Sitting along the shore of Lake Michigan with open sightlines toward the Mackinac Bridge, Lakeshore Park Campground in Carp Lake draws both RV travelers and tent campers looking for a waterfront stop in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The road in is paved and smooth, and rigs up to 70 feet have made the trip without issue. Sites vary: some sit close to the water's edge, others are set a bit farther back, but most have tree cover that provides meaningful shade through the warmer months.
Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections are available, and the campground includes a dump station, showers, and WiFi. One feature that comes up repeatedly in reviews is the private beach access, which lets campers reach the lakeshore without leaving the property. Staff are consistently described as friendly and quick at check-in. The one trade-off worth knowing: sites run narrow, putting neighboring campers in close proximity. This is a small campground, and it fills up. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends.
"Right on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge," notes Bryan R., who also describes the grounds as well maintained. The location makes it a logical base for a Mackinac Island trip, with ferry access nearby. Campers exploring the area can also find campsites near St. Ignace or check nearby properties like St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA if this campground is booked. The season runs May 1 through October 15, and a cash discount is available at check-in.
Description
Wilderness State Park offers visitors a variety of year-round recreational activities within it's over 10,000 acres including 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, numerous trails, six rustic cabins and three rustic bunkhouses.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
On September 22 and 23, 2026 a search and rescue training will be held at Wilderness State Park. The training will take place on the western portion of Waugoshance Point approximately three miles west of the campgrounds.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLakeshore Park Campground is located in Michigan near St. Ignace
Directions
From jct I-75 & US 2: Go 2 mi W on US 2, then 1-1/2 mi SW on CR 405 (Point La Barbe Rd).
Address
903 Wilderness Park Drive
Carp Lake, MI 49718
Coordinates
45.8544365 N
84.78218197 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/1/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/1/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 12 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 48 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 49 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 58 min from Saginaw, MI
