Wilderness Shores

wilderness shores state area mapWilderness Shores recreation areas are 23,000 acres in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences.

Fish, camp or relax

For bird‑watchers, the area is home to numerous species. In season, hunters are welcome to pursue their favorite game. Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, waterfowl and small game animals abound. In winter, ice fishing and cross‑country skiing await visitors.

Boaters and fisherman

Parking and launching facilities are available at nearly all areas. Portages around hydroelectric plants are marked on a map, but canoeists are advised to exercise caution around these portages and any unmarked rapids that may occur on some stretches of water. The Menominee Canoe Trail map is available from the Florence Natural Resource Center, 715‑696‑6262.

Recreation areas

Wilderness Shores has more than 30 semi-primitive recreation areas developed near our 12 hydroelectric plants. If you don't want to rough it, cabins, resorts and motels are not far away.

Bring all your camping needs with you – including your drinking water. Supplies can be obtained at nearby communities. A well‑stocked first-aid kit is recommended, since some areas are miles from the nearest doctor. Self‑contained toilets are provided at most areas.

When fishing boundary waters – the Menominee and Brule rivers separating Michigan and Wisconsin – you can use a fishing license from either state. On inland waters, only a license from that particular state will be honored.

Please follow the simple rules listed below and posted at the recreation areas.

Camping rules

  • Campsite opening varies from year to year, depending on weather, but we typically open by Memorial Day weekend. Contact us to find out about availability at that time of the year. All sites will be closed on Sept. 30. No camping allowed after that date.
  • All campers must register. A $15 per night fee is charged for each campsite. If you are camping at a "Premium" site (20‑1, 20‑2, 20‑3, 20‑6, 20‑8, 20‑10, 20‑13, 20‑20, 20‑21, 20‑22) the fee is $20/ night. Prices subject to change without notice. Complete on‑site registration envelope and place appropriate fee for your entire stay in the envelope and drop in metal tube. Rangers will be able to make change or change will be mailed to you. Drop tube and registration forms are located in the vicinity of the campground information sign. Campsites occupied after 11 a.m. will be charged for that day. Payment must be made at time of arrival for entire length of stay.
  • One family per site. Number of camping units allowed at each site includes one principle unit, plus no more than two tents (one being a screen room) and one additional vehicle (car or truck) per site.
  • Camping allowed at designated sites only.
  • Length of stay is limited to 15 days per season/per recreation area. Camping unit must be removed from recreation area at end of 15‑day limit. Registering camping unit in different names is not permitted.
  • Camp fee must be paid before setting up, and site must be occupied by camping unit to maintain use of site. Offenders will be asked to leave.
  • Do not build or erect tables, docks or other permanent structures.
  • Do not cut standing trees or branches of trees. Do not put nails in trees.
  • Use refuse containers, privies and fire pits provided (fire in fire pits only). Extinguish all fires when you leave your site. Only one fire pit allowed at each site.
  • Discharge of firearms is prohibited in the recreation area.
  • Use of all fireworks is prohibited.
  • Discharge of gray water is prohibited.
  • Any off‑road vehicle use is prohibited on all We Energies lands including campgrounds and campground roads.
  • Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Loud music, generators, loud talking, etc., is prohibited during this time.
  • Pets are to be leashed, kept under control at all times and should not be left unattended. Your attention to cleaning up after your pets will be appreciated by the next camper.
  • Camping on islands is prohibited.
  • Please be considerate of others. Violation of camping rules may result in loss of camping privileges.