Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
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Mac Wood's Dune Rides, miniature
golf, boat and bicycle rentals, canoeing,
golfing, area shopping and
sight-seeing are all popular activities in
the Silver Lake vicinity. For additional
things to do and see, please visit the
Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce or
the Silver Lake Convention and Visitors
Bureau.
Silver Lake- Modern - (800) 447-2757,
200 site(s), $27/$16
Silver Lake-ORV Trail - (Miles),
Off-Road Vehicle Trails/Routes
golf, boat and bicycle rentals, canoeing,
golfing, area shopping and
sight-seeing are all popular activities in
the Silver Lake vicinity. For additional
things to do and see, please visit the
Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce or
the Silver Lake Convention and Visitors
Bureau.
Silver Lake- Modern - (800) 447-2757,
200 site(s), $27/$16
Silver Lake-ORV Trail - (Miles),
Off-Road Vehicle Trails/Routes
Silver Lake State Park
9679 W State Park Road
Mears, Michigan 49436
Information: 231-873-3083
Campground Reservations: 1-800-44PARKS
Silver Lake State Park Off-Road Vehicle Area
Off-roading can be fun and exciting for the
whole family. Make it a safe experience for
yourself and other park visitors. Please follow the
rules that have been made for everyone's safety
and security. Sand dunes are subject to rapid
topographical changes resulting from winds and
erosion. Be alert for steep inclines, changing
slopes, natural hazards and sudden drop-offs.
Always operate your vehicle at a safe speed and
in a safe manner.
General Rules
There are a number of general rules that apply
to all operators using the Silver Lake Off-Road
Vehicle (ORV) Area. Specific vehicle
regulations and requirements follow this section.
The Off-Road Vehicle Area is open each year
from April 1 through October 31.
April 1 – May 15 and the day after Labor Day –
October 31, it is open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
May 16 – Labor Day it is open 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Access to the ORV Area and Dunes is stopped ½
hour ahead of closing time, every evening.
Current vehicle permits are required on all
vehicles using the area.
All motor vehicles entering the park must display
a Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit.
All motor vehicles entering the dunes must also
display a Michigan ORV Registration.
Entry Vouchers are required on summer
weekends and holidays.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed throughout
the year in and around the ORV Area.
Operate vehicles only within the dune area
marked with orange boundary markers.
Obey directional traffic zone signage. No north-
bound traffic in high dune areas.
Rectangular, safety orange flags reaching 10
foot in height required on all ORVs.
Michigan Child Passenger Safety Law in effect
in ORV Area.
Emergency strobe, flashing, rotating and/or
blinking lights and sirens prohibited.
Helmets are required to operate ATVs and
motorcycles in parking lot as well as in dunes.
Special regulations for un-licensed and young
(12 – 16 years of age) operators.
Headlight(s), taillight(s) and brake light(s)
required on vehicles ½ hour after sunset.
ATVs and motorcycles: operator only, no
passengers at any time.
Please report accidents, injuries and/or
emergencies to state park personnel or 911.
Off-road riding and driving can be dangerous –
DRIVE SAFELY
the vehicle. The operator and occupants of a
vehicle without a full front windshield shall wear
protective eyewear. The operator of a vehicle
equipped with a roll bar shall comply with all
the following requirements:
(a) The roll bar shall be welded or bolted to the
floor or frame of the vehicle.
(b) The roll bar shall be braced in such a
manner as to prevent collapse.
(c) The roll bar shall have clearance above,
behind, and outside each seated occupant in
the vehicle.
(9) Fail to submit to any of the following tests, or
operate any vehicle that does not comply with
all of the following:
(a) Vehicles shall be equipped with a muffler
and spark arrester containing baffles, shall meet
the muffler and spark arrester requirements
specified in subsection (g) of section 81133 of
Part 811, Off-Road Recreational Vehicles, of
the Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of
1994, being Section 324.81133(g) of the
Michigan Compiled Laws and shall successfully
pass a muffler and spark arrester baffle test. A
vehicle shall successfully pass a muffler and
spark arrester baffle test by preventing passage
of a flexible, plastic rod, no larger than 3/8-inch
in diameter, through the muffler and spark
arrester when inserted through the exhaust outlet.
(b) A maximum noise level of 94 Db(A), or the
current EPA emissions limit, shall be met. The
testing provisions of current SAE J 1287, June
93 standard for ATV and motorcycle vehicles
and SAE J 1169, March 93 for all other vehicles
shall be followed and all vehicles shall pass a
stationary sound level test. The stationary sound
level test shall be administered from a 0.5 meter
(19.69 inches) distance at one-half the engine’s
maximum rated RPM and as further described
by current testing provisions for the particular
vehicle.
