C
Cindy 
Scout
ScoutRvino - Timberline, LLC
Good North Country Camping
Sites are large enough, clean campground, staff polite, facilities were very clean. Camp store closes very early. We would return.
Camping near Empire, MI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Short drives from Empire, Michigan lead to multiple camping options, from basic sites to those with more facilities. Manton Trails RV Park has good-sized sites with modern bathrooms and sometimes hosts live music on weekends. Day Group Campground sits in a quiet wooded area close to some nice hiking trails. Many local campgrounds have things for kids to do, which works well for family trips. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is close by, with trails and some really nice views. The lakes and rivers around Empire are good for fishing if you bring your gear. The trees in this part of Michigan look particularly nice when the leaves change color in fall. Weather can change quickly here, so pack layers, especially if camping in spring or fall. Some of the back roads might be rough after rain, so check conditions if you don't have a truck or SUV. You can find groceries and restaurants in the small towns nearby. Empire's camping areas work for both people who want to hike all day and those who just want to relax by their campsites.
Best Campgrounds near Empire (150)
1. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"NOTE: The GPS location in this app is incorrect, the actual location is 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor MI. This is a very nice wooded campground in within the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Park."
"One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"This campground was in a great location, lots of signage helps you find it and navigate the roads without use of GPS. Seriously, you don’t need one. At least from Empire, anyway."
"Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Indigo Bluffs RV Park
"Close to Empire and Glen Arbor! We would stay here again!"
"It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."
4. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability5. Betsie River Campsite
"Super close to Lake Michigan and the river. We had fun exploring the area. Bathrooms were clean and had hot water."
"Very quiet campground and close to the small town of Frankfort. The campground is along the Betsie river and they offer a fish cleaning station."
from $33 - $85 / night
Check Availability6. Empire Township Campground
"Located just a short drive away from many attractions."
"The campground is close to Sleeping Bear Dunes (15 mins) and Traverse City (30 mins). We enjoyed traveling to the city for Cherry Festival and returning to a quiet campground."
7. Traverse City State Park Campground
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability8. South Manitou Island Group
"The island does have drinking water but you have to hike from your sites ot get it our you can get water from Lake Michigan and make it drinkable."
"A few sites offer amazing views of Lake Michigan atop some small bluffs which make this campground amazing."
from $30 / night
Check Availability9. Platte River State Forest
"In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Leelanau Pines Campground
"The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake."
"Plenty of beautiful views of the lake! You’re tucked away from the main road but also close enough to enjoy nearby Sutton’s Bay ( which is worth a visit)"
from $103 - $130 / night
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Drive Time
- 27 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 17 min from Muskegon, MI
- 4 hrs 32 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 4 hrs 44 min from Green Bay, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Empire, MI
316 Photos of 150 Empire Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Indigo Bluffs RV Park
CampgroundKaren ..
Empire Township Campground
The Dyrt
White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Jim L.
Lively Acres Campground
Amanda L.
D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Judy B.
Garey Lake State Forest Campground
Kevin M.
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Jade M.
Lime Lake
Bryan C.
Nature
Bryan S.
Platte River State Forest
Jason H.
Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Bettyanne D.
Llovely Meadows Campground
Recent Reviews near Empire, MI
752 Reviews of 150 Empire Campgrounds
Robert M.
TravelerWhitewater Township Park Campground
White Water Township Park, West Michigan
The park has 53 campsites I was satisfied with site size and separation from other sites. Camped on a Ridge View site. Site had picnic table and firepit.
I normally don't use electric hook-up, but all sites had them. There are scenic paths down to Elk Lake. The bathhouse has showers and restrooms. All were clean and showers had ample hot water. Some people have complained about only one bathhouse. Normally camping in rustic or dispersed areas I had no problem with that. I thought $45. was expensive for a township park but I guess it was in line with other parks' sites having electric hook-ups. As I said I normally do rustic or in dispersed camping. There are no water hook ups but there is a water fill station next to bathhouse. and 2 others near office. The campground has a dump station. It also has a boat launch with a large parking area in the lower park area. The campground was well kept.
The Township Park is only 10 miles, or 15 minutes west of Elk River where the Paddle Antrim group have a recently completed a beautiful Kayak/Paddle board launch site which is part of the "Chain of Lakes Waterway," at Rotary Park. It has wonderful water access with a handicap or "Easi-launch". There are also restrooms and a boat-wash and a posted map.
