Bring Your Own Dune Ride
Silver Lake State Park is one of the few areas in the country that users can still enjoy riding freely on sand dunes. Located about 20 minutes south of Ludington, MI these shifting dunes promise a different terrain every time you visit them.
Off-roading can be fun and exciting for the whole family. Make it a safe experience for yourself and other park visitors. Please follow the rules that have been made for everyone's safety and security. Sand dunes are subject to rapid topographic changes resulting from winds and erosion. Be alert for steep inclines, changing slopes, natural hazards and/or sudden drop-offs. Always operate your vehicle at a safe speed and in a safe manner.
General Rules
There are a number of general rules that apply to all operators using the Silver Lake Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area.
- The Off-Road Vehicle Area is open each year from April 1 through October 31.
- April 1 - May 15 and the day after Labor Day - October 31 it is open 9:00a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- May 16 - Labor Day it is open 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Access to the ORV Area and Dunes is stopped ½ hour ahead of closing time, every evening.
- Current vehicle permits are required on all vehicles using the area.
- All motor vehicles entering the Park must display a Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit.
- All motor vehicles entering the Dunes must display a Michigan ORV Registration.
- Entry Vouchers are required on summer weekends and holidays.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed throughout the year in and around the ORV Area.
- Operate vehicles only within the dune area marked with orange boundary markers.
- Obey Directional Traffic Zone signage. No north-bound traffic in high dune areas.
- Rectangular, safety orange flags reaching 10 foot in height required on all ORVs.
- Michigan Child Passenger Safety Law in effect in ORV Area.
- Emergency strobe, flashing, rotating and/or blinking lights and sirens prohibited.
- Helmets are required to operate ATVs and motorcycles in parking lot as well as in dunes.
- Special regulations for un-licensed and young (12 - 16 years of age) operators.
- Headlight(s), taillight(s) and brake light(s) required on vehicles ½ hour after sunset.
- ATVs and motorcycles: operator only, no passengers at any time.
- Please report accidents, injuries and/or emergencies to State Park personnel or 911.
Off-road riding and driving can be dangerous - DRIVE SAFELY
For all the specific rules and requirements for enjoying your Silver Lake ORV experience please visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area page.
