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Wilderness
Overview
Wilderness State Park offers more than 10,000 acres of pristine landscape on the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Located in Carp Lake, this expansive park provides a sanctuary for travelers who appreciate the rugged beauty of Lake Michigan’s shoreline. With its vast trail systems and diverse ecosystems, it serves as a premier destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the Great Lakes wilderness while remaining near the popular Straits of Mackinac. It is a place where the forest meets the water in a dramatic and peaceful display of natural Michigan beauty.
Location & Surroundings
The park is strategically located just 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, making it a quiet retreat from the busier tourist corridors. The surroundings are characterized by 26 miles of coastline, featuring a mix of sandy beaches and limestone cobble shores. Inland, visitors find themselves surrounded by dense coniferous forests, sprawling wetlands, and rolling dunes. This location offers a sense of isolation and peace that is rare to find so close to major travel hubs, providing a true northwoods experience for every visitor.
Amenities & Park Features
RVers can choose from various camping loops, including the popular Pines and Big Stone Bay campgrounds. Many sites are designed to accommodate modern rigs, offering 50-amp electrical service for added comfort. The park features well-maintained restrooms with hot showers and a convenient sanitation station for waste disposal. One of the most unique features is the park’s designation as a Dark Sky Preserve, which ensures that light pollution is minimized, offering some of the most spectacular stargazing opportunities available in the Midwest.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy over 20 miles of dedicated hiking and biking trails, such as the scenic Red Pine Trail. Because of its strategic proximity to the Straits, guests can easily take a short drive to reach the Mackinac Island ferry or explore the colonial history at Fort Michilimackinac. The park itself is a haven for birdwatching and nature photography, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons when rare species frequent the lakefront. Fishing and kayaking are also popular activities along the park’s many miles of water access.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature-focused RVers who prioritize scenery and outdoor activity over commercial resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for families who enjoy traditional beach days and evening campfires under a blanket of stars. If you are looking for a peaceful basecamp to explore the Mackinac region while avoiding the downtown crowds, Wilderness State Park offers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion. It appeals most to those who want to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the outdoors.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tom May
Here it is, November 7, at least 30 years since I've been to this park. It was fairly deserted, 44 ° and windy as a leaf blower! We drove to the last inch. Saw a lot and attempted a short walk, first into the wind then oppositely. I'm glad we did.. This is an interesting park. Be ready to drive a while! All closed up, but open to the drive. Go anyway. If it is full or otherwise, Straits State Park is just up 75 in St. Ignace a short piece!
Amy Linn
This is a truely wonderful campground near the tip of Michigan's lower peninsula. Surrounded by views of Lake Michigan, close to the dark park and a section of the North Countey Trail. Very close to Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Island. I stayed at the group campground and it was perfect! The outhouse were very clean and well kept, there was a water pump available, and a nice sandy beach trail leading to a beautiful little beach area.
John Harrison
A wonderful place to camp and hike. Get reservations early it fills up. Hike to Waugachance Point in the spring is a rare treat. Foliage is unique and great photo Ops of flowers. Fall is ominous and desolate. An interesting contrast to spring that is bursting with color and life.
Amy Russell
This was our first time here site 309. The bathroom was a few sites away, so convenient for us. The bathroom looks to be updated. It was clean. We really appreciated the dish washing station that they had! We happened to be there when there were game force winds, cold and cloudy. We were hoping to be able to see stars but it just wasn't in the books. This area is also very convenient to many touristy areas. We ride motorcycles and were looking forward to coming back to do some nice riding.
Barie Fetter
There are a few hiking trails heads at the campground. My favorite was The Red Pine trail head. I've never seen so many beautiful mushrooms on a trail before. It is a true hiking trail with pine needles covering the single lane dirt path. Several board paths covered with shingles over the marshy areas. A bench to take a break about midway through. I believe bikes are allowed on all of the trails but not certain. There is a three lane dump station so our wait was short. They notified us that is was almost 10:00 while we were at out camp fire but only on Monday night. They just reminded us that quiet time was approaching. We drove to the boat launch and walked our dogs down the beach for a couple of miles. The sites are a good size with some backing up to other sites and some backing up to the woods. My site was pretty level. They have an updated playground, horseshoe court and a large open grassy field for kiddos or doggos to run around and play. They have beach wheelchairs at the beach area for public use. Check in is quick and easy. They have you wait in your vehicle and pull up and wait for your turn to go and check in.