Wilderness State Park Camping, near Carp Lake, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to a variety of camping styles, making it a popular choice for families and friends alike.

The campground boasts beautiful beach access, with clear waters and sandy shores that visitors rave about. Many campers recommend booking early to snag a prime spot right on the beach, as it offers stunning views and easy access to swimming and sunbathing. One camper noted, “The beach was beautiful, the water clear,” highlighting the appeal of this location.

Amenities include clean bathrooms and showers, along with picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings. Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities, which make for a comfortable stay. As one reviewer mentioned, “Nice, clean bathrooms” add to the overall experience.

For those eager to explore, the park is just a short drive from Mackinaw City, where you can find additional activities and attractions. With miles of hiking trails and the nearby Headlands International Dark Sky Park, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures waiting for you. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or embark on a scenic hike, Wilderness State Park Camping has plenty to offer.

Wilderness State Park, located just 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, 20-plus miles of trails, a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach and unique camping opportunities. The park is also a designated dark sky preserve offering stellar views of the sky and is just 9 miles from Headlands Dark Sky Park (an Emmet County park).

Wilderness State Park Camping

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Cross Village, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Cross Village, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Cross Village

The Best Camping Near Cross Village, Michigan

My dad and I backpacked around Wilderness State Park and loved it!  It was his first time doing actual backpacking, but the trails around this park weren't too difficult for him.  The first night we spent at the campground, which was only a couple miles in and close enough to a store that my dad went back and bought a 6-pack haha.  There were RVs and pop-up campers, so my little makeshift tent received some strange looks.  

The next day we packed up and hiked about 4 miles to a rustic campsite near Lawrence Lake.  The trail that day had been flooded a bit and we had to walk, ankle deep, in some mud. There was only one spot for camping, so we were lucky to have it to ourselves.  It was a beautiful place on an islet with incredible views of the lake and surrounding forest.  There was a makeshift toilet there and fire pit, but that was about it.  

The next morning we hiked out, which went up the "mountain" (a small hill really haha) and had nice views of the area.  We hiked past the Nebo Cabin, which looked very nice.  It seems like you could drive up to it without a problem and could accomadate a larger family.  

Beautiful Backcountry with Easy Access

Wilderness State Park is one of my favorite campgrounds in northern Michigan. They have true rustic sites, where you have to hike into, usually a little over a mile. If you want to get away into your own space, Wilderness has it. There are plenty of trails to explore and of course some Great Lakes State waters! They also have regular campsites and cabins. I haven't stayed in those areas, but have checked them out and they look great. My focus is always on the rustic!! Also, Wilderness opened a dark sky park this past year as well. If you want to explore some gorgeous dark night skies in Northern Michigan, I suggest checking it out! 

Wilderness State Park, Mi

We discovered this campground over thirty years ago when our children were young.  Your about ten miles from Mackinaw City. There miles to explore yet there's a small store to walk to to get your paper and a morning donut. You'll see lots of wildlife, fish if you like or just spend the day at the beach.  I spend my winters dreaming about going back. Oh and if your a winter person I understand there's plenty to do then and cabin accomodations.

Our family favorite campground

With plenty of trees for hammocking I found myself gazing at lake michigan, and being peacefully lulled to sleep. With a limited number of campsites, its definitely a treat to stay right on the water.  To port kayaks out was only a few steps from the site, and in view is the Mackinac bridge, what more could one ask for? 

One of Michigan best

Park is larger than you think, make sure to check out all of it. Stayed in the rustic cabins in the summer, which were way out on the western peninsula. “Rustic” indeed (no water, no power, bring absolutely everything you need) but we enjoyed it. Kids did some geocaching right in the park. Can’t beat the sun rises/sets. Tons of bugs but also loads of birds and wildlife. 


Wilderness

We went to this campground in December and it had been just after a hard snow.  We stayed in one of the rustic cabins, although it was a hike to get back (they close the main road with snow)... it was worth it.  Seclusion, beauty and relaxation!  No electricity, but a nice wood stove to keep you toasty with an endless amount of cut wood to keep you warm.  Hoping to make it an annual adventure!

