P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
Michigan’s Dune Discovery Center
Hoffmaster offers 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan beach, towering dunes, and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center—the best dune education facility in the state.
Camping
| Type | Sites | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | 293 | Electric available |
| Mini Cabins | 2 | Rustic |
Reserve: midnrreservations.com or (800) 447-2757.
Dune Climb
190-step stairway leads to an observation deck with panoramic Lake Michigan views.
Gillette Center
Interactive exhibits on dune ecology, live animals, and educational programs.
How tall is the dune climb?
The stairway has 190 steps to the observation platform—worth the climb for stunning lake views!
Things to Do
Michigan’s state park system — one of the largest in the nation — stretches across two peninsulas surrounded by four Great Lakes, offering extraordinary variety. Activities include swimming and sunbathing on freshwater beaches that rival ocean coastlines, hiking sand dune bluffs with panoramic lake views, fishing for walleye, bass, and salmon in rivers and Great Lakes tributaries, camping in pine forests steps from the beach, kayaking along dramatic Pictured Rocks-style shorelines, mountain biking through rolling hardwood forests, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula, and exploring historic lighthouses dotting the coastline. Michigan’s state parks include some of the finest freshwater beaches in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Michigan’s park season centers on summer (June–August), when Great Lakes beaches warm up, trails are fully accessible, and campgrounds are buzzing with activity. Lake Michigan water temperatures peak in August (65–75°F). Fall (September–October) brings spectacular foliage — the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula peak in late September, while southern parks follow in October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but great for wildflowers and waterfall viewing. Winter transforms many parks into Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing destinations. The Upper Peninsula receives 200+ inches of annual snowfall, creating a winter recreation paradise. Recreation Passport ($17) required for vehicle entry — add it to your license plate registration for the best value.
Visitor Tips
Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport ($17 for Michigan residents, $34 for non-residents) for vehicle entry. Purchase it with your license plate renewal for automatic access all year. Camping reservations are made through the Michigan DNR reservation system up to 6 months in advance. Lakefront campsites at popular parks like Holland, Ludington, and Traverse City sell out within hours of opening. Bring warm layers even in summer — Great Lakes breezes can drop temperatures significantly near the water.
Explore More Michigan State Parks
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Michigan. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
