Ludington, Michigan / Harbor View Marina, beach, shopping, boat launch, and trailer parking

August 2018, 2-nights, Harbor View Marina Slip #D24

Anchored on Lake Michigan in Ludington

This post is not very detailed, as some time has passed since our stay. I thought about skipping it; however, we learned some new information that I would like to share with others, and that I want to be able to find next time we visit.

Peter Copeyon Park boat launch and trailer parking

We learned about this boat launch when I inquired during my call to the marina to make a reservation. We liked it better than the more popular boat ramp in the arms on Lake Michigan (Loomis Street). The charge is the same at both places; $10 per launch, and overnight parking is not allowed. Peter Copeyon Park is about a 1 mile walk from Harbor View Marina, and Loomis Street ramp is just a tad closer (.8 mile). 

Since overnight parking is not allowed, the person I spoke with at the marina suggested a public parking lot. I do not recall the location of the lot she suggested, because we did not use it. The city site says that no overnight parking is allowed in the city. After we arrived at Harbor View Marina, we were allowed to park on their property behind the fish cleaning station at the south end. There were other trailers parked in this area, and there was plenty of room, so I am not sure why we were initially told they did not have any parking for our trailer. We actually observed some trailers and vehicles parked on the roads overnight, even though the city website says this is not allowed. I do not know if they got ticketed, or if this is not enforced.

Harbor View Marina and Ludington area

Harbor View is one of our favorite marinas in West Michigan. It has a picnic area with gas grills, a hot tub, pool, exercise room, lounge area, laundry room, and nice bathrooms. They used to have two outside gas fire rings in the pool area; however, they have been filled in. This marina also has a dump spout for porta-potties, which we were not aware of before. We have always had bigger boats, so this was our first stay there with our cuddy boat. 

There was live music in Waterfront Park one evening of our stay, which we were able to see and hear from our boat slip. Lake Michigan beach and many businesses are within walking distance of the marina. We liked Jamesport Brewing Company, located a block behind the marina, and we did a wine tasting at Love Wines on S. James Street. There are plenty of shopping and dining options available, including a grocery store. The Visit Ludington website has a listing of current events, and more.

Stopping for a swim in front of Stearns Park Beach

There is no charge for parking or to visit Stearns Park on Lake Michigan. A few parking spaces at the end of the beach area near Loomis Street ramp are set aside for RVs. Although we stopped to swim in this area from our boat, we liked anchoring on the south side of the channel better. The sand and water is beautiful in both areas, and it is more private on the south side.

Stearns Park

Enjoy! Let me know if you have any questions ~