If you’re looking for a quiet, nature-packed escape in northern Michigan, Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City is one of the most beautiful places you can camp. Located along 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, this massive 12,000-acre park is a mix of dense forests, wildflower meadows, and serene beaches — perfect for campers, hikers, and anyone wanting to disconnect from the busy world.
We visited as part of our Michigan trip, and it instantly became one of our favorite stops. It’s peaceful, scenic, and still feels like real wilderness — yet you’re only about 15 minutes from downtown Mackinaw City.
Why Visit Wilderness State Park?
Wilderness State Park is all about nature in its purest form. It’s one of Michigan’s largest and most diverse state parks, with trails that lead through conifer forests, ponds, and dunes along Lake Michigan. You’ll find incredible views of the Mackinac Bridge, access to Big Stone Bay, and some of the best stargazing in the state.
Here’s what makes it worth the trip:
🌲 Over 12,000 acres of protected wilderness.
🏖️ 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
🥾 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails.
🌌 Designated Dark Sky area for stargazing.
🏕️ Campgrounds with electric & rustic sites.
🦋 Home to rare plants and wildlife, including the endangered piping plover.
Camping at Wilderness State Park
There’s something for every type of camper here — from modern electric campsites to backcountry hike-in spots for the true adventurers.
Campground Amenities:
- Modern restrooms & hot showers
- Picnic areas & playground
- Electric hookups and full-hookup options
- Hike-in and rustic sites for tent camping
- Fire rings and designated campfire areas
💡 Check-in: 3 p.m. | Check-out: 1 p.m. | Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Reservations can be made online at Michigan DNR Reservations or by calling 1-800-447-2757.
Hiking and Trails
Wilderness State Park features more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails through forest, wetlands, and dunes. The mix of terrains keeps every trail interesting, and the views along the shoreline are spectacular.
Popular Trails:
- Waugoshance Point Trail (10.5 miles) – Leads to the old Waugoshance Lighthouse viewpoint.
- Big Stone Bay Trail (3.5 miles) – Easy route along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
- Nebek Trail Loop (7.5 miles) – Great mix of forest and wetland habitats.
- Swamp Line Trail (2.0 miles) – Shorter, scenic hike through lush lowlands.
Pro Tip: Bring bug spray. In summer, black flies and mosquitoes can be active near the wetlands.
Wildlife and Nature
If you love wildlife, this park will not disappoint. You’ll spot deer, foxes, and countless bird species — including rare and endangered ones like the piping plover. The meadows and wetlands are also rich with wildflowers in late spring and summer.
The park’s landscape is a blend of hardwood forest and conifer wetlands, making it one of Michigan’s most biologically diverse ecosystems.
Dark Sky & Stargazing
Wilderness State Park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, which means it’s one of the best places in Michigan for stargazing and astrophotography. The nearest city lights are miles away, giving you a clear view of the Milky Way on a cloudless night.
It’s located just 9 miles from Headlands International Dark Sky Park, so you can easily visit both in one trip.
Seasonal Activities
🌞 Summer
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Swimming at the designated beach
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on Big Stone Bay
🍁 Fall
- Incredible fall colors across the forest trails
- Fewer crowds, perfect for photography
❄️ Winter
- Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling
- Winter camping (for the brave!)
Practical Tips for Visiting
🎫 Recreation Passport Required: Needed for park entry and available through the Michigan Secretary of State or at the entrance.
🚫 Don’t move firewood: It can spread invasive species; buy local firewood.
🐕 Pets: Allowed on a 6-foot leash, must be supervised and cleaned up after.
🔥 Campfires: Permitted in fire rings; fires must be out by 10 p.m.
🍃 Leave No Trace: Protect wildlife and natural habitats — especially dune and wetland areas.
Wilderness State Park FAQ
1. Where is Wilderness State Park located in Michigan?
Wilderness State Park is located 11 miles west of Mackinaw City in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, right along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It sits on the edge of Emmet County, with easy access from I-75 and US-31. The park’s location makes it a perfect stop before crossing the Mackinac Bridge or exploring the Upper Peninsula.
2. What is Wilderness State Park known for?
The park is best known for its 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, dark sky viewing, and over 12,000 acres of forest, dunes, and wetlands. Visitors come for camping, hiking, swimming, birdwatching, and peaceful lakefront views. It’s also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, which means the night sky here is perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
3. What can you do at Wilderness State Park?
There’s plenty to do year-round, including:
- Hiking and biking on more than 20 miles of trails
- Swimming at the designated beach
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing on Big Stone Bay
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter
- Camping in modern, rustic, or backcountry sites
- Wildlife watching — deer, foxes, bald eagles, and even the endangered piping plover
These activities make it one of the best outdoor recreation areas in northern Michigan.
4. Does Wilderness State Park have campgrounds and RV sites?
Yes. Wilderness State Park offers modern electric campsites, full-hookup RV sites, and rustic tent spots. Amenities include modern restrooms, hot showers, dump stations, and picnic areas. There are also cabins and bunkhouses for those who prefer roofed lodging. Reservations can be made through Michigan DNR Reservations.
5. When is the best time to visit Wilderness State Park?
The park is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something different:
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather for swimming and camping (most popular season).
- Fall (September–October): Vibrant colors and fewer crowds — ideal for hiking.
- Winter (December–February): Great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- Spring (April–May): Wildflowers bloom, and birdwatching is fantastic.
If you’re planning to camp, book early for summer — sites fill quickly, especially near Lake Michigan.
6. Can you swim at Wilderness State Park?
Yes, the park has a designated swimming beach on Lake Michigan, which is one of the best free swimming spots near Mackinaw City. The water is clean, the beach is sandy, and it’s ideal for families in the summer. Just remember: there are no lifeguards, so swim safely.
7. Is Wilderness State Park dog-friendly?
Absolutely. Wilderness State Park is pet-friendly, allowing dogs on most trails and campsites as long as they’re on a 6-foot leash. Pets aren’t allowed on the swimming beach, but there are plenty of shoreline spots where you can walk your dog by the water.
8. Can you see the Northern Lights or Milky Way at Wilderness State Park?
Yes! Wilderness State Park is one of Michigan’s best spots for Dark Sky viewing. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way, constellations, and occasionally the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Bring a telescope or camera tripod — the stargazing here is incredible.
9. Is Wilderness State Park open year-round?
Yes. The park is open all year, but services like modern restrooms and water hookups operate May through November. In winter, visitors can still access the park for day-use activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and photography.
10. What are some nearby attractions to Wilderness State Park?
The park’s location near Mackinaw City means you can easily explore:
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park – another world-class stargazing site (9 miles away).
- Mackinac Bridge – iconic views connecting to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse – great for history and views.
- Historic Downtown Mackinaw City – full of local shops and restaurants.
These make Wilderness State Park a perfect base for a Northern Michigan road trip.
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
Wilderness State Park truly lives up to its name — a quiet, scenic, and untouched part of northern Michigan that’s perfect for camping, hiking, and connecting with nature. Whether you’re gazing at the stars under the Dark Sky Preserve, walking along Big Stone Bay, or just sitting by your campfire listening to the waves of Lake Michigan, this park feels like the wild heart of Michigan.
