Wilderness State Park is in Emmet County, Michigan, about 11 miles west of Mackinaw City on the Straits of Mackinac. It has 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 20-plus miles of trails, and a state Dark Sky Preserve designation. We camped here in July 2025 on our Michigan road trip.
Wilderness State Park Quick Facts
Location: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake, MI 49718 (Emmet County)
Distance from Mackinaw City: About 11 miles west, roughly 15 minutes by car
Size: More than 10,000 acres
Shoreline: 26 miles on Lake Michigan
Trails: 20+ miles
Dark sky status: Michigan state Dark Sky Preserve (designated 2012)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport
Camping: Modern, walk-in rustic, backcountry, rustic cabins
Reservations: midnrreservations.com or 800-447-2757
Park office: 231-436-5381
What You’ll Find at Wilderness State Park
The park is a large block of undeveloped land. Trails cross hardwood forest, conifer swamp, ponds, and dunes. Waugoshance Point, at the north end, looks out on Temperance and Waugoshance islands and, on clear days, the Mackinac Bridge.
Camping at Wilderness State Park
- Modern campgrounds: Electric sites with showers and flush toilets. Some lakeshore sites sit near the beach on Big Stone Bay.
- Rustic walk-in tent sites: A short walk from the parking area.
- Backcountry sites: Hike-in camping, including the O’Neal Lake site.
- Rustic cabins: Six log cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Some require a walk in winter.
- Group and youth areas: Reserve through the park office at 231-436-5381.
Check-in is 3 p.m., check-out is 1 p.m., and quiet hours run 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Lakefront sites fill first, so book early for summer weekends.
Hiking and Trails
Many trails are old CCC-era (Civilian Conservation Corps) two-track roads, so they are wide and mostly flat. Sections get wet after rain. Lengths below come from the Michigan DNR trail list.
Popular Trails:
- Waugoshance Point Trail (About 10.5 miles round trip) – Long hike to the tip of the point, with a view of the Waugoshance Lighthouse offshore.
- Sturgeon Bay Trail (2.6 miles) – Shoreline and dunes on the south side
- Nebo Trail (2.4 miles) – Forest and wetland, open to mountain bikes
- Swamp Line Trail (2.0 miles) – Lowland forest, often paired with Nebo for an 8-mile loop
- Red Pine, Hemlock, and Big Stone trails (Under 1.5 miles each) – Short walks near Goose Pond and the Pines campground
Bikes are allowed on Nebo, South Boundary, Swamp Line, and Sturgeon Bay trails. They are not allowed on Red Pine, Big Stone, or Pondside.
Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes and black flies are heavy near the wetlands in early summer.
Wildlife
Deer, foxes, bald eagles, and osprey are regularly seen here. The shoreline is nesting habitat for the endangered piping plover, so beach sections close in spring and early summer. Closures are posted and enforced. Waugoshance Point also has wildflowers and carnivorous butterworts in the wet clay.
Stargazing at Wilderness State Park
Wilderness State Park is a Michigan Dark Sky Preserve. The designation limits added lighting on state land inside the preserve. On a clear, moonless night the Milky Way is visible from the campground.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, 9 miles away, holds the international certification from DarkSky International. It does not allow camping, so campers at Wilderness drive over for programs there.
Use a red light, let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes, and check the moon phase before booking. Northern Lights appear on strong aurora nights, but they are not predictable.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Recreation Passport: Required for entry. Add it when you renew your Michigan plates or buy one at the park.
- Firewood: Buy locally. Moving firewood spreads invasive insects.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash, but not in the buoyed swim area. Some shoreline closes during plover nesting.
- Campfires: Fire rings only. [CONFIRM the fire cutoff time with the park.]
- Leave No Trace: Stay on trails in dunes and wetlands.
Wilderness State Park FAQ
Where is Wilderness State Park located in Michigan?
In Emmet County, about 11 miles west of Mackinaw City on the Lake Michigan side of the Straits of Mackinac. From I-75, take US-31 toward Carp Lake and follow the signs.
What is Wilderness State Park known for?
Its 26 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, camping, Waugoshance Point, piping plover habitat, and its Dark Sky Preserve designation.
Can you camp at Wilderness State Park?
Yes. There are modern electric campgrounds, walk-in tent sites, backcountry sites, and six rustic cabins. Reserve at midnrreservations.com or call 800-447-2757.
Does Wilderness State Park have RV sites?
Yes. The modern campgrounds take RVs and there is a sanitation (dump) station. Hookup types vary by loop, so check site details when you book.
Best time to visit Wilderness State Park?
- Summer (June to August): Warmest weather and best swimming. Busiest season, so book early.
- Fall (September to October): Fall color, fewer visitors, cool nights.
- Winter (December to February): Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Cabins stay open and the modern campground is closed.
- Spring (April to May): Wildflowers and bird migration. Bugs increase by late May.
Modern campground dates change by year, so check the DNR site before planning a shoulder season trip.
Can you swim at Wilderness State Park?
Yes. There is a buoyed swim area on Big Stone Bay. The water stays cold, even in July, and there are no lifeguards. A Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Is Wilderness State Park dog-friendly?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in the park and campgrounds on a 6-foot leash. They are not allowed in the swim area, and some beach sections close to pets during plover nesting.
Can you see the Milky Way or Northern Lights here?
The Milky Way, yes, on clear moonless nights. The Northern Lights, sometimes, during strong geomagnetic activity. Check a space weather forecast and look north over the lake.
Is Wilderness State Park open year-round?
Yes, for day use. Cabins and backcountry sites can be booked in winter. The modern campground runs seasonally, so confirm dates with the DNR.
What is near Wilderness State Park?
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park: 9 miles away. Free, no camping.
- Mackinac Bridge: Links the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula at St. Ignace.
- McGulpin Point Lighthouse: A restored 1869 lighthouse near Mackinaw City.
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse: In downtown Mackinaw City.
- Mackinaw City: Restaurants, shops, and ferries to Mackinac Island.
Resources
Related Articles:
– Silver Lake State Park, Michigan: Our Camping & Dune Adventure
– The Perfect 3-Day Michigan Road Trip Loop (Summer 2025 Edition)
– Indiana Dunes National Park & Dunewood Campground: A Complete Visitor’s Guide
External:
Michigan DNR – Wilderness State Park
Michigan DNR Reservations
