Muskegon beaches

Muskegon Beaches

Muskegon, Mi is home to a ton of gorgeous beaches.  Whether you are looking for a laid-back beach experience at one of the inland lakes or want to camp along the shores of the breathtaking Lake Michigan, Muskegon has an option for you!  Grab your sunscreen and head to Muskegon for some fun in the sun!

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Muskegon State Park

Muskegon State Park in North Muskegon is home to a very popular beach in Muskegon.  The park has over three miles of shoreline – two miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and one mile of shoreline on Muskegon Lake.  There is a designated swimming area in the day-use part of the park and track chairs are available for those who need them.  Bring your furry friends and let them enjoy the beach outside of the designated swim area.

Muskegon State Park offers some great amenities above and beyond the gorgeous beach.  There are two different campgrounds – one along the channel and another with views of Lake Michigan, you can even stay in a yurt!  If you are feeling up to a hike you will be pleased to find that there are six different trails to choose from.  One of the most popular attractions is the Muskegon Luge Adventure Park which offers year-round activities that you won’t find anywhere else in the area.  Muskegon State Park is a must-visit park and beach in Muskegon.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

Head to P.J Hoffmaster State Park to enjoy over three miles of sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan.  The park features two separate areas along the shoreline with designated swim areas.  The Park also has two beach wheelchairs available for use if you need mobility assistance. Beach houses with restrooms and vending machines are on-site as well as picnic areas and grills.  Perhaps one of the coolest features about the beaches is that dogs are always welcome if they are not in the designated swim areas and are on a leash. 

If you want to take a break from the beach Hoffmaster has ten miles of scenic trails available for you to hike and explore.  One of the most popular trails and the main attraction is the Dune Overlook Trail which is about .5 of a mile roundtrip and takes you up to two observation platforms that offer some breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the dunes.

Need a little longer to enjoy the scenery?  Hoffmaster is home to 297 campsites – most of which are very spacious and provide plenty of shade.  Be sure to book well in advance as campsites tend to fill up quickly. 

Lake Harbor Park

Lake Harbor Park is in Norton Shores and provides a great option for those looking for a beach that is not as crowded.  The park area provides 4000 feet of Lake Michigan beach access.  Either follow the boardwalk for a scenic walk down to the beach or hike one of the trails through and over the dunes and down to the beach.  Swimming is at visitors’ discretion as there are not any lifeguards or designated swimming areas.  Lake Harbor Park is an excellent option if you are looking for a quieter beach that has more natural scenery.

Pioneer County Park

Pioneer County Park in Muskegon County’s most popular park.  The park features a boardwalk with overlooks and stairs down to the beach on Lake Michigan.  Visitors can also enjoy the activities area which includes tennis courts, baseball, basketball, and horseshoes.  Pioneer County Park has 235 campsites all with water and electricity. 

If you want to plan a party by the beach, Pioneer County Park has you covered.  The picnic lodge is available for $100 a day and comes with tables and benches, a stove/oven, and a refrigerator.  Grab your friends and family and enjoy some time at Pioneer County Park.

Norman F. Kruse Park

Norman F Kruse Park offers one mile of beach on Lake Michigan.  Although there is not a lifeguard on duty the park does have a rescue board and other water safety and lifesaving equipment.  Enjoy a picnic on your day at the beach in one of the four picnic shelters that include grills, tables, restrooms, water, and electricity.  There is also a playground for the kids, making Kruse Park a great option for a family day at the beach in Muskegon.

Pere Marquette Beach

Located directly on the Southside of the Muskegon Channel is a clean and sandy beach that is surf raked every day.  With the extensive amenities that are offered, it is no wonder Pere Marquette Beach is one of Muskegon’s popular beaches.  Grab a bite at the snack bar or restaurant on the beach.  If you want to try something new, kite-boarding lessons and rentals are available as well as paddle-board and jet-ski rentals.  Whatever you choose, you will be sure to have a fun day when you go to Pere Marquette Beach.

Harbor Towne Beach

Harbor Towne Beach is a popular beach in Muskegon among the locals.  The beach overlooks both Muskegon Lake and the channel.  Visitors can enjoy the public firepit on the beach and watch the boats sailing and fishing.  This is a great option for a beach with a little less hustle and bustle.

Ross Park

Ross Park is in Norton Shores and is on the south side of the beautiful Mona Lake.  The beach area of the park has a paved walkway with play equipment, a volleyball area, and play equipment.  If you are accessing the beach from the water, you can park your boat at the beach for a short amount of time.  There are also catamaran and small sailboat rentals on the east side of the beach.

The park also features a huge picnic area that has about 400 picnic tables that are available to the public, ball fields, tennis courts, and a disc golf course.

Planning on spending more time in Muskegon?  Read about the top things to do in Muskegon and the top places to stay in Muskegon.

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Corissa Moore
Content Creator

Corissa is a wife and mother of two cute kiddos, Ari and Lola.  She is currently a stay-at-home mama with a background in hospitality. Corissa loves spending time with her family and exploring the West Michigan area!

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