hoffmaster state park

I like the combo of a beach/dunes/walking trails. I never stayed in a campsite, but have spent many afternoons sunbathing and watching the boots go by. The parking area is large and the bathrooms at the entrance are convenient. No concession stands, though.

Longer walk to the beach from parking through woodsy path, stairs down the dune edge to the wide beach. Much less crowded than the more well known beaches in Grand Haven, Holland etc but probably more beautiful and spacious. Nature walks through woods dunes and quiet hollows are worth a separate trip all by themselves at most any time of year. If you have your park sticker from Michigan license renewal, entrance is free, otherwise you out-of-staters or non-park supporters should be happy to pay a day or week fee to enjoy this park. Nearby State campgrounds are regularly full. Plan ahead.

Oak Wilt disease has killed the trees in the camp ground. Haven't been there, but the pictures look real bad.

This park is huge and wonderful place to get forests and beach. Located right on Lake Michigan you can go to the beach but they also have wonderful trails through the woods. Bathrooms are available.

Everything from the entrance to the long winding trails make this a park with great adventure! Hiking is my favorite thing to do here and there are lots if different trails to go on. The beach is beautiful and goes on and on for miles. It is by far one if the nicest, cleanest parks in West Michigan!

This was an amazing 3 day weekend getaway! We stayed at PJ HOFFMASTER'S STATE CAMPGROUND. We reserved online, using the Michigan DNR website. It was a great place to get all the details, campground maps, site pis etc.. Our choice was 2sites near the main beach access trail. It wormed out great, with just a short walk down a shady sandy path to one of nature's wonders. From arrival, we were greeted with smiles and knowledge by the DNR reps. The facilities were spotless from the groomed trails to the restrooms and showers. Our 30ft camper was a breeze to set up, as the site was spot on to the last detail we noted wile making our reservation online. Shady trees, level, and plenty of room to fit our group of 6 and 2 large dogs. There is a huge activity field that was perfect for disc golf! A bubbling creek runs through the campground that our dogs loved to explore. The camp hosts were friendly and knowledgeable with tons of local information, and daily weather posted on the board. A great place for good conversation, hot coffee and the camp news to start the day. Beautiful Lk Michigan, family, sunsets, sand dunes, hiking, great times... You get em all at PJ HOFFMASTERS ST CAMPGROUND.

there are many hiking trails that highlight the biological diversity of this area. the dunes are home to multiple ecosystems, all within walking distance. at the nature center, you can watch informative, award winning films; observe a live animal exhibit; and learn about dune ecology. picnic areas are available and, of course, there is a swimming beach. clean restrooms are available in the nature center.

I was visiting from Alaska and made a wrong turn into the park on the 6th before close. Girl at the booth let me through but the two young boy rangers or more like kids I'll put it, made sure to come find me and tell me I should leave even though I was let in. I was waiting for my girlfriend that i was visiting to show up and there were a few other people in the parking lot talking so what was the big deal? They agreed to finally let me stay but the harrasment wasnt worth my time. I met up with my friend at Pere Marquette and loved it. Won't go back to little boys who think they're copsmaster park again if I come here. Jerks!!!!!!

The wooded backdune trails and Lake Michigan dunes and beach are a treat for tourists, but the Visitor's Center is an education in the ecology of the region, where the insight for the word "ecology" originated. Youngsters can immerse in nature and learn about the life West Michigan generates.

Although there is camping available at this state park, I went there for a day at the beach. It is such a beautiful area. Parking is clean and plentiful. The beach is close to parking and to restrooms. The beach is clean and gorgeous, with Lake Michigan's 'sugar sand'.

I have a Michigan State Park pass on my license plate; it allows me daytime access. I have climbed the stairs to the top of the dunes and visited the beach. the camping facilities seem to be adequate. Overall, it is a gorgeous Michigan experience.

As a side note, a new Memorial Bench will be placed at the top observation deck in Honor of my Uncle Dick Kirk.

This review is based on the Campground. It has nothing to do with the beach or day use area. Let's face it Lake Michigan Beaches are amazing all around. I camped with my family; we selected PJ Hoffmaster based on seeing good reviews and the location being central. The operations of the park are terrible, talk about DNR on a power trip. The main woman in the front office is rude. They are very strict about 2 cars per campsite, but they have no overflow or alternate parking available, they recommend that you go park at Wal-Mart but they can't really tell you that because they don't have permission from Wal-Mart. They do allow visitor passes prior to 10pm but work to ensure you are out by 10pm or else. Wood is available for sale at the front, cash only with a payment tube, so requiring exact change, but they are unwilling to make change in the office because it's against the rules. The DNR patrol the campground, if you are awake after midnight expect a stop, a cooler and campsite search. It is harassment. The sites are small with neighbors basically on top of you. They have removed most of the trees and any low branches from the trees that do exist, so good luck hanging up a clothesline or garbage bad. The beach is a long walk from the campground at least 10 minutes and about 15 to the nearest bathroom from the beach. There are porta-jons by the beach but they were about 1 inch from overflowing sewage. I would not recommend camping here to anyone; the sites are small, staff horrible. There are tons of other campgrounds on the coast of Lake Michigan. I will never be back.

I stayed at Hoffmaster 4 years ago and had a blast! This past weekend was not the same. The sites we picked were barely big enough to park our vehicle and have two small tents on. The noise level was so high that our family came home very tired and grumpy. We had a small mexican tribe on one side with small children that screamed all night and people arriving at 1 am near us shining their headlights into our tents. Bathrooms were closed at 9 am for cleaning! The beaches are fabulous but would rather drive further north where there is space and quiet.

Easy parking and access to beach. Clean restrooms and changing area. Loved our afternoon there. Close to shopping and Michigan Adventure Park.