Silver Lake State Park ORV Area

Silver Lake State Park ORV Area is a state-managed off-road vehicle riding area located within Silver Lake State Park at 8960 W. Fox Road in Mears, Michigan. The area sits along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the western Lower Peninsula and is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The riding area covers 450 acres of open sand dunes and is described by the DNR as the only ORV riding area of its type east of the Mississippi River. It functions as an unstructured scramble area rather than a trail system, meaning riders navigate the dune terrain freely rather than following a fixed route. There are no organized race events or sanctioned series hosted at the area; it is a day-use recreational riding destination open to the public during the regular season.

The ORV season runs from April 1 through October 31. Hours of operation vary by time of year: April 1 through April 30 and September 16 through October 31, the dunes are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; from May 1 through September 15, hours extend to 10 p.m. Access to the dune area stops one half hour before closing each evening. During the off-season, the dunes are not open to ORVs, but the site supports other recreation: a dedicated shoreline horseback riding season takes place each November, and a fat-tire biking season runs December 15 through March 15.

A welcome center is available on site where riders entering with a dune-ready vehicle can make adjustments before heading into the dunes. Riders who are trailering may make vehicle adjustments in their parking area. Pedestrian access through the dunes to the Lake Michigan shoreline is permitted for non-riders. Vehicles are not allowed at the water’s edge. The nearby Little Sable Lighthouse is accessible on foot from the ORV area. The DNR is conducting a visitor use study in partnership with Michigan State University during at least one current season to inform future management decisions.

The area can be reached by phone at 231-873-3083 or by email through the Silver Lake State Park contact address. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into state park properties. Riders should confirm current vehicle requirements and regulations with the DNR before visiting, as rules vary by vehicle type.