I was there for a celebration of that completion.
The only other campground close is expensive, (I believe the cheapest site was $75 per night), and packed tightly.
- AAngie S.
GuideNorthern Exposure Campground & RV Park
Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite
The day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
Austin R.ScoutHoncho Rest Campground
My Family of Seven loved it
I have a Skokie conversion 44ft. The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit.
It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here.
Richard Z.ScoutNature
I believe this campground is closed, unfortunately.
We looked into this location but from the information we found, it's closed and was purchased for private use. Too bad, looks like it could have had some great potential.
Shayla C.TravelerPlatte River State Forest
Beautiful campground
Our site, and most sites, we're very shaded. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The rangers working were fantastic. In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!
Gerard E.
LegendLake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
July 2026
July 8, 2026, 82 degrees Make sure you goto michigan reservations as it’s confusing for first come first serve.
Site 22, 2 bars 5G on T-Mobile Flat Sandy grass, pit toilets. Trash dumpster on the way out. Good rustic camping, bugs were not bad, mostly flat and only a few campers during the week. Horse, bike and hiking trails right next to the CG. We saw a few loons near the boat launch.
- EEva Y.Traveler
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Best Campground
This campground was absolutely breathtaking. The showers and bathrooms were so clean and easily accessible. 10/10 experience all around.
- Gerard E.Legend
Interlochen State Park
July 2026
July 3-7th, site 489, Easy check in and the water fill up was next to the dump station.
The dump station only has two drains and the cap is in the middle of the island to dump. The site was flat with trees, our 21’ fit well with our truck.
30amp, metal fire ring with old picnic table. Looks like water will puddle during rains.
Newer shower and bath facilities are amazing. The showers are separate and private from the shitters. The lots are Michigan sand and rock, very little gravel and grass, bring ant killer for the site.
Some sites are paved asphalt.
Firewood was$23 for 3 bundles Cash App or Venmo near the general store.
Water fill stations throughout the park but the spigot does not allow a house hookup. Fill up at the dump station. The south lot area was full and very crowded, narrow asphalt road with lots of trees, larger 5th wheel campers would be better on the north section.
There is a Pine Nature Trail that runs on the west side of the south area. About 2 miles but part of the trail has not been cleared from recent storms. A great place to bring your SUP and kayak. Peaceful lakes in the area.
Guide to Empire
Empire, Michigan sits at the edge of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where inland forests meet Lake Michigan shorelines. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during daytime hours while dropping into the 50s at night, creating ideal camping conditions. Most campsites near Empire require advance reservations during peak season (June-August), especially at lakeside locations.
What to do
Kayaking on Platte River: Access the river directly from Platte River Campground for a paddling adventure. "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" shares Nikki M. about Platte River Campground. Another kayaker noted, "Go when they release the salmon from the hatchery - you feel all the salmon brush against your kayak as they swim upstream!"
Beach access with boardwalks: At D.H. Day Campground, campers can walk directly to Lake Michigan. "Great rustic campground with a short boardwalk to the beach. The amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus," reports Jeffrey R. about D.H. Day Campground.
Island camping adventures: For more remote camping experiences, take the ferry to South Manitou Island. A camper explains, "We were able to come over on a ferry, which took about an hour and then hike in after a trailer dropped us off. Water is about a mile out so that is a hike." The island offers three distinct campgrounds with varying levels of seclusion and lake views.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded campsites: Campers consistently mention the comfort of well-designed sites. "Sites are small and pretty close together but shaded with electric at site (134) and centrally located bathhouse with hot water and well kept. Dish washing station available," notes a visitor to Traverse City State Park Campground.
Lake access for water activities: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Leelanau Pines Campground, visitors appreciate the waterfront location: "We brought our kayaks on the lake. Also great for swimming! The water was practically a sand bar along the shoreline."
Bike path connectivity: Several campgrounds connect to regional trail systems. "It's right on the local paved bike trail that goes into the town of Frankfort or out in the other direction. Easy for kids and adults alike," mentions a camper about Betsie River Campsite.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide opportunities for wildlife sightings. "There was a bear spotted in the group area during our stay," notes a camper about Platte River Campground. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing times.
What you should know
Campground reservations timeline: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. One camper advises, "Reservations are extremely hard to get for this park. If you want a weekend campsite, you must book six months in advance!" This applies particularly to Platte River Campground and other national lakeshore sites.
