CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - see you in may 2025!

Start Your Lake Michigan Adventure

Plan ahead for your 2025 visit to Silver Beach

Consistently named one of the Midwest’s best beaches, Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan, offers a perfect location to launch a rental kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Michigan and take in sweeping views of our iconic lighthouse.

Equipment & Pricing

Single (1 Person) Kayak

Includes Paddle & Life Jacket

Double (2 Person) Kayak

Includes Paddles & Life Jackets

Stand-Up Paddleboard

Includes Paddle & Life Jacket

READY TO BOOK FOR 2025 AT SILVER BEACH?

  • Make your reservation. (Remember, all rental sites are on Eastern time.)
  • Look for a confirmation email with details about your booking, and follow instructions for filling out your electronic liability waiver.
  • Arrive on time for your reservation (5 minutes ahead of your scheduled time is best!). If you're late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you.
  • Our crew will get you set up to paddle Lake Michigan for your scheduled duration, returning to the same place you started.

Prefer not to reserve your rental equipment in advance? You’re welcome to drop by to rent, but please note that your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.

What to Bring

  • Electronic liability waiver - complete ahead of time for yourself, and anyone else in your group. (Find the link to the waiver in your confirmation email.)
  • Your driver’s license - our staff will need a photo of your license (only one needed per party) as a security deposit while you paddle.
  • Dress for the weather - come prepared to get a little wet and be out in the sun. Sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat are a good idea. Your phone/camera have a possibility of getting wet, so bring a waterproof bag.
  • No alcohol allowed on the water.
  • Dogs aren’t permitted at Silver Beach County Park, but you’re welcome to bring your furry friends to paddle the Paw Paw River.

Age Policy

  • Kids under the age of 18 - cannot paddle alone without someone over 18 in the group.
  • Kids age 14 and older - can paddle their own kayak or paddleboard if accompanied by a parent or guardian in another kayak or on another paddleboard.
  • Kids under the age of 14 - can ride in a double kayak only if accompanied by an adult; there is no age limit, and it is up to the parent’s/guardian’s discretion.

WEATHER  |  Rescheduling  |  Cancellations

  • Arrive on time for your reservation - if you are late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you when you arrive. (Remember, our rental sites are on Eastern time.)
  • Weather conditions - if we are unable to open the rental site due to unsafe weather conditions, we will contact you as soon as possible regarding the change in plans, and you'll receive a full credit to reschedule at your convenience. Please note that if the rental site is open as usual but you don’t plan to paddle at your scheduled reservation time due to possible weather conditions, you will need to use the reschedule link in your confirmation email to select a new day and time before your original reservation time.
  • Need to reschedule? If you need to reschedule your reservation, you can use the reschedule link in your confirmation email to select a new day and time. Please note that rescheduling must be completed before your original reservation time.
  • Cancellations & refunds - we're happy to reschedule rentals or offer full credit to use for future rentals, but there are no refunds on these services. For guests who would  prefer the option of a refund rather than rescheduling for another date, our reservation software vendor, Peek Pro, provides the option to protect your experience through Peek Protect Coverage by Spot. This coverage is ONLY available if booking your reservation online and cannot be added after your booking has already been confirmed.

Visit Us

Silver Beach kayak & paddleboard rentals are located on the south end of Silver Beach County Park (near the swing set) in St. Joseph, Michigan, within walking distance of downtown St. Joseph. For parking, you have a few options:

  • Park in the Silver Beach County Park lot (the main parking lot at the beach): $8/day for Berrien County residents, $15/day for non-Berrien County residents, or $40 for annual pass (regardless of residency). There is also paid parking near Silver Beach Pizza and at Lion’s Park Beach.
  • Park on a nearby street for free. This is first come, first serve, and tends to fill quickly in summer.


Third Coast Paddling – Silver Beach Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Silver Beach County Park, 101 Broad Street
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085

AREA INFORMATION

Southwest Michigan Tourist Council
St. Joseph Today