P. J. Hoffmaster State Park

The Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, lakeshore beaches, and trail parking lots. Details and how to obtain your pass can be found on the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.

Three miles of beautiful sandy Lake Michigan beach, a modern campground, towering dunes, and 10 miles of hiking trails await your arrival. Learn more by clicking here.

Hiking Trails

A variety of hiking trails are available at Hoffmaster State Park. The most popular is the Homestead Trail which is a nice hike through wooded dunes out to a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan. The trailhead for this hike is located at the Gillette Visitor Center parking area.

The Walk-a-mile Trail is another good hike at the park. This trail starts out with a dirt trail through the forest and then you’ll start to see sand trails which means that you are getting close to the beach!

The park is also a great place to camp. It has three miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and offers 297 campsites for tent, trailer, or RV camping. The campground is a very popular one so be sure to make reservations well in advance. Dogs are also allowed in the campground and on the trails but must be kept on a leash at all times. The park also offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year.

Camping

The campground at Hoffmaster State Park is very nice and modern, though it can get crowded during the summer. The sites have electric hookups, and there are restrooms with hot showers. The park also has unthreaded potable water spigots throughout the campground for campers who want to bring their own supply of drinking water.

There are 297 sites at this full-service RV and tent campground. Some are full hook-ups and some are primitive, but all have fire rings and picnic tables. The campground is surrounded by towering dunes and miles of trails.

You can hike to the beach directly from your campsite, but the trail is pretty sandy so it takes a while. It may be easier to drive to the beach if you have a lot of stuff to take with you. Many visitors like to stay late in the summer to enjoy a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset. This is one of the best places in the area to see a sunset on Lake Michigan. Visit another area in town here.

Beaches

Beach lovers will love this lakeshore park that includes miles of sandy beach. The tidal stream from Duck Lake flows into Lake Michigan providing calm swimming areas. Bring a picnic and grill to enjoy on the beach or at a picnic area. Pets are allowed on the beach as long as they’re on a 6-foot leash. The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center is tucked into impressive dunes and tells Michigan’s unique dune story. Nearby Pere Marquette State Park has a playground and lighthouse. The USS Silversides submarine attracts history buffs.

This park has summer paradise written all over it and has room for families, couples, or friends to camp, hike, and swim. It’s a great place to spread out your beach blanket and relax in the sun or bury your feet in the soft sand and watch the waves roll in. A state park recreation pass is required. Passes can be purchased at the park or online.

Events

If you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids or a relaxing weekend at a campsite, Norton Shores has a variety of options to suit your preferences. Its natural beauty, quaint neighborhoods, and proximity to Muskegon make it a desirable location for both residents and tourists alike.

The state park has three miles of beautiful Lake Michigan beach, a 297-site modern campground, towering dunes, and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center. Besides, it has wooded hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and other exciting activities to enjoy.

For history buffs, a trip to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum is an absolute must. This museum showcases the USS Silversides submarine, a WWII-era warship that was recently restored and refurbished to preserve its original condition. Moreover, the museum hosts a variety of exhibits that range from thrilling nationally touring shows to present-day contemporary local and Michigan artist showcases. Continue reading about Grand Haven State Park.

Driving directions from  PierPoint Mortgage to P. J. Hoffmaster State Park

Driving directions from P. J. Hoffmaster State Park to Grand Haven State Park