Wilderness State Park Campground
Michigan State Park
Write a Review Wilderness Park Dr. Carp Lake, MI 49718 231-436-5381 Reservations: 800-447-2757 Official WebsiteGPS: 45.7458, -84.9
Overview of Wilderness State Park Campground
NOTE: After a planned redevelopment project, the East Lakeshore campground will reopen June 9, 2023. Availalbe reservations are on the regular six-month reservation window.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Learn more: Michigan Recreation Passport
Last Price Paid: $41
Reported by Tin Tumbleweed on 9/29/2024
Longest RV Reported: 39 feet (Travel Trailer)
Reported by Mad_river on 8/12/2019
Number of Sites 250
Reservations yes
Open Seasonally March - November
Elevation 557 ft / 169 m
Max Length 45 ft
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Wilderness State Park Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 231-436-5381
camper-741789 asked on 9/2/2022
We're planning a camping trip to Wilderness State Park in Sept 2023 and would like a private beach site. Any recommen...
Reviews of Wilderness State Park Campground 20 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 12 Users
Last reported 9/29/2024
Confirmed by 7 Users
Last reported 9/29/2024
Confirmed by 3 Users
Last reported 11/22/2023
“Typical state park experience ”
Reviewed 9/29/2024
| Nightly rate: | $41 |
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| Days stayed: | 7 |
| Site Number: | 507 |
| RV Length: | 30' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Cell service was poor on all 3 major networks. Verizon was the only semi-usable one with 5Mbps download and 0.6 upload. Speeds taken with a roof mounted Peowave antenna. You might be able to get better speeds with a lakeside site. Some obstructions for Starlink depending on the site. We used this place as a base camp for Mackinac I... more
Cell service was poor on all 3 major networks. Verizon was the only semi-usable one with 5Mbps download and 0.6 upload. Speeds taken with a roof mounted Peowave antenna. You might be able to get better speeds with a lakeside site. Some obstructions for Starlink depending on the site.
We used this place as a base camp for Mackinac Island. It was a pretty typical state park experience. The access road is paved and in good shape without any issues.
The geometry of our site was bad, but that's probably why it was the only spot available on short notice. It had a rig backed up to our camp side and a rig backed up to our back side, so the fire ring was like 20 feet from the neighbors fire ring. The site was levellable with standard techniques. Other sites were better, including some primo ones right on the lake.
Water hookups weren't available but spigots were throughout and potable was available at the dump station. We had a few blips with our electrical power, but nothing that required action. Trash service and recycling were available and the campground have easy beach access. Propane is available at the general store nearby.
No appreciable road or airplane noise. Shoutout to the guy who felt the need to leafblow his site every day though.
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Tin Tumbleweed would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great state park, a little crowded.”
Reviewed 7/31/2024
| Nightly rate: | $41 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 551 |
Overall Rating
We stayed at Wilderness in the Pines loop at site 551. Check in was easy, the ranger at the station did a great job explaining the park to us since we had never visited before. The site backs up to the woods which is nice. We tent camp, so there was plenty of room on the site for our set up and for parking on the site instead of the ro... more
We stayed at Wilderness in the Pines loop at site 551. Check in was easy, the ranger at the station did a great job explaining the park to us since we had never visited before. The site backs up to the woods which is nice. We tent camp, so there was plenty of room on the site for our set up and for parking on the site instead of the road. The Pines campground was a little noisy, for tent camping I would definitely try to grab a rustic tent-only site next time to be around less vehicles. The bathrooms were clean enough. Bathroom cleaning times were odd but nice to see cleaning happening regularly. Cecil Camp Store down the road has everything you might need, including firewood, kindling, ice, and drinks. Take a drive all the way down the peninsula on the dirt road to the Lake Michigan rocky beach. Good rock hunting, nice view of the lighthouse and the bridge. The beach was not very busy, most likely because it wouldn't be a good swimming beach. Overall this is a great state park, would definitely stay here again.
