Michigan DNR announces new camping options at Wilderness State Park

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources hopes campers are excited about the the summer opening of a new campground at Wilderness State Park in Emmet County. The campground will open to the public Thursday, June 23, and reservations (which can be make up to six months in advance) began to be accepted Feb. 4.

Wilderness State Park is located on Carp Lake at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula. The park is home to wilderness areas, 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, multiple campgrounds, six rustic cabins, three rustic bunkhouses and numerous year-round recreational activities.

The new campground will boast spectacular views of Lake Michigan. It offers two options for camping, including a full hook-up campground and a tent-only rustic campground.

Full hook-up campground
The full hook-up campground, which includes 18 sites, is located on the wooded dunes looking out over Lake Michigan's Big Stone Bay. All camping units must be self-contained because there is no restroom or shower available. All the sites include water, sewer and electrical hookup. The cost for lakefront sites is $45 per night and other sites are $40 per night.

The majority of visitors will be able to watch the sun set over Lake Michigan right from their own campsite. One of the sites is completely barrier-free, so that all visitors can share in the sights, sounds and feel of a Lake Michigan lakefront site.

Tent-only rustic campground
The tent-only rustic campground, which includes 10 sites, is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The sites are designed for campers to walk a short distance into their campsites. A common water source and vault toilet are available in a central location. No electricity, modern restrooms or shower facilities are available. The cost is $20 per night. A designated parking space is provided for each campsite.

The design of this campground was derived from community input gathered both at the park and via an online survey. More than 30 percent of the park’s total campers use tents, and this group expressed a strong desire for more secluded sites, fewer amenities and a location farther away from the sounds of larger campgrounds.

"The new campground is an exciting addition to Wilderness State Park," said Burr Mitchell, park supervisor. "Not only does it have a gorgeous Lake Michigan backdrop, but it also provides several unique features that are only found at this campground."

To check camping availability and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).