Snowfall Heaven

I made a spontaneous trip up towards Mackinac to catch a view of the northern lights. Wilderness State Park has fantastic beach sites all along the water that offer great views. Next time you hear of northern lights happening, I suggest you book a trip here

Northern Lights Camping Trip

This lovely Michigan state park juts out on a small peninsula into the waters of north Lake Michigan within site of the Mackinaw bridge, connecting the lower and upper parts of the state. With over 26 miles of coastline there are no shortages of beaches to walk and find solitude.

The campsite we stayed in offered more than expected: paved campsite, electricity, solid picnic table and the beefiest campfire pit ever to come standard in a state park – Michigan is serious about their campfire pits. There is a uniformity to the water-side sites that would please even a middle child --everyone gets the same share. So, searching out the “best site” isn’t necessary, though that won’t likely stop folks from trying.

The bathrooms were clean and modern, though the pit toilets are typical Michigan State Park stinky. There is a small campground with RV full-hookups, water, electricity and sewer, in addition to a few rustic cabins which are all reserve-able on the MI DNR website, [https://www.midnrreservations.com/](https://www.midnrreservations.com/).

The park offers miles of hiking and skiing/snowshoe trails for year-round enjoyment. The string of small islands as well as the coast would make for interesting and scenic kayaking. The area is also a wonderful place to cycle, especially in the fall with the autumn colors in full bloom.

Camp site fees vary, but keep in mind that non-residents pay an additional $9 per day for use of Michigan State Parks.

Color Abounds from Sunsets to Autumn Leaves

I stayed here for a couple of nights and LOVED it. The sites near the water are of course the best. I did go in May when no one else was really camping. I can imagine during the summer it is not very pleasant as the campsites are close together and not spacious. But the view would be well worth it.

Amazing!

I can only speak to the one campsite I had at this park, which was supposedly a "rustic", walk-in, tent only site. However, the "walk" in from the truck was less than 20 feet, and we were within clear view of the ranger's check-in station, restrooms, and RV camping section. Certainly not rustic or secluded by any means. At the height of the summer camping season, we were at the apex of traffic and noise. Still a lovely park with great views of the lake, and I'm sure the backcountry is much better than the developed campground. If you are like me and want to avoid crowds while camping, do your research and find out where to go. I'll be doing much more of that next time!

Nice park if you get away from the crowds

Absolutely beautiful views. Campground very clean, good sized sites. Quiet at night. And the view of the night sky is beautiful!

Beautiful surroundings. Camping on shore of Lake Michigan. Something for everyone here.

This is a beautiful campground right on the straits of Mackinaw. They’ve recently added several sites with full hook ups and some just for tents that feel like they’re rigt on the beach. The older areas are going to be updated over the next couple years so we’ll see what they come up with.  There are several rustic cabins available to stay.  Some for large groups, and others more isolated in the park for smaller groups.  Before memorial day and after Labor day its quite easy to find a site.  Durig the main season,  you’ll defintely want to reserve a site as they fill up quickly. 

beauty on the straits

Lots of sites and really beautiful water sites

Nice and clean and beautiful 

This camp ground is located right on Lake Michigan, and close to the bridge, and the dark sky park. We camped here for a night since camping is not allowed on Mackinac Island. It served our needs, but I felt that the campsites were really close together- I would have liked to have a bit more privacy from our neighbors. There are bathrooms and drinking water throughout, and each site had a power outlet to charge up.

Location, Location, Location

This campground was great. The employees were all very friendly and helpful. The campground offers wonderful wildlife programs that both young and old will enjoy! You are within walking distance of Lake Michigan and the beach is nice and sandy. The sites are well maintained but there is not much distance between them so be prepared for that. The dark park is a short distance away and a great experience for those that enjoy star gazing. All in all this is an great place to spend time during the summer. :)

Worth the trip

I stayed at one of the new tent sites over Labor Day and this quickly became one of my favorite Michigan parks! The tent sites are large and very private and right on the water. Don’t be freaked out that they are called hike in sites because the walk wasn’t any longer than from any other site to the car. The best thing for me is that these sites are so removed from the rest of the park that it didn’t even feel like a holiday weekend. It was very calm and quiet and I recommend the tent sites to anyone who enjoys unplugging in camp!

Beautiful Tent Sites

Night Sky

We loved this campground! It was very true to its title! We had a beautiful secluded spot, and the facilities were pretty nice. Also a little crowded, but not as bad as some we have been to. The kids absolutely loved the beach and the trails were awesome, as well. The kids and my husband even found a geocache! We would definitely go back.