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Verizon 4G
roadtrippers-vander.a would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wonderful Michigan State Park”
Reviewed 6/7/2024
| Nightly rate: | $40 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 427 |
Overall Rating
This was our first trip here and we were impressed. If I could encourage anyone who is hoping for the quintessential Lake Michigan/Straits of Mackinac view, the 400’s loop is where it’s at! We were in site 427 right on the water, excellent site! Plenty of generous sites, some elec only, some FHU. The 500’s are in the woods but offer as... more
This was our first trip here and we were impressed. If I could encourage anyone who is hoping for the quintessential Lake Michigan/Straits of Mackinac view, the 400’s loop is where it’s at! We were in site 427 right on the water, excellent site! Plenty of generous sites, some elec only, some FHU. The 500’s are in the woods but offer asphalt pads, which is nice too. About 15 minutes from Mackinaw City and the Mighty Mac. Modern and clean bathhouses and a three lane dump station. A very well thought out park.
Note: poison ivy abounds in this park, especially around the 500 loop. Be sure to know your surroundings and stay on trail!
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knoxband would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Clean Facilities, Good Location ”
Reviewed 1/12/2024
| Nightly rate: | $50 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
The sites are extremely small. On our second morning I was awoken by the snores of the man in the site behind us. I wanted to be mad at him because his tent was under our back window, but that was exactly where the state of Michigan thought a tent should go. Our set up is fairly long, but not totally unheard of. The truck is a cre... more
The sites are extremely small. On our second morning I was awoken by the snores of the man in the site behind us. I wanted to be mad at him because his tent was under our back window, but that was exactly where the state of Michigan thought a tent should go.
Our set up is fairly long, but not totally unheard of. The truck is a crew cab with a long bed and our trailer is 30 feet plus tongue & bumper. There was no way we could have parked if the site across from us was occupied. Of course when we were leaving the site was occupied - total nightmare!! Everyone parks their truck beside the road because the site isn’t big enough for it besides the trailer. This creates a horribly unsafe situation for all involved (kids, campers, drivers) when you try to pull a trailer through the campground.
The site cost about $50 and provided electricity - no water or sewer.
Save your money and a headache and just go to a less developed National Forest campground.
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AT&T 5G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Backed-up to Lake Michigan”
Reviewed 11/22/2023
| Nightly rate: | $53 |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 205 |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
PROS Good basecamp for exploring Mackinaw Island area Extremely quite during a weekend Most campers were respectful of dark sky conditions Site 205 level gravel parking pad surrounded by sparse grass and sand with some views of Lake Michigan Not held to 3pm check-in Large metal and concrete fire ring Moveable wood and metal pi... more
PROS
Good basecamp for exploring Mackinaw Island area
Extremely quite during a weekend
Most campers were respectful of dark sky conditions
Site 205 level gravel parking pad surrounded by sparse grass and sand with some views of Lake Michigan
Not held to 3pm check-in
Large metal and concrete fire ring
Moveable wood and metal picnic table
CONS
No senior or veteran discount
$8 transaction fee to make on-line reservations
Half mile hike to shower/toilet facility from campground 201-218
Signage states PETS prohibited on beach but all you see are dog tracks in the wet sand and people with their dogs
Never saw any ranger patrolling campground
TMOBILE 1 bar LTE
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T-Mobile 5G
Napunani would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Clean Facilities And Friendly Staff”
Reviewed 11/19/2023
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 589 |
| RV Length: | 21' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
Late fall and only the Pines Campground was open. Water was turned off to modern facilities. Sanitation station was closed for the season, but potable water was available at the park office and dump was available at the check in station. Couple of weeks to the park being closed for the season, the campground was quiet and shared mostly... more
Late fall and only the Pines Campground was open. Water was turned off to modern facilities. Sanitation station was closed for the season, but potable water was available at the park office and dump was available at the check in station. Couple of weeks to the park being closed for the season, the campground was quiet and shared mostly by a few hunters there for opening of deer season. Mild sunny weather provided a peaceful stay.
Day use fee is not included with the camping fee.
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Chris Angel would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice staff, good sites”
Reviewed 7/19/2023
| Nightly rate: | $38 |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
| RV Length: | 36' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
East & west Lakeshore loops are newly redone. Quite nice. Plenty of concrete ADA sites for those that need them. Most sites can see Lake Michigan from them. Constant breeze from lake. Has been pretty quiet. Be aware that MI DNR are being jerky and charging more for weekends. Only a few bucks, but still.. Also be aware that this... more
East & west Lakeshore loops are newly redone. Quite nice. Plenty of concrete ADA sites for those that need them. Most sites can see Lake Michigan from them. Constant breeze from lake. Has been pretty quiet. Be aware that MI DNR are being jerky and charging more for weekends. Only a few bucks, but still.. Also be aware that this park is VERY STRICT about the 3pm check in. VERY. Can't imagine why you can't check in earlier if your site is empty, but that's how they play. Makes for a big inrush of vehicles at 3pm. Never been to a MI state park that's this strict on check in time.
