Wilderness State Park
Wilderness State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers 259 campsites, historic rustic CCC cabins, over 20 miles of trails, and status as a Dark Sky Preserve—just 9 miles from Headlands International Dark Sky Park!
Dark Sky Preserve
| Stargazing Info | Details |
|---|---|
| ⭐ Bortle Class | Class 2 (exceptional!) |
| 🌙 Access | 24 hours |
| 📍 Nearby | Headlands IDSP (9 miles) |
Rustic CCC Cabins
| Cabin Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Style | One-room CCC-era rustic |
| 👥 Sleeps | 5-8 people (bunks) |
| 🔥 Heat | Wood stove (firewood provided) |
| 📅 Reservations | Up to 1 year ahead |
Bring: Linens. Amenities: Table, chairs, countertop, fire ring, picnic table, charcoal grill.
259 Campsites
| Camping Info | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 259 total |
| ⚡ Electric | 20/30 amp available |
| 🏠 Camper Cabins | Mini cabins with heaters |
20+ Miles of Trails
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking | 20+ miles |
| 🚴 Mountain Biking | Most trails (some restrictions) |
| ⛷️ Cross-Country Skiing | 6 miles groomed |
| 🔋 E-Bikes | Permitted on all trails |
FAQ
What makes the dark sky special?
Bortle Class 2—exceptionally dark! Only 9 miles from Headlands International Dark Sky Park. The preserve is accessible 24 hours with strict light pollution regulations.
What’s included in rustic cabins?
Bring your own linens! CCC-era one-room cabins include bunks (5-8 people), wood stove (firewood provided in winter), table, chairs, and outdoor fire ring with grill. Peak season: campground restrooms/showers. Off-season: pit toilets.
Is the park open year-round?
Yes! Open year-round for camping, hiking, skiing. Check Michigan.gov/DNRClosures for weather-related updates.
⭐ Michigan’s Stargazing Paradise
Visit Michigan DNR website.
Things to Do
Michigan’s state park system stretches across two peninsulas and four Great Lakes, offering extraordinary variety. Activities include swimming on freshwater beaches rivaling ocean coastlines, hiking sand dune bluffs, fishing for walleye and salmon, camping in pine forests, kayaking dramatic shorelines, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and exploring historic lighthouses.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season for beaches and camping. Fall brings spectacular foliage. Winter transforms many parks into Nordic skiing and ice fishing destinations. A Recreation Passport ($17) is required for vehicle entry.
Visitor Tips
A Recreation Passport ($17 residents, $34 non-residents) is required. Camping through the Michigan DNR up to 6 months in advance. Lakefront campsites at popular parks sell out within hours of opening.
Explore More Michigan State Parks
Wilderness State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Michigan. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Michigan guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
