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Wm. Mitchell State Park

boat traveling canal with campsites bordering water

Wm. Mitchell State Park

Tucked between the sparkling waters of Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac, William Mitchell State Park invites visitors to explore its 770 acres of outdoor recreation. The park offers ample opportunities for camping, fishing and boating. The two lakes are connected by the charming quarter-mile Clam Lake Canal.

The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park starts from the park's eastern shore of Lake Cadillac. The Lake Cadillac Foot & Bike Path is a 7.5-mile loop that goes around Lake Cadillac, offering scenic views and utilizing road shoulders and sidewalks.


The park is located in Cadillac, which is home to restaurants, shopping, festivals, outdoor recreation and more.

Amenities & activities

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Fishing pier Accessible Icon

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Visitor center Accessible Icon

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Beach house

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Biking

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Boat launch

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Cross-country skiing

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Fishing

hiking

Hiking

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Hunting

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Metal detecting

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Modern restrooms

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Nature programs

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Paddlesport rentals

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Paddling

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Pet-friendly features

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Picnic area

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Picnic shelter

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Playground

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Sanitation station

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Snowmobiling

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Snowshoeing

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Swimming

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Vault toilet

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Water access

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Fishing pier Accessible Icon

Both Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell are popular with anglers, who can expect to catch perch, walleye, northern pike, panfish and bass. Clam Lake Canal, which connects the two lakes, is popular for shore fishing.

visitor center symbol

Visitor center Accessible Icon

The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center features interpretive displays about the history of hunting and fishing in Michigan. The center includes both archery and pellet gun ranges, offers scheduled shooting programs throughout the summer and offers group tours and guided hikes.

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Beach house

The beach house is in the Lake Mitchell day-use area and includes restrooms, changing courts and a reservable picnic shelter.

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Biking

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Boat launch

There are boating access sites on Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac (in the campground).

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Cross-country skiing

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Fishing

Both Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell are popular with anglers, who can expect to catch perch, walleye, northern pike, panfish and bass. Clam Lake Canal, which connects the two lakes, is popular for shore fishing.

hiking

Hiking

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Hunting

Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.

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Metal detecting

Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.

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Modern restrooms

A modern restroom is located in the Lake Mitchell day-use area.

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Nature programs

Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the based out of the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.

an icon for paddlesport rentals

Paddlesport rentals

Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available at the campground contact station via the Friends of Mitchell State Park. All proceeds benefit park projects and programs. Hours vary by season. For more info, call 231-775-7911.

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Paddling

Paddling is a popular activity on Lake Cadillac, Lake Mitchell and the quarter-mile Clam Lake Canal.

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Pet-friendly features

Pets are allowed along the entire length of Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell, except for the designated swim beach. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.

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Picnic area

The picnic area is in the Lake Mitchell day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.

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Picnic shelter

There is a picnic shelter located in the beach house in the Lake Mitchell day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and electrical service (reservations only). Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.

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Playground

A playground is in the Lake Mitchell day-use area.

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Sanitation station

There are two sanitation stations located in the campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.

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Snowmobiling

The park allows the operation of a snowmobile between the campground and nearby snowmobile trails.

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Snowshoeing

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Swimming

There is a buoyed swim area on Lake Mitchell.

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Vault toilet

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Water access

The park is situated between Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell, which are connected by Clam Lake Canal.

Stay overnight

  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    This modern campground, nestled between the historic Clam Lake Canal and Lake Cadillac, offers many campsites shaded by mature trees and select sites along the canal. Enjoy a playground, boating access site, buoyed swim area and more.

    Number of sites:

    221

    Tags: Accessible boat launch, ADA-only sites available, Boat launch, Concession or store, Electrical service, Fishing pier, Modern campground, Paddlesport rentals, Playground, Pull-through sites available, Sanitation station, Some sites with 50-amp service, State park campground, Swimming, Toilet and shower building, Water access
  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    The Eagle mini cabin is in the modern campground and sits on the shore of Lake Cadillac. It sleeps up to four. The cabin is outfitted with bunkbeds, a mini fridge, a small kitchen counter and two chairs.

    There is a deck that overlooks the lake, a fire pit and a picnic table outdoors. Electricity and electric heat are available.

    You must provide your own linens and cookware. Potable water is available in the campground.

    Number of sites:

    1

    Tags: Electrical service, Mini cabin, State park campground, Toilet and shower building
  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    The accessible Loon camper cabin is in the modern campground and sits on the shore of Lake Cadillac. It sleeps up to six in two bedrooms (bunkbeds in each room and a pull-out futon in the main room). The cabin has electricity, electric heat, a mini fridge, a microwave, a small kitchen counter, a futon, a folding table and chairs.

    Enjoy the sunrise over the lake from the two-level deck just outside the front door or relax next to the fire pit while listening to the waves gently break on shore.

    You must provide your own linens and cookware. Potable is water is available in the campground.

    Number of sites:

    1

    Tags: Electrical service, Modern cabin, State park campground, Toilet and shower building

Trails & area maps

Take a virtual tour

Our virtual tours are an immersive way to explore locations from home with detailed visual information. The Mitchell State Park virtual tour includes the campground basketball court, fishing dock, kayak launch, the day use area and more.

Start your tour

Recreation Passport required

A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.

Friends group

Thanks to the Friends of Mitchell State Park for supporting the park!

Recreate Responsibly

Keep yourself, your friends and family, and the outdoors safe.

Visitor's guide

Find additional area information, maps and more.

Rules, rates, dates

General state park rules, rates & operating dates, reservations & cancellations, camping rules and more.

Upcoming events

Photos