(10) Operate any vehicle at any time without
possessing a valid operator's or chauffeur's
license, except as follows:
(a) A person at least 12 years of age and in
possession of a valid ORV safety certificate
issued by this state or a comparable ORV safety
certificate issued under the authority of another
state or a province of Canada, may operate
either an ATV or motorcycle while under direct
visual supervision, from a distance of not more
than 50 feet, of a parent or adult guardian.
Adults with an ORV safety certificate issued
under authority of another state or a province of
Canada.
(b) A parent or legal guardian of a child 12
years of age to less than 16 years of age shall
permit the child to operate an ORV unless the
child is under direct visual supervision, from a
distance of not more than 50 feet, of an adult
and the child has in his or her immediate
possession an ORV safety certificate issued by
this state or a comparable ORV safety certificate
issued under the authority of another state or a
province of Canada.
(11) Operate any type of vehicle and fail to
present an operator's or chauffeur's license or
ORV Safety Training Certificate upon the
demand of any law enforcement officer or State
Park personnel.
(12) Enter or use the ORV Area without
complying with all posted regulatory, zoning, or
directional signs, or operate a vehicle except in
the directional pattern established and marked
within the ORV Area.
(13) Enter or use the ORV Area without
obtaining and displaying a valid ORV Area
Parking Lot Voucher or Dune Ready Voucher at
any time when such requirement is posted.
(14) Operate any vehicle while towing a
contrivance other than a disabled vehicle or
trailer, or tow a vehicle or trailer on other than
the designated parking lot or paved entrance
road without first obtaining proper written
permission from the department. Passengers
shall not occupy any trailer or disabled vehicle
while it is being towed.
(15) Drive or operate any motor driven vehicle at
speeds exceeding 15 mph or perform exhibition
type driving within the parking area or entrance
road to the ORV Area. Exhibition driving
means: performing wheelies, spinning tires,
cutting circles, jump starts, or other erratic or
irresponsible driving.
(16) Possess or consume an alcoholic beverage
at any time in the ORV Area, ORV Voucher
Center Area, or any area extending one-quarter
of a mile from the boundary of the ORV Area.
9679 W State Park Road
Mears, Michigan 49436
Information: 231-873-3083
Campground Reservations: 1-800-44PARKS
Silver Lake State Park Off-Road Vehicle Area
Off-roading can be fun and exciting for the
whole family. Make it a safe experience for
yourself and other park visitors. Please follow the
rules that have been made for everyone's safety
and security. Sand dunes are subject to rapid
topographical changes resulting from winds and
erosion. Be alert for steep inclines, changing
slopes, natural hazards and sudden drop-offs.
Always operate your vehicle at a safe speed and
in a safe manner.
General Rules
There are a number of general rules that apply
to all operators using the Silver Lake Off-Road
Vehicle (ORV) Area. Specific vehicle
regulations and requirements follow this section.
The Off-Road Vehicle Area is open each year
from April 1 through October 31.
April 1 – May 15 and the day after Labor Day –
October 31, it is open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
May 16 – Labor Day it is open 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Access to the ORV Area and Dunes is stopped ½
hour ahead of closing time, every evening.
Current vehicle permits are required on all
vehicles using the area.
All motor vehicles entering the park must display
a Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit.
All motor vehicles entering the dunes must also
display a Michigan ORV Registration.
Entry Vouchers are required on summer
weekends and holidays.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed throughout
the year in and around the ORV Area.
Operate vehicles only within the dune area
marked with orange boundary markers.
Obey directional traffic zone signage. No north-
bound traffic in high dune areas.
Rectangular, safety orange flags reaching 10
foot in height required on all ORVs.
Michigan Child Passenger Safety Law in effect
in ORV Area.
Emergency strobe, flashing, rotating and/or
blinking lights and sirens prohibited.
Helmets are required to operate ATVs and
motorcycles in parking lot as well as in dunes.
Special regulations for un-licensed and young
(12 – 16 years of age) operators.
Headlight(s), taillight(s) and brake light(s)
required on vehicles ½ hour after sunset.
ATVs and motorcycles: operator only, no
passengers at any time.
Please report accidents, injuries and/or
emergencies to state park personnel or 911.
Off-road riding and driving can be dangerous –
DRIVE SAFELY
the vehicle. The operator and occupants of a
vehicle without a full front windshield shall wear
protective eyewear. The operator of a vehicle
equipped with a roll bar shall comply with all
the following requirements:
(a) The roll bar shall be welded or bolted to the
floor or frame of the vehicle.
(b) The roll bar shall be braced in such a
manner as to prevent collapse.
(c) The roll bar shall have clearance above,
behind, and outside each seated occupant in
the vehicle.
