Located on the Eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, Silver lake, Michigan is an unusual area. Silver Lake is inland from Lake Michigan just a short distance, with a beautiful sand dune in-between.

This area attracts off-road enthusiasts, and is the only place in Michigan where you can drive on the dunes. It is also home to the famous "Mac Woods" dune rides where you can ride a buggy across the dunes. You can also rent dune riding vehicles or bring your own.

Driving distance from Chicago to Silver Lake, Mi is around 200 miles, and from Detroit to Pentwater is 200 miles as well. It is approximately 100 miles north of the half-way point of a direct line between Chicago and Detroit, and is easily accessable from the Interstate Highway system.

Silver Lake State Park features a beach area and two campgrounds. One campground is adjacent to Silver Lake, and the other campground is across the road. Boaters find this a nice place as well, and the choice spots for relaxing are across the lake on the sand dune beach - which is best accessable by boat. The campgrounds at the Silver Lake State Park are in high demand due to the unique off-roading attraction, and finding a campsite can be challenging. You would be best to reserve a campsite prior to departure, as the likely hood of obtaining a campsite on-the-fly is fairly low.

 

Silver Lake State Park review.

 

References:

Silver Lake State Park. Maps, details, and reservation system.

Sand Dunes Area. All things dune related.

Mac Woods. Dune Rides.

Silver Lake Buggys. Sand Dune Buggy Rental.