Silver Lake State Park

9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI 49436

A nearly 3,000-acre park with 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and nearly 2,000 acres of open sand dunes — the only dunes east of Utah where street-legal ORVs can ride. The Little Sable Point Lighthouse (1874) anchors the southern park.

Great day for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 82°F air · 73°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Areas of smoke. Sunny. High near 82, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. North wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Tonight

Areas of smoke. Mostly clear. Low around 65, with temperatures rising to around 67 overnight. North northeast wind 7 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Weather

  • 82°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 21 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything

Water

  • 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing

Safety

  • NWS alert active — air quality alert issued july 18 at 12:11pm edt by nws grand rapids mi
54 /100
ok
41 Swim
60 Sunbathe
77 Walk
71 Photo

Best for walking today

Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement

Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 11:19AM EDT until July 19 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

NWS · In effect through Jul 19, 8:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...High wave action, strong currents, and dangerous swimming conditions expected. Piers may be heavily swamped by waves. * WHERE...Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties. * WHEN...Through late tonight. * IMPACTS...Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can sweep people off piers.

Weather alert in effect

Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 12:11PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Air Temp
82°F
Haze
Wind
21 mph
N
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Areas Of Smoke then Sunny
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Water Quality
Clean
7 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sunrise
6:20 AM
Sunset
9:23 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Today Jul 18
82°

Areas Of Smoke

0%
68
Sun Jul 19
80°

Areas Of Smoke then Sunny

0%
84
Mon Jul 20
82°

Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers

38%
55
Tue Jul 21
81°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny

53%
15
Wed Jul 22
72°

Mostly Sunny

2%
65
Thu Jul 23
76°

Sunny

2%
82
Fri Jul 24
78°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

24%
73
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Day-use lot at Silver Lake beach house; MI Recreation Passport required.

Dogs

Pets allowed leashed (6 ft) along the entire 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and at Silver Lake — except the designated swim beach.

Entry Fee

MI Recreation Passport: $17 resident / $34 non-resident annual.

Address

9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI 49436

restroomsshowersconcessioncampgroundlighthouseORV area (separate)picnic areadune access
Is it safe to swim at Silver Lake State Park today?

Silver Lake State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Silver Lake State Park dog-friendly?

Pets allowed leashed (6 ft) along the entire 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and at Silver Lake — except the designated swim beach.

Is there an entry fee at Silver Lake State Park?

MI Recreation Passport: $17 resident / $34 non-resident annual.

Are there lifeguards at Silver Lake State Park?

No lifeguards are stationed at Silver Lake State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Silver Lake State Park?

Amenities at Silver Lake State Park include restrooms, showers, concession, campground, lighthouse, ORV area (separate), picnic area, dune access.

When is the water warmest at Silver Lake State Park?

Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.

Where is Silver Lake State Park located?

Silver Lake State Park is in Oceana County, MI, at 9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI 49436.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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