🏆 Michigan’s Only Motorized Dune Riding — 2,000 Acres of Sand on Lake Michigan — Updated for 2026 with ORV permits, Mac Wood’s Dune Rides schedule, camping, and beach access
The dune crests at 130 feet and then — nothing. Nothing but sand, sloping steeply down to a shoreline of turquoise water that could be the Sahara meeting the Mediterranean, except it’s Michigan. You crest another dune in your ORV, engine roaring, sand spraying, and suddenly Lake Michigan appears in all its massive blue glory, 3 miles of shoreline stretching in both directions with not a building in sight. This is Silver Lake State Park, home to nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes and the only motorized sand dune riding east of the Mississippi River.
Located along Lake Michigan’s west coast near Mears, Michigan, Silver Lake State Park combines a unique 450-acre ORV dune area, the legendary Mac Wood’s Dune Rides (running since the 1930s), a modern campground on Silver Lake, and 3 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. Whether you’re ripping across sand dunes in a Jeep, taking a guided dune ride, swimming in the calm inland lake, or hiking to the Lake Michigan beach, this park offers something no other park east of the Mississippi can match.
What Makes Silver Lake Unique
Only Motorized Dunes East of Mississippi
450 acres of sand dunes open to ORVs — the only such opportunity in the eastern US.
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
40-minute guided tours across 7 miles of dunes to Lake Michigan — operating since the 1930s.
3 Miles of Lake Michigan
Undeveloped shoreline accessible from the dunes or pedestrian trails — wild, remote, stunning.
Lakeside Campground
200 modern sites on Silver Lake with swim beach, boat mooring, and electric hookups.
ORV Dune Riding
The 450-acre ORV area is the park’s signature attraction — massive sand dune terrain open to off-road vehicles, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The terrain ranges from flat sandy expanses to steep dune climbs and descents with Lake Michigan as the backdrop.
📢 ORV Requirements
• ORV License + Trail Permit + Recreation Passport required for all vehicles • Orange safety flag required on all ORVs • Season: April 1 – October 31 • Hours vary by season — check current operating hours • Rentals available from nearby outfitters if you don’t have your own ORV
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
For those who don’t have their own ORV, Mac Wood’s Dune Rides offers guided 40-minute tours in open-top trucks across 7 miles of dunes, including a stop at Lake Michigan. This family tradition has been running since the 1930s and is one of the most popular attractions in West Michigan. Book ahead — especially during summer weekends. Open mid-May through October.
Lake Michigan Beach
Silver Lake State Park provides access to 3 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. Access is via the ORV area (park 50-100 yards from the water) or via a pedestrian-only trail. The beach is wild and remote — no facilities, no lifeguards, just vast sand and blue water.
Silver Lake
The inland Silver Lake offers calmer, warmer water than Lake Michigan — perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The campground is located directly on the lake with a designated swim area and opportunities to moor boats in shallow water.
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | 75-85°F | 🏆 ORV riding, dune rides, Lake Michigan beach, swimming, camping. Peak season |
| 🍂 Fall | Sep–Oct | 50-65°F | ORVs through October. Fewer crowds. Great light for dune photography |
| 🌸 Spring | Apr–May | 45-60°F | ORV season opens April 1. Dunes are quieter. Water cold for swimming |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec–Mar | 20-35°F | Fat-tire biking (Dec 15–Mar 15). Dramatic frozen dune landscapes |
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 200 modern campsites with 20/30-amp electric |
| 📍 Location | Directly on Silver Lake — some sites with lake views |
| 🏊 Amenities | Swim beach, boat mooring, restrooms, showers |
| 📅 Reservations | Book 6 months ahead through Michigan DNR. Summer weekends sell fast |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Day Trip | Camping Weekend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entry | $9/day | $9/day | MI Recreation Passport $14/yr |
| ORV Permits | $15-30 | $15-30 | License + trail permit + flag |
| Mac Wood’s Dune Ride | $20-25/person | $20-25/person | 40-min guided tour. Book ahead |
| Camping (2 nights) | — | $50-80 | Modern sites with electric on Silver Lake |
| Total (2 adults) | $50-$100 | $120-$200 | Great value for a unique experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an ORV?
Yes — several outfitters near the park rent ORVs, ATVs, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes. Book in advance during summer.
What are Mac Wood’s Dune Rides?
Guided 40-minute tours in open-top trucks across 7 miles of sand dunes to Lake Michigan and back. Running since the 1930s. ~$20-25/person. Very popular — book ahead in summer.
Is the ORV area the whole park?
No — the 450-acre ORV area is separate from the campground, pedestrian areas, and Silver Lake swim beach. The park has both motorized and non-motorized zones.
Can I walk to Lake Michigan?
Yes — there’s a pedestrian-only access route to the Lake Michigan beach, separate from the ORV area. It’s a hike across sand dunes, so wear appropriate shoes.
Is Silver Lake good for kids?
Absolutely — the inland Silver Lake swim area is calm and warmer than Lake Michigan. Mac Wood’s Dune Rides are family-friendly. The campground is well-equipped.
What’s fat-tire biking?
From December 15 – March 15, the ORV area becomes a fat-tire biking destination — ride on frozen/packed sand dunes with specialized fat-tire mountain bikes.
How does this compare to Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Sleeping Bear is a national lakeshore with protected dunes (no motorized access). Silver Lake is the only place east of the Mississippi where you can drive an ORV on sand dunes. They’re very different experiences — both exceptional.
🏎️ Sand, Speed, and Shoreline
Two thousand acres of sand dunes, the roar of engines, and suddenly — the blue wall of Lake Michigan appearing over the next dune like the world’s largest surprise. Silver Lake is Michigan at its most unique — the only motorized dune riding in half the country, a legacy dune ride that’s been thrilling families since the 1930s, a campground on a calm inland lake, and 3 miles of wild, undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline that feels like the end of the earth. Bring your ORV. Bring your swimsuit. Bring your sense of adventure.
📍 Address: 9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI 49436
📞 Phone: (231) 873-3083
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are available at this state park?
Common activities include hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Check the park website for specific offerings, trail maps, and seasonal programs.
Do I need a reservation to camp?
Reservations are recommended for camping, especially on weekends and holidays during peak season. Most state park systems offer online reservation portals where you can book sites months in advance.
What is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Summer is peak for swimming and camping. Check the specific park for seasonal closures and optimal visiting conditions.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Gifford Woods State Park is a short drive away, and Quechee State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Silver Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at Silver Lake State Park?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Silver Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