New rebuild added a three lane dump station with dumpster area, and for those with totes, at each loop's dumpster station, there's a dump there too with rinse water. (Again, NOT for RVs, just black waste totes.). Restrooms/showers were also updated. Clean, nice.
T-Mobile was like a dial-up modem here, .68Mbps down.
NO playground for kids. Very decent beach along both loops with enough access paths.
Note that the Pines loop was not updated. All sites there are asphalt pad with mainly dirt. It's *very* wooded, and a bit of a walk to the East/West loops and beach access. No water views from here. If you want a more rustic feeling, Pines is for you.
As with most MI state Parks, sites are electric only. There *is* a small loop that's full hookup, but we found it very underwhelming. We recommend Wilderness.
No real shopping nearby, and you have the very touristy (and overpriced) Mackinaw City a drive away with only a small grocery store. About 4 miles from the park is the "town" of Cecil, with a convenience store that sells firewood at a reasonable price.
Check out McGulpin Lighthouse. Not far, and vastly cheaper and quieter than the Mack City lighthouse.
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MonkeyBunker would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful Lake Shore Camping”
Reviewed 10/24/2022
| Nightly rate: | $38 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 427 |
Overall Rating
In early October we camped at Wilderness State Park Campground in the West Shore Loop next to the beach. Level site with 30 amp hookup, picnic table, fire ring, and great views of the ships passing through the Straights of Mackinac. Our cost per night was $38.00 with our Michigan State Parks Pass. Restrooms were new and very clean ... more
In early October we camped at Wilderness State Park Campground in the West Shore Loop next to the beach. Level site with 30 amp hookup, picnic table, fire ring, and great views of the ships passing through the Straights of Mackinac. Our cost per night was $38.00 with our Michigan State Parks Pass. Restrooms were new and very clean with hot showers. Water was available in the loop and the trash receptacles were located at the loop entrance. The sites are a little closer than we prefer, but the closeup views of the water were magnificent. The warm campfires and the sounds of the crashing waves made for a very pleasant evening. Mackinaw City is a short drive away with so many historic sites to visit, and great restaurants as well. This campground is definitely worth returning to again.
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Richard n Mary would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Lots to join Mackinaw City”
Reviewed 10/4/2021
| Nightly rate: | $33 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 446 |
| RV Length: | 26' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
We've been here once before; one of our favorites. We were right on the Lake Michigan shore and could see freighters in the distance headed for the straights. 30a and 20a hookup only . Our site #448 was almost level. Mackinac City is close by with lots to do. Bare necessities and firewood at a near-by "general store". There's a boat l... more
We've been here once before; one of our favorites. We were right on the Lake Michigan shore and could see freighters in the distance headed for the straights. 30a and 20a hookup only . Our site #448 was almost level. Mackinac City is close by with lots to do. Bare necessities and firewood at a near-by "general store". There's a boat launch near-by. The CG is going through a renovation which didn't affect us, but might mean it'll be even better when we return.
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Verizon 4G
Hi-Ho would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Views”
Reviewed 9/7/2021
| Nightly rate: | $22 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 104 |
Overall Rating
We loved our walk up tent site! It’s a bit close to the check in and modern site area but the campground was quiet and the view was unbeatable! Clean bathrooms, water nearby and great hiking. Will stay again!
Amize would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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1 review not included in the overall rating
The reviews below are not up to Campendium's standards for quality and reliability and therefore are not counted toward the overall star rating. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Reviewed 5/25/2021
| Days stayed: | 3 |
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| Site Number: | 448 |
Overall Rating
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Cosmiccrowe would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
2 reviews
noted 3/15/2021
According to their website, due to an improvement project, this campground is closed for the 2021 season.
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Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- sewer
- Full Hookups
Recreation
- fishing
- picnic area
- playground
- recreation trail
- swimming beach
- water access
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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