (dump) station.
- ADA-accessible sites and pull-through sites.
- A small camp store.
- No water or sewer hookups at sites.
Book early. Every site was taken when we visited in July. Reservations open months ahead on the Michigan DNR reservation site, and summer weekends sell out.
ORV and Dune Riding
The Silver Lake ORV Area is open April 1 to October 31. To ride your own vehicle you need:
- A Michigan Recreation Passport
- An ORV license and an ORV trail permit
- A safety flag
- A four-wheel-drive vehicle with tires aired down to 15 PSI or less
Riders must be at least 16 with a valid driver’s license, or 12 to 15 with a DNR ORV safety certificate. Summer weekends and holidays also require a parking voucher, so check the DNR Silver Lake ORV page for current rules before you drive in.
We watched Jeeps, dune buggies, and ATVs climb the steep hills from the edge of the ORV area. The pedestrian-only section of the dunes is open to hikers and leads to both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Other Things to Do
- Silver Lake: Shallow and warm, with a designated swim area. We used it for paddleboarding and floating.
- Lake Michigan beach: The park has about 3 miles of shoreline. Go in the evening to watch the sunset.
- Little Sable Point Lighthouse: A short drive from the campground.
- Mears: Small shops, restaurants, and groceries for anything you forgot.
Best Time to Visit Silver Lake State Park
- Summer (June to August): Peak season. Campground and ORV area are at capacity, especially in July.
- Fall (September to October): Cooler weather and fewer visitors. The ORV area runs through October 31.
- Spring (April to May): The ORV area opens April 1. Lake Michigan stays cold.
- Winter (November to March): The ORV area is closed. Check the DNR site for campground status.
Tips From Our Trip
- Book your site as soon as reservations open.
- Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes were out near the lake at night.
- Wear shoes on the dunes at midday. The sand gets hot.
- Even if you are not riding, the ORV area is worth a stop to watch.
- Quiet hours at 10 p.m. were respected.
Silver Lake State Park FAQ
Is Silver Lake State Park crowded in July?
Yes. July is the busiest month. Every campsite was full when we visited and the ORV area was active. Book months ahead.
How do I reserve a campsite at Silver Lake State Park?
Reserve on the Michigan DNR reservation site (midnrreservations.com) or call 800-447-2757. Summer weekends sell out first.
Does Silver Lake State Park have RV hookups?
Sites have 20 or 30 amp electric service. There are no water or sewer hookups at individual sites, but the campground has a sanitation (dump) station and water.
Is Silver Lake State Park campground loud at night?
Quiet hours start at 10 p.m. In the North Loop in July, campers kept to them.
Can you drive on the dunes at Silver Lake State Park?
Yes, in the 450-acre ORV area. You need a Recreation Passport, an ORV license, an ORV trail permit, a safety flag, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle with tires at 15 PSI or less. Summer weekends and holidays also need a parking voucher. Outfitters in Mears rent vehicles.
What is there to do near Silver Lake State Park?
- Swim or paddle on Silver Lake
- Watch the sunset at the Lake Michigan beach
- Visit Little Sable Point Lighthouse
- Take a guided dune ride with Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
- Shop and eat in Mears
Is Silver Lake State Park open year-round?
The park is open year-round for day use. The ORV area is open April 1 to October 31. Confirm campground winter dates with the DNR.
Are dogs allowed at Silver Lake State Park?
Yes, on a 6-foot leash. Dogs are allowed along the Lake Michigan shoreline and most of Silver Lake, but not in designated swim areas or park buildings.
Keep Planning Your Michigan Adventure
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