Fort Wilkins Historic State Park Campground

We camped at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park Campground West Loop in late September. This campground is well maintained, the restrooms and showers were clean, the trash receptacles are located near the restrooms, and water was available at several locations throughout the loop. Our site had 30 amp electric hookup, picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of shade trees. A path from the campground leads to Historic Fort Wilkins, a very worth while adventure touring the many buildings within the fort. We also enjoyed deliciuos ice cream at the gift shop/camp store. We would definitely stay here again for the peaceful atmosphere.

This state park has two campgrounds and essentially three separate sections for different sizes. The East Campground is for small rigs. Many sites will not fit anything larger than a van, and the trees are in a random natural pattern so there are lots of obstructions. But there is also very little vegetation so sites are open to each other. The West Campground sites on the first loop are more defined, with shrubs including thimbleberries between sites. The access road is very narrow and sites are designed for parking perpendicular to the road, making it very tricky to park. Sites have a lot of variation in where (unmoveable) fire pits are located, making part of the site unusable in an unpredictable way. Our site was rated for a 35 foot trailer, but although we are only 25' we could only park after a neighboring site moved their truck to give us room. And that's with a site that is essentially a large open dirt area, so in theory we could have parked at any angle we wanted (except for the fire pit problem). Larger rigs really only fit well in the 50 amp sites numbered 140 through 160. The pull throughs are enormous but even the back ins are much better laid out than the other sites in west campground -- they have angled entry and a paved parking area. I would try to get one of these sites if we visited again.

The bathhouse is old and very undersized for the number of sites and the prevalence of tent camping -- lines for showers were common. There is wifi at the bathhouse, but it's painfully slow. No ATT service anywhere in Copper Harbor. We picked up a few bars from mountain trips like Brockway Mountain Drive and hiking in Estivant Pines. The restored fort is very well done, and even has costumed interpreters in the summer. The park has some hiking trails with some nice views of Superior, Fanny Hooe, and forests, but they are flat and relatively short. For more challenging hiking, check out Estivant Pines (only 2.5 miles but with some actual elevation change) or Hunters Point Park (flat but rocky). Lake Fanny Hooe is easily accessed from the campground and is lovely for paddling when the wind is moderate. Bring all your groceries and supplies, as there is little available in Copper Harbor.

On 9.13.21, we were too early for fall color at Keweenaw Peninsula. Fort Wilkins State Park is somewhat typical of MI sate parks. Electric only with dump station and water available. Sites 150 - 160 are pull thru, but there are virtually no level sites. We were in #164 with a direct view of Lake Fanny Noone. Trails along the lake lead to the fort. There are bike trails near-by. Also near-by is the very end of US Route 41, which goes all the way to Key West, FL. A "general store" in Copper Harbor is the only near-by access to groceries; suggest you plan ahead. 5 channels of OVA TV reception and 3 bars Verizon service. We visited the Delaware copper mine, south on US 41. Seemed like right out of a Alfred Hitchcock set in that the proprietor had a pet skunk he carries every where and the lights went off whilst we were alone on a self guided tour of the shaft 100' below ground; our money was refunded in full.

16 - 22 July 2020 We had #119 which was close enough to the rest room that we could pick up wifi. If you are 2 sites away from restroom you have to walk over to the restroom to pick up wifi. We made a couple of calls using wifi calling. There was not even att in the town of Copper Harbor. One site we really liked was 117. We would go up to the top of Brockway mountain to the lookout point park to watch the sunset and could pick up 4 bars att. But nothing once you come off mountain. We stayed 6 nights and were busy hiking, driving and biking everyday. One neat thing to do is go to the Delaware Mine on a self guided tour. It is nothing fancy but you get a feel for being in a mine. Take a flashlight to use to look up where it is dark.

Had to split up sites mid-stay do to not being able to secure just one site for the entire duration. Sounds like a common theme here. But got to experience both East and West. East is best suited for smaller campers and has much nicer bathhouse and internet. West has more separation between sites a can accommodate a few more big rigs. Cell signals non-existent and even though we could tap into internet fairly easily, it was very slow and most times unusable. My boys rode their hearts content on the mountain bike trails which they said are some of the best they’ve ridden. Hiked Hunters Point which has gorgeous Lake Superior scenery. When dining out we found the best place for service to be Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Mariner North is most predominant location but has horrible service and hit and miss on quality. Highly recommend using Keweenaw Adventure Co. for bike and paddle board rental. Was up for sale when we were there. An evening paddle on Lake Fannie Hooe is a delight.

Stayed in the West Campground for five days in mid August. Most sites in the west section have good separation with electric and fire pits placed out of the way for backing in. The west section also has more shade, a greater variety of sites, and most sites are near level. Bathroom facilities in both sections are quite old and in need of updating but are clean and well kept. WiFi is now available in both campgrounds but only around the restroom buildings. The Fort is easily accessible on foot from either campground and has some wonderful displays of life back then and copper mining history. With championship mountain biking trails nearby and scenery that takes your breath away this park and the surrounding area will keep you busy for days on end.

This campground has huge pluses.

On one side is a very nice calm lake perfect for kayaking or SUP. Across the road (close) is Lake Superior with a view of Copper Harbor lighthouse. In the middle of the park is Historic Fort Wilkins. There is also a store, a fishing dock, a great playground and a path to ride to Trailhead #1 in Copper Harbor.

The bathrooms were clean. Showers were nice.

The sites are tight and you are right next to your neighbors. Wasn't a real problem.

Had WIFI ...not great but could get something. Cell reception was terrible.

We stayed in East side campground. We had a hard time finding a flat site available. But once we found that we were good. Busy campground. Old bathrooms but well maintained. Had a great shower. We also used the laundry room. Had to run over to Park store for quarters. Prices were high at the store but there was a little of everything.

They had no cell service but there was some internet/WiFi by the bath house.

Easy walk to Lake Superior. Great sunset and sunrise on Lake Superior. Also could see lighthouse. Rocky beach, so different from typical sand. Fun to rock hunt.

There was a bike path but was more mountain bike oriented. Road the road into town, some fun shops.

Park was just great, lots to see and do in the area especially if you like to take walks or bike. We walked into town from our campsite one day, another day we walked through the self tour of Fort Wilkins and still had several walks along the Fanny Hooe lake paths and to the camp store, where they have the best ice cream! Campsites are discribed well on the website with pictures so you can see them and how level they, greenery separating the sites gives each one a bit of privacy. There was a great camp host and the bathrooms with hot showers were cleaned daily. Our only complaint was that we had to leave!