The older Nordhouse Dunes, farther away from Lake Michigan, have had time for the process of plant succession to produce a forest ecosystem.

Active dune areas closer to the lake are dotted with early-succession plants and trees such as the juniper bush and the jack pine.

In animal life, the primary browser is the familiar whitetail deer, mixed with typical examples of Michigan small game such as the coyote, fox, porcupine, badger and raccoon.

Two parking lots are located at Lake Michigan Recreation Area on the wilderness's northern edge and Nurnberg Road at its southeastern corner.

Both parking lots are located relatively close to U.S. Highway 31, the primary road serving the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Ludington.