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.
Lots of sites and really beautiful water sites
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.
Beautiful surroundings. Camping on shore of Lake Michigan. Something for everyone here.
Very nice and relaxing weekend.
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!
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.
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/.
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.
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
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!
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