Loved this place!

love this campground. when tent camping prepare for windscreen when cooking. beautiful sunsets amazing night skys

options from tent to cabin group cabin option too

We stayed at the Organizational Campground which is a very large group site made for 30-100 people located just before the entrance of the park. The staff gave us lots of conflicting information. Apparently we were way under charged for the site, which unfortunately for them was in our favor, but we were also told it’s an extra $5 per person per day to use the showers, which are located within the park. This was not made known until we went to use the showers. There were other conflicting bits of Information as well. Very unprofessional and awkward.

However, we basically had a “private” beach with sand dunes, lots of shoreline on Lake Michigan, and a short kayak trip out reveals the Mackinac Bridge! We saw bald eagles, various birds, and experienced swarms of mosquitos (no surprise there).

The group site had a working water well, and two non-flushable toilets, multiple fire pits and stationary barbecue grills. Beware! There are many mosquitos and poison ivy found on this site.

Beautiful Miscommunication 

Sites are close together. Very kid friendly, not a ton of hiking trails right off campground but clean restrooms and beautiful area to stay. Very buggy in June, come prepared.

Beautiful, Heavy Bugs, Bad roads leading in

Lost our reservation

Beautiful stargazing from the beach. We saw northern lights for the first time!! Disappointed no dogs on beach but it is necessary to preserve nesting habitat for endangered birds. Well maintained. Nice location near Mackinac City. Our kids have rated this in their top 3 best so far in Michigan. (Low key beach won them over).

Stargazing

I’ve stayed here countless times. I’ve never had a bad experience! The bathrooms are usually pretty clean, the drive through the forest is beautiful. Don’t forget to stop to see the huge boulder on the ride in from the city! If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch the northern lights. The campsites are pretty open, but not as open as most camps. We had pretty good coverage by shrubs and trees. Just wish they hadn’t taken away the merry go round!


Memories

Gorgeous campsite right on the lake. We stayed in the group sites. 

AMAZING

This is one of the most secluded parks I’ve been to. I happened to drive out there at night, and the long road is pitch black on the way there. Some of the sites are pretty close together, you are pretty close to your neighbor. The rangers are good at making sure noise level is down. I didn’t see many kids while I was there, mostly older groups that were playing corn hold and drinking beer. Would be a great spot for when the northern lights are out or if you want a great view of the stars away from city lights. Close to many tourist attractions. 

Out, out there

Stayed here a couple time. Decent Sites, and good stopping point before the bridge. Close to Dark Sky Park. Great kayaking. There’s a strip of islands at the point of the park. 

Close to Bridge and Dark Sky Park

As always Michigan State Parks are exceptionally well maintained.  New construction going on here for 2020.  Our campground is perfect. Close to the water not too close to neighbors and reasonably close to the restroom.   We are camping late in the year and in spite of the fact it’s the restrooms now have been closed in preparation for freezing weather we have been very pleased with our site.  

Wilderness -site 57

We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun.

Very famiky friendly

I believe the only dark park in Michigan. Beautiful expansive night views of the sky from the beach. Worth sleeping on the beach during meteor shows.

Great does viewing the night sky

It doesn't get prettier than Wilderness SP. New sites are full hook-up; others are electric only. Cold water on these beaches - bring a warm blanket to wrap up in if you plan to go swimming. Beaches are not dog-friendly (as is the case throughout Michigan, although dog beaches are starting to make headway). There is a dark sky park nearby - don't bother. It gets plenty dark here, and star-gazing is phenomenal. Close to Mackinac City and ferry to the island; close to Big Mack Bridge.

Windswept beaches and towering pines.

We had a great time here. We rented a cabin for the whole family. The cabin was clean a very cozy.

Very nice

I tent camped here with my parents, and came back often with my own children. Far enough from Mackinaw City for peace and quiet, near enough to visit all the attractions during the day. Tall trees and a beautiful beach. It,s a great vacation destination. One of the best state park campgrounds in a state full of beauties.

A family favorite

Really cool area, it’s near the only dark sky park to my knowledge in the lower peninsula. Extremely close to mackinaw, and overall the campsites are all secluded and private from each other.

Really cool location

Not much privacy. Nice setting along the lake.

Typical MI State Park

Off the main roadways a bit, the road going in needs some work but the park itself is beautiful.  Just stay away if mosquitos and flys turn you off

I love this park

Great park have camped there multiple times in the cabins and in a tent. Right on the water with great trails for hiking and walking a dog. 