(9) Fail to submit to any of the following tests, or
operate any vehicle that does not comply with
all of the following:
(a) Vehicles shall be equipped with a muffler
and spark arrester containing baffles, shall meet
the muffler and spark arrester requirements
specified in subsection (g) of section 81133 of
Part 811, Off-Road Recreational Vehicles, of
the Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of
1994, being Section 324.81133(g) of the
Michigan Compiled Laws and shall successfully
pass a muffler and spark arrester baffle test. A
vehicle shall successfully pass a muffler and
spark arrester baffle test by preventing passage
of a flexible, plastic rod, no larger than 3/8-inch
in diameter, through the muffler and spark
arrester when inserted through the exhaust outlet.
(b) A maximum noise level of 94 Db(A), or the
current EPA emissions limit, shall be met. The
testing provisions of current SAE J 1287, June
93 standard for ATV and motorcycle vehicles
and SAE J 1169, March 93 for all other vehicles
shall be followed and all vehicles shall pass a
stationary sound level test. The stationary sound
level test shall be administered from a 0.5 meter
(19.69 inches) distance at one-half the engine’s
maximum rated RPM and as further described
by current testing provisions for the particular
vehicle.
(10) Operate any vehicle at any time without
possessing a valid operator's or chauffeur's
license, except as follows:
(a) A person at least 12 years of age and in
possession of a valid ORV safety certificate
issued by this state or a comparable ORV safety
certificate issued under the authority of another
state or a province of Canada, may operate
either an ATV or motorcycle while under direct
visual supervision, from a distance of not more
than 50 feet, of a parent or adult guardian.
Adults with an ORV safety certificate issued
under authority of another state or a province of
Canada.
(b) A parent or legal guardian of a child 12
years of age to less than 16 years of age shall
permit the child to operate an ORV unless the
child is under direct visual supervision, from a
distance of not more than 50 feet, of an adult
and the child has in his or her immediate
possession an ORV safety certificate issued by
this state or a comparable ORV safety certificate
issued under the authority of another state or a
province of Canada.
(11) Operate any type of vehicle and fail to
present an operator's or chauffeur's license or
ORV Safety Training Certificate upon the
demand of any law enforcement officer or State
Park personnel.
(12) Enter or use the ORV Area without
complying with all posted regulatory, zoning, or
directional signs, or operate a vehicle except in
the directional pattern established and marked
within the ORV Area.
(13) Enter or use the ORV Area without
obtaining and displaying a valid ORV Area
Parking Lot Voucher or Dune Ready Voucher at
any time when such requirement is posted.
(14) Operate any vehicle while towing a
contrivance other than a disabled vehicle or
trailer, or tow a vehicle or trailer on other than
the designated parking lot or paved entrance
road without first obtaining proper written
permission from the department. Passengers
shall not occupy any trailer or disabled vehicle
while it is being towed.
(15) Drive or operate any motor driven vehicle at
speeds exceeding 15 mph or perform exhibition
type driving within the parking area or entrance
road to the ORV Area. Exhibition driving
means: performing wheelies, spinning tires,
cutting circles, jump starts, or other erratic or
irresponsible driving.
(16) Possess or consume an alcoholic beverage
at any time in the ORV Area, ORV Voucher
Center Area, or any area extending one-quarter
of a mile from the boundary of the ORV Area.
VEHICLE REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Specific vehicle equipment regulations and requirements are covered by the current
Land Use Order of the Director (LUOD) for Silver Lake State Park. Additionally no
person shall operate a vehicle in violation of any provision of Part 811, Off-Road
Recreational Vehicles, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act
451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being Section 324.81101 to 324.81150 if the Michigan
Compiled Laws. If you have any questions about the requirements or rules, please
contact Silver State Park officials.
The LUOD reads in part:
By authority conferred on the Director of the Department of Natural Resources by
Section 504 of Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, as amended, being section
324.504 of the Michigan Compiled Laws and in accordance with R 299.671 and R
299.922 of the Michigan Administrative Code, the Director of the Department of Natural
Resources orders that the following order of the Land Use Orders of the Director shall
read as follows:
Order 5.9 Off-road vehicles, Silver Lake State Park Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area,
conditions for use, prohibited conduct.
A person shall not do any of the following on all state lands of Silver Lake State Park
posted as the ORV Area, Oceana County:
(5) Operate any motor vehicle with four or more wheels that does not contain a seat
and individual seat belt for each occupant of that vehicle. Those vehicles with
automotive-type seating and fewer than four wheels shall be equipped with a seat belt
for each occupant. Vehicle operators shall comply with the provisions of the Michigan
child passenger safety law, MCL 257.710d, and all of the following provisions:
(a) Seat belts shall be in use by all occupants while the vehicle is in operation.
