Tent campgrounds in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore occupy over 35,000 acres of protected shoreline along Lake Michigan's eastern coast. The park's elevation ranges from 600 to 1,100 feet above sea level, creating varied microclimates throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with humidity levels rising significantly in July and August, requiring proper ventilation in tents.
What to do
Explore abandoned settlements: On North Manitou Island, hikers can discover historical ruins scattered across the 15,000-acre wilderness. According to one camper at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites, "forests, hills, beaches, and dunes really help break up the terrain you encounter. The old village and scattered ruins and structures make for interesting stops. Visiting the cemetery was an ethereal experience as the sun began to set."
Island fishing: Lake Manitou on North Manitou Island offers freshwater fishing away from the main shoreline. A visitor noted, "If you pack your fishing pole to lake manitou, located in the center of the lake, you can experience amazing small mouth bass fishing. I spent my 3 days fishing, but plan on heading back to explore more."
Fruit foraging: Historical orchards on both islands produce seasonal fruit accessible to campers. At South Manitou Island Group, one camper enjoyed "sweet plums that were ripe from one of the old trees on one of the farms" during their hike to see the old homestead farms.
What campers like
Beach accessibility: Sites at Popple Campground feature individual trails to Lake Michigan's shore. A camper reported the "beach area was amazing! Very clean, and private. Felt like we were on our own little island."
Cliff-top views: Several Weather Station Campground sites sit on bluffs above Lake Michigan. A visitor recommended: "Site 16 is the site to stay at, with relatively easy access to the lake for water. We used a carabiner to secure a line to a tree in the camp and tossed the other end down to give us a hand in climbing back up to the site as well as dragging our bag of containers back up."
Stargazing opportunities: The island's distance from mainland light pollution creates exceptional night sky visibility. A North Manitou camper appreciated "no motor vehicles, or other loud machinery makes for a secluded escape into the northern Michigan nighttime sky's."
What you should know
Water treatment requirements: Potable water is extremely limited on both islands. A White Pine Backcountry Camp visitor warned: "bring your bug spray! The trail to the beach is just about ¼ mile across the dunes from the campground."
Ferry disruptions: Bad weather frequently delays ferry service to both islands. A camper advised: "Bring plenty of food and weather gear as you never know what Northern Michigan can bring as far as storms. The ferry doesn't run if the weather is to grieve for safety so you never know if you could be on the island for a few days."
Wildlife considerations: Chipmunks aggressively target food supplies at all campsites. "There are no food storage lockers, so food must be properly hung from a tree or stored in a bear canister to avoid being stolen by the microbears (aka chipmunks)!" reported a Weather Station camper.
Tips for camping with families
Start with mainland sites: White Pine Backcountry Camp offers an easier 1.5-mile hiking experience suitable for children. A family visiting with a 7-year-old reported: "My 7 year old son and I hiked the island and loved the adventurous feeling of the unknown."
Plan extra days: Schedule buffer days for weather delays. A South Manitou Group camper shared: "I'd also recommend bringing more food than you think you need, in case the weather turns and the ferry can't pick you up on the day planned."
Consider Bay Campground: At Bay Campground, campsites are closest to the dock, minimizing hiking with children and gear. A visitor noted: "This campground is near the lake and about a mile from the ranger station. Less traveled place and so much to explore. BEAUTIFUL hiking!"
Tips from RVers
Use as basecamp: While RVs cannot access island camping, tent campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provide excellent day-trip opportunities from mainland RV parks. Village Campground at North Manitou is "a short walk from the village where you have access to potable water as well as vault toilets in better condition than the toilets in the campground itself."
Storage options: Several mainland marinas offer secure parking for RVs while tent camping on the islands. From Bower's Harbor marina, visitors can access nearby island camping via kayak or boat: "This campsite can only be accessed via boat with easy access from Bower's Harbor marina on the Old Mission Peninsula."
Plan for primitive reentry: After staying at island tent sites, RV campers should expect limited shower facilities when returning to vehicles. Power Island campgrounds charge different rates based on residency: "$25 per site for county residents, $45 per site if you are outside Grand Traverse County."
