Wilson State Park

Rental Cottage. (Reservation Fee: $8) Sun-Thurs: $80/night. Fri-Sat: $90/night. 1/2 bath, plus 3/4 bath, one queen-sized bed, one set of bunk beds, one queen-sized futon, stove, refrigerator, microwave, TV w/DVD player, gas log fireplace.

Picnic shelter rents for $50/day from 8am - 10pm. Call (989) 386-4067 for reservations.

State Park Campsite Reservation System: http://www.midnrreservations.com/campgrounds/index.cfm
More info: www.michigan.gov/wilson

Wilson State Park

On March 17, 1900, Mr. William Wilson of Wilson Brothers Lumber Company deeded 40 acres of beautiful woodland on the banks off Budd Lake to the City of Harrison to be used as a park. Wilson State Park is bordered by Townline Road to the north and Business 27/Clare Ave. to the west. The entire eastern border of the park is created by Budd Lake, located almost entirely within the city. The entrance to the park is on Business 27. This parcel was conveyed on March 11, 1922, from the City of Harrison to the State of Michigan. The park was under both City and State contract until 1927, when it was re-deeded to the State for use as a State park. It has been known as Wilson State Park since then.

In 1939, a Conservation Corp crew constructed the main park building, which is still used today. They also built a stone residence with rock from Clare, Missaukee, and Gladwin counties. Construction was completed in 1941. The north end campground restroom building, constructed in 1952, was remodeled in 1979. The south building was built in 1954 and remodeled in 1982. The park office and shop were added in 1960.

Today the park provides 160 shaded campsites with electrical access and a youth organizational campsite that will accommodate approximately 25 young people. A mini cabin added in 1993 houses four persons, and a tipi located at the entrance to the park is available to rent. A seasonal sanitation station, one playground, and picnic areas are nearby. The wide, sandy beach borders a well-marked swimming area on Budd Lake, which is protected from boating traffic with swim buoys. There are no public docks in the park, but boaters are permitted to launch their watercraft temporarily at the far ends of the park property. Parts of the park shoreline have been left undeveloped, making those areas excellent fishing spots for anglers who don't have access to a boat. Deep water is just a cast away, and Budd Lake is known throughout the state of Michigan as the best Muskie fishing site north of Lake St. Clair. (The bass are rather large, too!)

The park is within easy walking distance of the Clare County Fairgrounds, making it a busy facility during Fair Week. That week, a campsite in Wilson State Park provides easy access to a variety of exhibits: a bustling midway, exciting rides, fireworks, and extraordinary concerts. An open-air flea market is also an easy walk away, as are a variety of stores and restaurants.

Both RV and tent camping are available mid-April through November, with the park generally full on weekends in July and August. Reservations are recommended. Park picnic shelter is available for rent in the "Day-Use" area. The picnic shelter rents for $50/day from 8am - 10pm and is the host to many family reunions and company parties! Call (989) 386-4067 for reservations. If you would like to contact the park by mail, please write to: Wilson State Park, P.O. Box 333, Harrison, Michigan 48625 or call the State Park reservation number: (800) 44-PARKS. Wilson State Park may be phoned directly at (989) 539-3021.