(b) An approved automotive manufactured restraining device, such as a lap belt or
three- or four-point harness, is an acceptable seat belt.
(c) Seat belts and restraining devices, other than factory installed, shall be secured by
bolting to the vehicle floor, frame or roll bar.
(d) Any vehicle on which the operator straddles the seat, such as a motorcycle or an
all-terrain vehicle (ATV), will be limited to the operator only as the sole occupant and
no seat belt will be required.
(6) Operate a vehicle requiring seat belts where an occupant in the rear seat is not
protected by a roll bar located immediately behind the occupant's seat as described in
subsection (8) unless the rear seat occupant(s) is wearing on his or her head a crash
helmet approved by the United State Department of Transportation (DOT). The
Operator of a vehicle that is straddled and not required to meet seat belt specifications
shall wear a crash helmet and protective eyewear approved by DOT.
(7) Operate a vehicle requiring seat belts without a warning flag mounted and
extending over the front-most portion of the vehicle. Vehicles not requiring seat belts
shall mount the warning flag on the rear of the vehicle. Vehicle operators shall comply
with all of the following requirements:
(a) The warning flag shall be mounted on a staff that is securely bolted or welded to
the vehicle. The warning flag shall maintain a minimum 10-foot height at standstill
and a minimum 8-foot height under motion.
(b) The warning flag shall be mounted on the top-most end of the staff. The flag shall
be rectangular, international orange in color, solid material, with a minimum length on
the supporting side of five inches and a minimum length on the base side of 10
inches.
(8) Operate a vehicle requiring seat belts that is not equipped with an integral steel
roof, or roll bar located immediately behind the operator, or roll cage, capable of
supporting the weight of
Specific vehicle equipment regulations and requirements are covered by the current
Land Use Order of the Director (LUOD) for Silver Lake State Park. Additionally no
person shall operate a vehicle in violation of any provision of Part 811, Off-Road
Recreational Vehicles, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act
451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being Section 324.81101 to 324.81150 if the Michigan
Compiled Laws. If you have any questions about the requirements or rules, please
contact Silver State Park officials.
The LUOD reads in part:
By authority conferred on the Director of the Department of Natural Resources by
Section 504 of Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, as amended, being section
324.504 of the Michigan Compiled Laws and in accordance with R 299.671 and R
299.922 of the Michigan Administrative Code, the Director of the Department of Natural
Resources orders that the following order of the Land Use Orders of the Director shall
read as follows:
Order 5.9 Off-road vehicles, Silver Lake State Park Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area,
conditions for use, prohibited conduct.
A person shall not do any of the following on all state lands of Silver Lake State Park
posted as the ORV Area, Oceana County:
(5) Operate any motor vehicle with four or more wheels that does not contain a seat
and individual seat belt for each occupant of that vehicle. Those vehicles with
automotive-type seating and fewer than four wheels shall be equipped with a seat belt
for each occupant. Vehicle operators shall comply with the provisions of the Michigan
child passenger safety law, MCL 257.710d, and all of the following provisions:
(a) Seat belts shall be in use by all occupants while the vehicle is in operation.
(b) An approved automotive manufactured restraining device, such as a lap belt or
three- or four-point harness, is an acceptable seat belt.
(c) Seat belts and restraining devices, other than factory installed, shall be secured by
bolting to the vehicle floor, frame or roll bar.
(d) Any vehicle on which the operator straddles the seat, such as a motorcycle or an
all-terrain vehicle (ATV), will be limited to the operator only as the sole occupant and
no seat belt will be required.
(6) Operate a vehicle requiring seat belts where an occupant in the rear seat is not
protected by a roll bar located immediately behind the occupant's seat as described in
subsection (8) unless the rear seat occupant(s) is wearing on his or her head a crash
helmet approved by the United State Department of Transportation (DOT). The
Operator of a vehicle that is straddled and not required to meet seat belt specifications
shall wear a crash helmet and protective eyewear approved by DOT.
(7) Operate a vehicle requiring seat belts without a warning flag mounted and
extending over the front-most portion of the vehicle. Vehicles not requiring seat belts
shall mount the warning flag on the rear of the vehicle. Vehicle operators shall comply
with all of the following requirements:
(a) The warning flag shall be mounted on a staff that is securely bolted or welded to
the vehicle. The warning flag shall maintain a minimum 10-foot height at standstill
and a minimum 8-foot height under motion.
(b) The warning flag shall be mounted on the top-most end of the staff. The flag shall
be rectangular, international orange in color, solid material, with a minimum length on
the supporting side of five inches and a minimum length on the base side of 10
inches.
(8) Operate a vehicle requiring seat belts that is not equipped with an integral steel
roof, or roll bar located immediately behind the operator, or roll cage, capable of
supporting the weight of