Beautiful park

Great place. They pack you in in some places but there are some spots that put you right on the beach. Great little camp store for ice cream, wood, and essentials

Best spot if your going to Mackinaw

This is a beautifully placed campground right near the mackinaw bridge. Most sites are on the water and the campground has water and electric hookups. Unfortunately the sites have minimal trees and are far too close together. The views and the swimming make up for it though. I generally opt for the rustic cabins located on the far end of the park because they provide more privacy and a better area to spread out in. Also a wonderful place for winter camping and star shooting.

Opt for the rustic cabins

My wife and I spent the first day and night of Memorial Day weekend at one of the cabins here and absolutely loved it. Private and peaceful with unmatched views of the night sky over the lake. The cabins are simple but perfect for the basics of what you need for a great time outdoors. 

Breathtaking 

We stayed at Wilderness State Park the end of July. It was our second time camping at the the Pines Campground. There are two other camping options in the park, the East and West Lakeshore campgrounds, but the Pines sites are very nice and just a short bike ride away from the beach areas.

This time of year (summer/July), the campgrounds are completely booked on the weekends, but of you're looking for a site for a night or two, I recommend you keep checking the DNR for cancellations or camp during the weekdays.

The Pines Campground has spacious 20/30 amp sites, but no full hookups available. Each site looked pretty level with room for a tent or popup and plenty of extra room for a screen room. There were a lot of big RVs in the campground, but not a lot of room to move around them. I was surprised to see what some folks were comfortable driving in there.

There are several short trails for hiking and biking. The Pondside trail is about a quarter mile with benches to relax and view wildlife around the pond. My dog liked taking a dip there every day while I enjoyed some photography.

The shower house and bathrooms get pretty crowded with all those sites full of people and only one facility to accommodate them all. Expect a wait if you plan to shower just before quiet time.

Don't miss your chance to spend time on the beach while you're there. My kids and I always find a nice selection of fossils along the shore. The beach isn't very wide, so you may want to take chairs or a thick blanket to sit on in the grassy areas.

If you want a good meal in the area, Darrow's and Pancake Chef are two family friendly restaurants with good prices and a great selection. My son was celebrating his 12th birthday the day we left Wilderness SP for the UP and we stopped in Pancake Chef after packing for breakfast. When our server heard it was his birthday, she brought him a 6" cake with a candle to celebrate later. We thought that was pretty cool because he wouldn't have gotten a birthday cake otherwise.

Overall, Wilderness SP is one of our favorite campgrounds and we plan to visit every year possible. There is a lot to do in the city, like shopping and touristy stuff, if you're into that sort of thing, but if you're looking for relaxation, stay in the park and enjoy yourself.

Great, family friendly vacation spot

Beautiful views of Lake Michigan! Lots of trees and beautiful sites! There’s a long drive in to the campsite and the bathrooms are not open year round but it’s a gorgeous place to spend some time. Word of caution: if you camp on waterfront site The wind can be quite treacherous! 

Lake Michigan lovers dream camp 

Review title says it all. I keep going back to this state park every year. Lakeside reservations fill super quickly (like 8:01am the day it opens) but this park is fantastic. Always seems to have a breeze off the lake that pushes the bugs out 

Easily best State Park in Michigan

We kicked off our family camping trip at Wilderness State Park and it was just what we needed: A well maintained campground with long lovely beaches, gorgeous lake-view sunsets, and clean bathrooms. After a long drive from 90+ temps to the south, the refreshing swim in crystal clear water was simply exquisite. 

The only minor thing keeping this from 5 stars is how tightly packed together the sites are, but the entire experience was so clean and comfortable we would happily come here again. 

Beautiful respite 

Great park right on lake Michigan. Level sites, clean and modern facilities. 3 bays for sanitation station.  Quality state park... Very large, but not much for privacy.

Beautiful location

This is our favorite rustic campground, 
Surrounded by woods and on the water edge. 

Tent camping - rustic waterfront, fire pit 

RV camping - electric/ water, fire pit 

Open your door and you are on the water!
 

