By:
Submission
In the southwestern-most corner of Michigan, about 100 miles from Grand Rapids, Warren Dunes State Park is home to 3 miles of sandy beaches and windswept dunes on the shore of Lake Michigan. There are 6 miles of short trails for exploring the area, but the main draws to Warren Dunes camping is soaking up rays on the beach and climbing the dunes. The tallest dune, Tower Hill, rises 260 feet above the lakeshore and offers a panoramic view over the surrounding area. Park guides offer a variety of seasonal nature programs that highlight the area’s flora, fauna and natural features. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach at Warren Dunes, and dogs must remain leashed, and are restricted to certain areas only.
The campground at Warren Dunes is located away from the beach, in a wooded area near the highway. On the upside, there’s plenty of shady trees to take cover under on the warmer, sunnier days; on the downside, there’s plenty of highway noise to distract from the peacefulness. The two camp areas—Modern and Semi-Modern—offer a total of 220 tent and RV sites that vary in size and seclusion. The larger Modern area has restrooms with showers, drinking water and playgrounds for the kids; limited hookup sites are available. This area also has three rustic mini-cabins for rent. The Semi-Modern area is more spartan, with just water and vault toilets. A dump station is located between the two areas. Campsite rates range from $25–$45/night; cabins are $52/night.
A fun beach. I've never been when the beach wasn't clean. People are good about picking up after themselves. The water is always chilly. The dunes are fun. It's nice that you walk up as far as you want then run down vs running down then having to climb back up like sleeping bear.
Restrooms are always clean. There is a fee to get in. If we didn't have the pass I'd still be ok paying it since the amenities are well kept up.
Overall, a fun place to just hangout and have fun or relax.
Beautiful hidden gem in southern Michigan. We barely even touched upon it's vastness. Definitely quite a hike walking through sand but well worth it. My daughter said it feels like you're on a different planet. Judging by the amount of paw prints in the sand I'd say this place is dog friendly. Just an all around great place to explore. We'll be heading back to explore more of this beauty in spring.
My daughter and I were visiting the area for Christmas weekend and we took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. We visited Warren Dunes twice and just enjoyed the shoreline and scenery. She put her feet in the (COLD!!) water and I sat in my chair in the sand. It was quiet and beautiful and a really wonderful way to connect with nature. We go to the beaches and dunes a lot in the summer and they are always packed but it was so nice having practically the whole beach and state park to ourselves.
