Wilderness State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Wilderness State Park in Michigan offers wilderness areas and a beautiful shoreline that provide great places to observe nature from the many trails throughout the park and year-round recreational activities within its 8,000 acres. The terrain is a mixture of dense coniferous forest to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open, wet, meadows mixed in. If you visit in the fall, you should expect a bit more rain than in other months, especially in October. However, the fall foliage is beautiful to see. The highest temperature averages 68 F in July.
The landscapes have made this park known for excellent fishing, deer and snowshoe hare hunting. There is an abundant population of beaver, coyotes, mink, muskrat, and otter. You may even see a few bobcats. It is easy to get lost in Wilderness State Park and everyone going into the forest is advised to carry a map and compass.
Spring 15-64 F
Summer 49-79 F
Fall 36-78 F
Winter 8-31 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Wilderness State Park
The park's 250 modern campsites are divided into two units, the Lakeshore and the Pines. Six rustic cabins and three rustic bunkhouses are additional options for accommodations within the park. Whichever kind of camper you are, you should experience the state parks any way that offers you the most comfort. If you rent an RV with RVshare.com, your RV rental with come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team to make sure you get the RV perfectly designed for your adventure-seeking self. RVing offers you better protection, a better night’s sleep and better eating when you can have all your comforts in an RV. You will be ready to tackle each day’s adventures, whatever they bring.
Whichever you choose, plan ahead because state park campgrounds fill up quickly. Just in case you miss grabbing a spot at Wilderness, here are a few great options nearby:
Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island KOA
The Mackinaw City KOA is located within the Mackinaw City limits just one mile south of city center and only 20 minutes from Wilderness State Park. With quiet, spacious, wooded sites and a pool heated to 86 degrees, there is serenity and fun for everyone. Use this KOA as a base camp for easy access to many area attractions. You're less than 2 miles from a Lake Michigan beach. After sightseeing, head back to KOA to enjoy the heated pool and a campfire. There are sites for everyone: pull thrus/full hookups, pop-ups, tents and cabins. Rates start at $39 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: cable, pool, free shuttle to Mackinaw Island ferry, bathhouse, convenience store, laundry, playground, activities for all ages
Lakeshore RV Park & Campground
Located just 20 miles north of Wilderness State Park, Lakeshore RV Park is near the Mackinac Bridge with beautiful lake views and access to shopping and offers prime R&R time. There are also free shuttles to the Mackinac Island Ferries and the Kawadin casino. Full hookup sites start at $42 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: bathhouse, convenience store, laundry, playground, activities for all ages
What to Do at
Wilderness State Park
Inside Wilderness State Park
Pack your bags and plan to stay on the shores of Lake Michigan at Wilderness State Park. Once here, be sure to check out the park’s Explorer Programs for weekly nature classes, guided hikes and interpretive programs because there are so many things to love about this park. The beauty, serenity, wildlife, paddlesports, fishing and trails offer so much adventure and true opportunities to unplug and unwind.
Trails: Cross-country hiking, walking, snowmobiling or biking – whichever the endeavor, there is a trail for you. More than 16 miles stretch across the East Boundary, South Boundary, Nebo, Sturgeon Bay, Swamp Line and Big Stone trails. These trails are shared with all bicycles, including mountain bikes. The North Country Trail includes ten miles within the state park, including the Red Pine Trail. This national scenic trail hiking route from North Dakota to New York includes more than 1,500 miles in Michigan. Follow the markings and check the park map for the right location to fit your adventure.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. The park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Beach: A hard-pack surface is located in the day-use area with mobility access to the beach.
Boat Launch: The park has a boat launch for access to Lake Michigan on Big Stone Bay. The boat launch provides an ADA accessible vault toilet. Due to low water conditions, launching larger boats may be difficult. For further information please contact the park.
How to Get to
Wilderness State Park
The state park is 11 miles W. of Mackinaw City on Wilderness Park Drive. Take M-108/Mackinaw Hwy/Michigan Hwy 108 in Michigan. Take exit 337 from I-75 N.
Address:
903 Wilderness Park Drive
Carp Lake, Michigan 49718
Entering Wilderness State Park
N/A
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wilderness State Park
Pets are welcome in all of Michigan's state parts, but they must not be left attended in campers or tied up to prevent barking and disturbing other guests. They must be kept on leashes when out and about too.
Wilderness State Park is home to American black bears, snowshoe hares, porcupines, beavers, mink, muskrats, otters, bobcats and more. There is plenty of fowl in the area too.
There are 250 campsites at Wilderness State Park. The campsites are divided into two units: Pines and Lakeshore. Eighteen of the sites are full hook-up sites. Sites may have 20, 30 or 50 amps.
You need a reservation to stay at Wilderness State Park, and you can make reservations in advance on the campground's website. The sites at Lakeshore start at $42 per night, and the ones at Pines start at $32 per night.
Wilderness State Park is always striving to become more accessible. The park has accessible walkways, and it even has a floating chair to allow disabled visitors to experience swimming.