74°
Sunny
11%
69
Emmet County, MI · Great Lakes
Wilderness State Park
903 Wilderness Park Dr, Carp Lake, MI 49718
26 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline at the very tip of the Lower Peninsula, 11 miles west of Mackinaw City. Designated a Dark Sky Preserve. Two campgrounds, rustic cabins, and 20+ miles of trails.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 74°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear. Low around 59, with temperatures rising to around 61 overnight. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Weather
- 74°F air — ideal beach weather
- 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 11:11am edt until september 9 at 11:00pm edt by nws gaylord mi
69 /100
good
63 Sunbathe
77 Walk
74 Photo
Best for walking today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 11:11AM EDT until September 9 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Highest gusts up to 30 kts from the west and highest waves around 4 feet. * WHERE...Portions of Lake Michigan. * WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
74°F
Clear
Wind
20 mph
SW
Rain
11%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 01 PM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
68°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:10 AM
Sunset
8:03 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
68°
Sunny
0%
71
73°
Sunny
0%
78
72°
Scattered Rain Showers
39%
51
68°
Mostly Sunny
5%
74
71°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
15
69°
Showers And Thunderstorms
81%
1
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Day-use lots; MI Recreation Passport required.
Dogs
Designated pet beach within the park; dogs must be on 6-ft leash. Not permitted on the main buoyed swim beach.
Entry Fee
MI Recreation Passport: $17 resident / $34 non-resident annual.
Address
903 Wilderness Park Dr, Carp Lake, MI 49718
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Wilderness State Park today?
Wilderness State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Wilderness State Park dog-friendly?
Designated pet beach within the park; dogs must be on 6-ft leash. Not permitted on the main buoyed swim beach.
Is there an entry fee at Wilderness State Park?
MI Recreation Passport: $17 resident / $34 non-resident annual.
Are there lifeguards at Wilderness State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Wilderness State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Wilderness State Park?
Amenities at Wilderness State Park include restrooms, showers, campgrounds, rustic cabins, boat launch, hiking trails, dark sky preserve.
When is the water warmest at Wilderness State Park?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Wilderness State Park located?
Wilderness State Park is in Emmet County, MI, at 903 Wilderness Park Dr, Carp Lake, MI 49718.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS