From beaches to forests, wetlands to sand dunes, Whitefish Dunes State Park has a variety of ecosystems to explore in one gorgeous location!
Visit Whitefish Dunes to hike the largest sand dunes in Wisconsin and then spend the rest of the afternoon taking a dip in the park’s sparkling waters. Or, if you’re more partial to winter activities, head to the park on a snowy day for some cross-country skiing!
With everything this park has to offer, it’s time to hit the outdoors because your epic Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip awaits! And we’ve got all the information you need in this handy guide.
History of Whitefish Dunes State Park
Over the past two thousand years, eight different groups have occupied the land now known as Whitefish Dunes State Park. Seasonal fish—sturgeons, walleyes, and whitefish—are prominent in the waters near the park, and plenty of food is available in the shoreline forests.
This abundance of food is believed to be why so many aimed to settle in the area.
Fast forward to the 1930s and, due to its unique landscape, rare plants, and fragile dune environment, conservationists called for the preservation of Whitefish Dunes. It took nearly four more decades for that goal to become realized, but in 1967 the Whitefish Dunes State Park was finally established.
What to Expect on Your Whitefish Dunes State Park Camping Trip
While you’re on your Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip you’ll experience a protected dunescape ecosystem along the stunning shoreline of Lake Michigan. Dunescapes are dynamic habitats primarily dominated by sand dunes, and Whitefish Dunes protects the largest Great Lakes’ sand dunes in Wisconsin.
When you arrive at the park, take time to stop in at the visitor’s center to learn the park’s history. Then grab your gear and hit the hiking trails to weave through surroundings that alternate between wetlands, beautiful forests, and waterfront dunes.
Fees and Permits
Vehicle admission stickers are required to enter the park and can be purchased online or onsite. An annual pass for vehicles with a Wisconsin license plate is $28, and a daily pass is $8 (or $3 for seniors over 65).
The out-of-state daily rate vehicle rate is $11.
Daily Hours of Operation at Whitefish Dunes State Park
Whitefish Dunes State Park is open from 6AM to 8PM year-round.
The park is designated as day-use-only, meaning there’s no overnight camping on the premises. But don’t worry! Plenty of campgrounds are nearby, and we’ve compiled a list of them later in this article, so read on!
Camping Near Whitefish Dunes State Park
Day-Use at Whitefish Dunes State Park
As mentioned earlier, Whitefish Dunes State Park is a day-use-only park; meaning there is actually no overnight camping onsite. Now, don’t let this deter you from visiting the gorgeous dunes! Whether you just visit for the day, or snag one of the campsites nearby, your Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip will a blast!
Campsites Near Whitefish Dunes State Park
If you’re looking to camp while visiting this Wisconsin dunescape, definitely check out these nearby camping favorites listed below:
Whitefish Dunes State Park Activities
Whitefish Dunes State Park Hiking Trails
You’ll absolutely adore all of the hiking that Whitefish Dunes State Park has to offer, and with over 14.5 miles of hiking trails, the park has quite a bit of it!
The scenery you’ll experience while on the trails is unparalleled. You’ll be totally engulfed by the forest one moment, then turn a bend and find yourself on the edge of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan the next.
So pull on your hiking boots and hit the trails!
Hiking Trails
- Beach Trail (1.5 miles): this shoreline trail is an incredible place for a stroll while taking in views of the sand dunes and Lake Michigan.
- Black Trail (2.5 miles): a beautiful hiking loop through the hardwood forest and large exposed rocks of Whitefish Dunes State Park.
- Brachiopod Trail (1.5 miles, wheelchair accessible): a 1.5-mile interpretive and informative trail, led by Byron the brachiopod—a 600 million-year-old clam-like creature. Even try to spot a brachiopod fossil along the way!
- Clark Lake Spur Trail (0.7 miles): a short trail connecting to the park’s Green and Yellow trails.
- Green Trail (1.8 miles): weave through a pine-forested area situated on an old sand dune and then back through a beautiful beech-maple forest.
