wilderness state park - WKTV Journal

By Victoria Mullen

Just think of it: Watching the sun set over Lake Michigan from a campsite, secluded from the madding crowd.

Just that one simple thought.

Idyllic.

The stunning beauty of Michigan continues to delight residents and visitors alike, and one of the most beautiful areas, Wilderness State Park is about to get even better. On June 23, a new campground opens there, offering both full hook-up camping and rustic, tent-only camping along with amazing views of Lake Michigan.

Campers spoke up and State officials listened. More than 30 percent of the park’s campers use tents and wanted more secluded sites, fewer amenities and to be away from the sounds of larger campgrounds, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. The design of the campground came from campers’ input both at the park and online. Most visitors will be able to see the sun set over the lake from their campsites. One of the sites is barrier-free.

The tent-only campground has 10 sites on the Lake Michigan shoreline, designed for campers to walk a short distance to sites. There is no electricity, modern restrooms or shower, but campers will have access to a common water source and vault toilet in a central location. The cost is $20 a night, with each campsite provided a designated parking spot.

Wilderness State Park is on Carp Lake at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula. It has wilderness areas, 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, multiple campgrounds, six rustic cabins, three rustic bunkhouses and year-round recreation.

There’s a full hook-up campground as well, with 18 sites on wooded dunes on Lake Michigan’s Big Stone Bay. All campers must be self-contained because there are no restrooms or showers. All sites include water, sewer and electrical. Lakefront sites are $45 a night while others are $40.