i'll be picking up my daughter at camp at the end of june near muskegon michigan. I'd like to take the whole family (5 kids) somewhere for a few days near the camp. that would mean ludington, pentwater, saugatuck or somewhere close. looking for clean hotel, inn, house, condo or etc. on or near water that can accommodate us all. not looking for cheap though price is, of course, an important consideration. any suggestions?

Hi, I cant say how the cleanliness is at any of the specific hotels but there is alot to do at Silver Lake for the kids, with the sand dunes, silver lake, and Lake Michigan right there. You are also very close to Pentwater and Ludington for other areas to explore.Also, there is the double J ranch where the kids and parents can do some things on their own as well as together, horseback riding, swimming hole, crafts.We summer up in that area so if you have any more questions feel free to email me.

We have a place in Silver Lake and Shelly is correct there is a lot to do especially for kids in that area. There is one hotel on Silver Lake and many cabins and cottages for rent but you need to book early. Depending on the ages of your children there is something for most everyone in the Silver Lake area from dunebuggy rentals/rides, hikes to the dunes, walks along the Lake Michigan shoreline, bumper boats, mini golf, slick race tracks, arcade, etc. There are great hiking trails and bike paths (bike rentals) as well. Check out the websites I listed below for more information and things to do in the Silver Lake area.

Pentwater is a quaint little town and they have a few B&B's within walking distance to Lake Michigan also a few shops downtown and a beach.

Muskegon has nice parks for camping on the Lake Michigan side. It is a larger city and more spread out. You can drive up the Lake Michigan shoreline (circle tour) from Muskegon to the Silver Lake area which is a pretty drive.

Ludington is very touristy in the summer. There is a great beach and light house you can walk out to. A few shops in the downtown area you can walk to as well if you rent a cottage downtown close to Lake Michigan. A few good restaurants.

As Shelly mentioned Double JJ is a great resort too - www.doublejj.com. Lot's to do all year long.

http://www.silverlakesanddunes.net

http://www.oceana.net/silverlake/index.html

http://www.pentwatermichigan.com

http://www.ci.ludington.mi.us (click on the everything Michigan icon for information on cottage rentals, what to do, etc.)

http://www.wmta.org (type in your city to obtain more information)

Hope you have a great trip.

a definate must-see is sagatuck. There are plenty of little fudge shops, ice-cream parlors and neat stores all along the streets. You could take a paddle boat along the river, or go to the beach. It is very nice and reminds me of Macanaiaw (sp?) city.

We have visited the Double JJ for the last 5 years. My kids love it there. They offer a day camp for kids, with activities you can choose. Anything from horse back riding, swimming, archery, arts & crafts, rodeo and hayrides. If the adults love to golf, you need to check out their golf course, Thoroughbred. The swimming area has a waterslide that my kids love to ride. You can find the Double JJ about a half hour north of Muskegon on US31, on the Rothbury exit.