Even though it was a little chilly and pretty rough we had a great time at the beach during the day. There were, as always breathtaking views at night watching the sun set!
The sites are close together like they are at most state park beaches, but it is a short walk to the water.
This was a park that I have been to many times since the 70's and I was sorry to visit this time and see the changes that have taken place. These are not changes that I view as positive and means I will not camp there again until things change. They now have one toilet facility for the entire park and a limited number of showers available which meant a line of up to 7 people waiting to shower at different times of the day. They also have only one trash area and many times the trash was piled high on the bins. The toilets were usually swept clean each morning, but mirrors were so dirty you could not see your face to shave or clean up. It appeared that the staff are there for the job and not because they care about the park.
I've been going to Mears State Park with my family and friends for 15 years. It is my favorite place to camp in all of Michigan, and offers the best beach in the Lower Peninsula. We prefer the row that backs up to the beach; our friends swear the row that backs up to Mt. Baldy is the best. Either way, you're going to have fun here. If you get tired of campfire food and living out of coolers, the Brown Bear serves AMAZING food and there is a cute little ice cream shoppe on Lowell St. Anywhere you need to go in Pentwater is just a leisurely, scenic bike ride away. You've got to hike up Mt Baldy at sunset and run (or walk) down at least once. If you're into kayaking or canoeing, start in Watson Creek, paddle up the river, through Pentwater Lake, and out into Lake Michigan. This place has so much to offer; I hope you get a chance to enjoy it!
We enjoyed a great fishing event for children, sponsored by the Michigan DNR. The piers are fun, great walking areas, nice facilities. Very clean Lake Michigan beach.
Nice campground, but campers are right beside one another, not as bad as Grand Haven State Park, but a very close 2nd!!!!! You have fire rings at your campsites which is nice and the showers/bathrooms were very clean and the water was hot!!! Great place to stay & enjoy the beautiful beach, or watch a thunder storm roll in. Just a short walk into town for some neat little shops to check out, or enjoy a burger at the Brown Bear!!You have to talk to the rangers in order to use the beach wheelchair, they also have a nice decking so you can take a wheelchair almost down to the water. A very wonderful addition for those needing it!!!
First time to this camping state park. We have camped at many places across the country and this park seemed to have the feel of being recently remodeled. Every aspect seemed to be like new: bathrooms/shower/beach area and other general areas. We decided to rent the one Pop Up Camper available in park. We were pleasantly surprised with the conveniences it offered: new induction hot plate, microwave and A/C. Camper was roomy for two but can accommodate 6 tightly. Space had brand new fire pit and brand new picnic table. Location for us was within 20 feet of bathrooms/showers. There is a beach store concession open from 10-10 that sold usual snacks, ice cream and firewood. We loved the benches along the new wide beach walk, there were even grills so you could BBQ near the beach. The park is located walking distance to downtown Pentwater. We will definitely be back!
If you are not familiar with Michigan's western shore, it is hard to believe that there are caribbean quality beaches in the midwest. Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater also has amenities such as restrooms, snack shop and beach-wear for sale.
Great B&B at Candlewyck House.. loved every minute .. great fall weekend.. beautiful colors.. Octoberfest weekend .. lots to see and do..
Brought my 3 and 1 yr old sons to the beach and it was great. Very very clean and a wonderful park to play in as well. I will definitely bring my boys back here.