Heaven on earth 

I only wish I lived closer. We traveled all the way from NY to visit this campground and it has still been my favorite to date. 
We stayed in the loop with the full hook-ups and had a beach view. Every night we had a beautiful sunset to watch. When the water was still, it was crystal clear and beautiful. It reminded me of some place tropical. The kids enjoyed playing on the sandy beaches. 
While we were here, we also visited Mackinac Island. We rented some bikes and toured the island. Visited many attractions including a winery, ate some famous fudge and climbed up to an overlook of the lake. 
We had so much fun here and I hope to one day visit it again. 

My favorite campground to date 

Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets. Definitely will be back. 

Beautiful Campsite 

This very popular state park is a real winner due to its gorgeous remote location, sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters along the shores of Lake Michigan-- located just southwest of the iconic Mackinac Bridge. The sunrises and sunsets alone are worth the price of admission!  And, we lucked out to be camping during a meteor shower, one of the best we’ve ever seen. We laid out on the beach and watch the night sky for hours. 

  

All of the sites have electric hookups and are rather packed together, so there is literally no privacy between them if it’s a busy time of the season. The sites along the lakeshore are the best, and have direct beach access, but you need to be the early bird and make a reservation the morning that they open up. The campground hosts do a great job of keeping this park very clean. 

  

Because of all the cool things to do and see at this park, we honestly didn’t sit around much during the day. We hiked, biked, swam, snorkeled, and paddled our hearts out. We made it out to the most remote islands that are part of the park and even found Petoskey stones along the shores. Some of the finest Lake Michigan paddling we've done! 

  

We can’t comment on the bathrooms and there were simply too many people at this campground for us to feel comfortable using them during a pandemic, so we set up our own portable shower and toilet tent and it worked just fine. We would highly recommend this option to others who don’t have a bathroom in their camper or are tent camping. 

  

The closest “real” grocery store is in Mackinaw City, about 30 minutes away. But, Mackinaw City is a total tourist trap, so I’d avoid going there unless that is your thing. There is a small general store for snacks, ice cream, ice, and adult beverages about 4 miles outside of the park.

Sandy beaches, sunsets, and sunrises!

This state park is one of the best. The campsites have amazing water views and are nicely spaced out. Bathrooms are clean. Highly recommend! 

Absolutely beautiful  

Wilderness was great, not what you are looking for if you are tent camping more of an RV park. Beautiful views though

Great space!

We stayed at Wilderness in October this fall.  The fall colors were just about fully turned and it was just gorgeous.  This park is geared towards the RV camper and they have sites for just about any size rig.  The sites along the lake are geared more toward the sorter rigs.  Ours is a short 5'er and we fit just fine.  
  
The only downside to this trip was the very high lake levels.  On the west side of the park with the more scenic beaches were just not accessible.  Actually, they didn't exist.  The water level completely inundated them.  Even the shore trees were in the water.  That prevented us from hiking where we had hoped to hike.  That really limited us.

  

The park was clean and the dump station clean and plenty of room  We would camp here again.

We scored a spot right on the beach

One of the best state campgrounds.  This is a very large park and can be hard to get into.  It has wonderful trails around it, good sized sites, an active ranger program for kids. There is the upper campground (Pines), which does not have direct views or water access, but is a great campground.  The lower section is on the water.  There is beach access for all campers along the water and gorgeous views of the Mackinaw Bridge.  It's a great hub for all the activities in the area: the dark sky park, Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, etc.

Wonderful campground!

My family and I have been camping here since I was 4 (I’m....much older than that now!). I have been taking my 3 sons here since my oldest was 5 (he’s 16 now). This is “our” place for R&amp;R! Miles and miles of trails for day hikes, soft sandy beaches and cool water in the Straights, kayak-able, and always a fun community of campers. Hard to get in this year due to an update on the East Lakeshore campground, but we squeaked in. This is our favorite summer treat and retreat!

Our “Traditional” Spot

This park has become our go-to place.  The location is very secluded, but also close to Mackinaw if you are in the mood to go out for dinner.  There are also a ton of places to visit within about an hour’s drive.

The campground itself is clean and generally low key.  Virtually no partiers running around until 2am which helps make it a truly relaxing place.

The most amazing part of the park is the water and how accessible it is.  Even if you are at the Pines campground you are only about a 5 min walk to the water.

Amazing camping spot

This park is great and it’s 100% open for 2021...I was just there, it’s not closed at all, just a very small part of the park is for repairs and upgrade 6/17/21 

Open

The information that this campground is closed for the 2021 season is wrong. Some sites are closed (1-75) for renovation but many are open. 