- Red Trail (2.8 miles): follow the red trail to the tallest sand dune at Whitefish Dunes State Park, Old Baldy, which rises 93 feet above lake level. Enjoy views of both Lake Michigan and Clark Lake from the observation deck atop the dune.
- Red Pine Trail (0.25 miles): a short 0.25-mile loop that leads you through a pine plantation.
- Whitefish Creek Spur Trail (1.0 mile): a short trail that follows a small creek.
- Yellow Trail (4.2 miles): branch off the green trail onto the longest trail in the park. From the dunes, venture through the red pine plantation and then back to the dunescape area.
Swimming and Boating at Whitefish Dunes State Park
Loved by visitors for its crystal clear water, Whitefish Dunes is definitely a great summer destination for those looking to cool off after a long hike. This state park should be on your list of places to go if you love quiet and isolated beaches!
Bring your small boats or floaties for some added fun in the water! Though there is no boat launch at the park, small watercrafts and floatation devices are permitted.
While you’re visiting, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty at the park. So remember to bring your personal flotation devices if you plan on rafting, canoeing, or kayaking. This area of Lake Michigan has been known to produce rip currents, so definitely read any signage posted by the park before you swim!
Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping at Whitefish Dunes State Park
If you’re keen on fishing during your Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip, take the Clark Lake Spur Trail to Clark Lake—where fishing is permitted in the park for those with the appropriate Wisconsin fishing license.
During Wisconsin state park hunting and trapping season, these activities are allowed in open areas of the park (away from any trails) for licensed hunters and trappers. Check out the park’s hunting map for updates on the areas available to hunt and trap!
Whitefish Dunes State Park Winter Activities
If you love snowy activities, the winter is a great time for you to go on your Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip!
The Black Trail (2.5 miles) doubles as a snowshoeing trail in the winter, and the Green Trail (2.5 miles), Red Trail (2.5 miles), and Yellow Trail (4.2 miles) are all open for cross-country skiing!
Pet Beach
Bring your furry friends along on your Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip and enjoy the park’s beautiful pet beach!
The Whitefish Dunes State Park pet beach is located about a 0.75-mile walk from the parking lot (along the Red Trail). Keep your pet on a leash and make sure to clean up after them as you enjoy a day on the sand!
Wildlife at Whitefish Dunes State Park
Mammals are seldom seen but often heard at Whitefish Dunes State Park! As you’re hiking, watch for the tracks and traces of wild creatures that call this park home. The animals in the park include black bears, beavers, brown bats, coyotes, deer, foxes, hares, mink, muskrats, rabbits, porcupines, and woodchucks.
If you’re really keen on tracking wildlife while on your Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip, some specific things to do are:
- Take the hiking trails that weave through the forest and the sand dunes to spot red fox prints in the sand.
- Explore isolated beaches, hoping to see a white-tailed doe and its fawn drinking from the lake.
- Spend time on the wetland boardwalk to enjoy a chorus of amphibians singing their tunes.
Birdwatching at Whitefish Dunes State Park
The birds that grace the sky above the park vary by season due to their migration. The dunes provide a significant stopover site and safe haven for birds migrating along the Lake Michigan shoreline. When you visit, you’ll likely spot and hear all kinds of birds in the forest, brush, grassland, wetlands, and open lake areas of Whitefish Dunes State Park.
Time to Explore Whitefish Dunes State Park Camping!
Whether you’re going for just the day, or spending the night camping at a nearby site, your Whitefish Dunes State Park camping trip is sure to be filled with great hikes and beautiful sights!
Take some time away and spend the day on a unique and protected landscape that provides sanctuary to a plethora of plant and animal species. The magnificent—and unique—dunescape ecosystem of Whitefish Dunes State Park is a must-see!
Looking for more outdoor adventure options in Wisconsin? Check out this list of 20 Best Places for Free Camping in Wisconsin.