Variable shower facilities: Shower availability and cost varies between campgrounds. At Empire Township Campground, "Showers are .50¢ for three minutes and water was hot. Ice is $3 for a 7lb bag."
Tick prevention: Multiple campers mention ticks as a concern. One warns, "DO NOT LEAVE FOOD OUT!! There was a bear spotted in the group area during our stay. Bring bug spray! The ticks are bad this year and we heard several people in the park talking about having a tick on them."
Water conditions: Several lake beaches may have swimmer's itch during warmer months. A camper at Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp notes, "No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree. Nice hiking trail."
Tips for camping with families
Educational ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer family-focused activities. "The amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus," mentions a visitor to D.H. Day Campground, making it worthwhile to check program schedules upon arrival.
First-come sites as backup options: When popular sites are booked, consider state forest options. A camper recommends Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, noting it's "first come first serve sites, but it's a super awesome place to go when everything else is booked."
Morning beach visits: Early morning lake access often means fewer crowds and calmer waters. "We stayed at the Weather Station Campground and swam daily," shares a South Manitou Island camper who visited with their four-year-old.
Pack for temperature swings: Parents recommend layering options for children since temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Evening temperatures in summer can dip into the 50s even after 80-degree days.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: RVers suggest requesting specific sites for better spacing. At Empire Township Campground, "We stayed at site 20 which was large, and super spacious. There was our own private trail to the vaulted toilets which were always clean, stocked with T.P."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. One RVer explains, "The sites look level but it's deceiving," recommending bringing leveling blocks even for campsites that appear flat.
Water and electric hookups: Hookup availability varies widely between campgrounds. "For the price I thought it would have more space. Indigo has a nice atmosphere plenty of trees and a nice pool," notes a visitor at Indigo Bluffs RV Park, highlighting the tradeoffs between amenities and site size.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have dump stations on-site. RVers should plan dump station stops in advance, particularly when staying at rustic campgrounds in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Empire, Michigan?
What campgrounds are available in Empire, Michigan?
Empire, Michigan offers several excellent camping options. Empire Township Campground provides convenient drive-in access with water and toilet facilities right in town. For those seeking a national park experience, D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is nearby with rustic wooded sites, many within walking distance to Lake Michigan. Other options in the vicinity include Indigo Bluffs RV Park, South Manitou Island Group (accessible by boat), and Weather Station Campground. The area offers a mix of public and private campgrounds with varying amenities, from rustic tent sites to full RV hookups, making Empire an excellent base for exploring Michigan's scenic Leelanau Peninsula.
Are there any camping options near Empire Bluffs?
Are there any camping options near Empire Bluffs?
Several camping options are available near Empire Bluffs. Indigo Bluffs RV Park is conveniently located close to Empire and Glen Arbor, offering well-maintained grounds though sites can be relatively close together. For a more rustic experience with stunning views, Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides wooded sites with good privacy in a beautiful setting within the National Lakeshore park system. Both locations offer excellent access to Empire Bluffs Trail, which rewards hikers with spectacular Lake Michigan vistas. When planning your trip, consider that National Park campgrounds require a park pass ($20/week or $40/year), and reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months.
How far are Empire campgrounds from Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City?
How far are Empire campgrounds from Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City?
Empire is ideally situated for exploring both Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City. Leelanau Pines Campground is approximately 15-20 minutes from Empire and Sleeping Bear Dunes, offering shady sites and lake access. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore actually surrounds Empire, with many of its popular dune climbs and trails within 5-10 minutes of town. Traverse City State Park Campground is about 25-30 miles (35-40 minutes) east of Empire. The drive between Empire and Traverse City follows the scenic M-72 highway, making it an easy day trip in either direction. This central location makes Empire campgrounds perfect for visitors wanting to experience both the natural beauty of the dunes and the amenities of Traverse City.
What amenities are offered at Empire Township Campground?
What amenities are offered at Empire Township Campground?
Empire Township Campground offers basic but convenient amenities for campers. The campground provides potable water access and toilet facilities. As a drive-in campground, it accommodates both tents and RVs, though hookup availability may be limited. The campground's main advantage is its location directly in Empire, making it extremely convenient for accessing local beaches, restaurants, and shops without needing to drive. The campground is reservable, allowing visitors to secure their spot in advance, which is especially important during the busy summer tourism season. While not as feature-rich as some private campgrounds in the region, Empire Township Campground offers an affordable and practical base for exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the surrounding Leelanau Peninsula.
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