The information that this campground is near Ann Arbor is also wrong. This campground is in northern Michigan on the west side on Lake Michigan. 


Lake Michigan lake front campground

The campsites are on top of each other and there isn't a good place to pitch a tent on the gravel patch. It was very crowded and there was no privacy. It would have been a fine site if it didn't cost $41 ($35 site + reservation fee).

The bathrooms and showers were not dirty, but not super clean either. It had electric at the site and warm water at the showers. The beach was pretty and the stars were bright at night. However, the closeness of the sites really put a damper on things. We got to meet the neighbors, but I have never seen a more crowded campground. Overall, this campsite wasn't worth writing home about.

Crowded State Park

Stayed one night, one of the quietest campgrounds we have stayed considering close neighbors.   Nice big beach, clean bathrooms.    About 15 minutes from the observatory and dark sky park.   

Nice and quiet

My family and I stayed here in August 2020. We stayed in the pines loop of the campground and really like the shaded sites. The bathrooms were clean, and the campground was quiet overall. We will be back!

Awesome State Campground, Close to Mackinac

We visited Wilderness State Park on our last day of our 10 day expedition, and I really just wish we could’ve stayed an extra day or two, honestly! The night before, we had an incredible time at the Headlands International Dark Sky Observatory the night before right down the street, and the next day we enjoyed a beautiful scenic hike through the forest at Wilderness State Park followed by a surreal, almost tropical like feeling swim at Sturgeon Bay. With the shallow sand bars, it was some of the warmest water we’ve swam in all summer, and I can only imagine how beautiful it is here in the fall! Really hoping to make it make in October! 

A Walk on the Wild Side

Beautiful MI state park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Close to Mackinaw Bridge. 

Northern MI state park camping

This park was beautiful. The staff is great and the location is amazing. We have a 45' fifth and fit in just fine. Beach access in multiple locations and the park goes on for miles. The water is crystal clear and the sand bars let you get almost 100 yards into Lake Michigan.

WOW!!

Visited in Fall. Camped in lake front site (419); the lake being right by the campsite was nice. However, very little privacy nor trees in this area. Wide open camping - more like RV park camping. Not at all what I had hoped. Fire pits do not have cooking rack so bring own. Beach for walking very nice with water level down. Drove to Piping Plover nesting area-that was beautiful. Seven very remote rustic cabins in beautiful areas. Some right on water. October 18th they close modern bathrooms and most water spigots, so have to get water at Camp office. 20 miles of hiking trails. Headlands Dark Sky Park well worth the short drive; a Beautiful area. Gave 3 stars due to “RV Park” like campground. Otherwise rest of park 4-5 stars. More trees in back campground (not near Lake MI). 



Wilderness State Park 

Nice

Tent camped in site 441 right on the lake. Wide open spots (mostly campers in this loop but was fine for 2 tents), fairly close together but the views, the beach/water, the nearby activities entirely make up for that. Nice, clean bathrooms. Surprisingly no issues with bugs at all in early June!

Wonderful Wilderness!

Great campground only about 15 minutes from mackinaw city. Vault toilets but they are kept clean. Front desk was very nice and helpful. The tent site we stayed at had a good view of the lake and passing ships. Just a short 30 second walk from our site to the beach. Other sites are fairly close by but there is pretty good tree coverage for privacy from other campers. 


Nice view of Lake Michigan 

the site was well maintained and the bathrooms were clean (enough). 

checked in late and got to our site. the photos on DNRs website were relatively deceptive as site 594 seemed a little far from the other sites. the spots were pretty much on top of one another and the crowd that this park attracts (emphasis on crowd) blatantly ignores quiet time rules. if you like to party and be loud with other campers, this is your place. not for those who enjoy getting away from the busy areas.

if you’re a people person, this is the place for you.

Book early to get a campsite on the beach! There are 3 campgrounds in total, the two on the water are amazing. The one on other side of the road from the beach is okay. The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw city!

Great spots

Don’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles

Nice park, very big park but…..

We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note: 

  

\- The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready. 

  

\- Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation. 

  

\- Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us! 

  

\- You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.

  

\- Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.) 

  

The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging. 

  

I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw! 

  

Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.) 

  

We had no issues at all with wildlife. 

  

There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system. 

  

Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI. 

  

We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly. 

  

Happy camping!

Photos of Wilderness State Park Camping

Real photos from real campers