charles mears state park

I've been going to Charles Mears State Park since 1962. Even in the winter, pull into the parking lot and walk along the pier for the most beautiful sunsets. There is no entry fee in the winter but there are also no open restrooms. This town and this park speak to me and I cannot wait until July to return!

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!

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..

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.

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.

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!

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!

We have been coming to this area for many years but this was our first time staying at the state park. The sites were very close to each but that was expected. What was not expected was the overall condition, especially the bathhouse. The individual showers were dirty, with piles of hair and full trash cans. The entry way was often only partially cleaned. On Sunday the trash bins were overflowing with the contents spilling over the sides making it evident additional bins were needed. Very disappointing.

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!!!

I only visited the beach here with my family, no other park of the park. It was a little chilly here before noon and there were a lot of gnats flying around. Once the weather warmed up and the beach got busy, the gnats weren't a problem. The beach is clean and not too big or small. The water was too cold for my taste, but there were some swimmers, kite fliers, kayakers, and stand up paddle boarders in the water. The beach is next to the channel into the nearby harbor so you can watch all the local boats go in and out. There are bathrooms, changing rooms, and a small concession stand that sells souvenirs too. If you're in the area, it's a nice beach to visit!

A nice, small park that is well maintained and seemed to be well run. Not too big, so get there early. Ice cream stands not too far away. Give this park a try.

We spend a lot of our summertime here. This is by far the best beach I have been to in Michigan. No matter where you park your chair or towel you are close to the water, pier, bathrooms and dunes. The water is clear and blue, the sand white. There is a volleyball net set up on the north end of the beach. You can walk the pier, swim, hike the dunes or beach or just sit and enjoy the sun.

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.

The sites are close together like they are at most state park beaches, but it is a short walk to the water.