If you are looking for a campground near Mackinaw City (and Mackinac Island) in Michigan – you have to check out Wilderness State Park. This place was GORGEOUS and probably ranks as one of my all-time favorite camp spots so far on the trip. For about $30 a night, we had breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, beaches for the kids to play in and incredible sunsets!
We lucked out and were in spot 88 at Wilderness State Park and it was absolutely perfect. We were able to pull-thru the spot and park with our windows facing beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Someone staying at the park had this beautiful surfboard with a sail and we loved watching it on the water.
Look at the view out our front door! The water was so blue. The sun shining. It was delightful.
It is so hard to believe that this is a lake and not an ocean. That was one of our biggest revelations – the Great Lakes are so impressive. I feel like “great” isn’t a good enough adjective for them. 🙂 We felt like we were staring at the ocean.
Our spot was next to a big tree that was the perfect “fort” for the kids. . . they spent a lot of time under this big tree and in shrubs playing.
. . . and next to the tree “fort” was the park’s public beach area with a big metal slide.
Labeled as a “playground” on the state park map, it’s just a slide – but an old, tall big metal slide that the kids loved. And the softest sand to catch you at the bottom.
We were only at this state park for three days and I really wish it was longer. We probably would have stayed longer if our spot was open longer – but another party had reserved it. The kids ran around the campsite exploring, playing and using their imaginations. It really felt magical.
And the sunsets – my goodness! I couldn’t get enough. . . .
The kids, too. . . . we had to drag them in for bed at the end of the day.
This was the perfect spot to stay for our day trip to Mackinac Island – just a 20 minute drive to the ferry docks but it feels like worlds away from a city! So next time you’re looking for a place to camp in Northern Michigan (lower peninsula) near Mackinaw City – check out Wilderness State Park and I hope you love it as much as we do. . . .
Have you been to Michigan’s Wilderness State park before? Do you have favorite camp spots near Mackinaw City!? Leave a comment and let us know!
Growing up in Milwaukee I use to walk on Lake Michigan as a kid. I use to walk down to the beach and look out at the lake. I definitely think that this is how I love nature and love being by water. Do you know that Lake Michigan has a four inch tide. Thanks for sharing.
Love hearing your stories, but could I politely request that you continue updating your travel map too? I hate asking because you guys are busy, but I know I’m not the only one who loves watching your “thumbtack travel log” across America. Anyhow, wishing you and your family a continued safe journey. Our travel wings have been clipped for the remainder of the year so now it’s especially fun to get “mail” about your travels.
I have enjoyed following your journey. What an experience!! I have especially enjoyed your trip through Michigan. I am from Grand Rapids and camped in the same campgrounds growing up many years ago. Your posts brought back some very good memories and made me very homesick!!
May God bless you and keep you safe as you continue on your journey.
Cyndy