About William Mitchell State Park
William Mitchell State Park sits right in Cadillac, connecting Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac via the historic quarter-mile Clam Lake Canal. It's a rare state park where you can camp within walking distance of a downtown, with 770 acres split between the two lakes and a 221-site modern campground.
All sites offer electric hookups, with 50-amp service on select sites, plus mini cabin and camper cabin options for those without their own gear. The park also serves as a trailhead for the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, a rail-trail running south toward Grand Rapids.
Things to Do
Paddling the Clam Lake Canal between the two lakes is a Mitchell State Park classic — kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on-site. Anglers fish both lakes for perch, walleye, northern pike, panfish, and bass, and the 7.5-mile Lake Cadillac Foot & Bike Path loops the shoreline into downtown Cadillac's restaurants and shops. The on-site Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center adds a museum-style stop for outdoor history.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is prime for paddling and fishing both lakes, while fall brings quieter camping and color along the bike path. The campground typically operates April through November.
Reservation Tips
Mitchell State Park's in-town location makes it a favorite for campers who want walkable access to Cadillac without giving up lake views, but it rarely sells out as fast as the state's headline parks. Reserve through MiDNRReservations.com within the 6-month window.
Getting There
The park sits directly off M-115 in Cadillac, about 30 minutes from Traverse City's outer suburbs and an easy stop along US-131 through northern Michigan.