2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers several tent-only camping options within 30 miles of Elberta, Michigan. White Pine Backcountry Camp provides six secluded tent sites accessible via a 1.5-mile sandy trail from Lake Michigan. Sites are well-spaced with room for multiple tents, though they lack tent pads. South Manitou Island, part of the same national lakeshore, features three primitive tent campgrounds: Bay, Weather Station, and Popple. These island sites require ferry access from Leland and subsequent hiking to reach the campgrounds. For dispersed backcountry tent camping, Manistee River Trail offers designated sites along scenic bluffs with varying distances to water sources.
Most tent campsites in the region have minimal amenities. White Pine Backcountry Camp includes a pit toilet and group cooking area with bear box, but no drinking water or fires are permitted. A backcountry permit ($10 per night) must be obtained from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center. On South Manitou Island, campers must filter water from Lake Michigan or hike to water sources near the dock area. Vault toilets are available but can be smelly during summer months. Manistee National Forest campgrounds like Timber Creek ($10/night plus $5 day pass) have vault toilets and fire rings but limited water access. The 14-day stay limit applies to most forest service sites. Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito presence in late spring and early summer.
According to campers, the tent sites at White Pine are "well spread out from each other and have a good deal of space for multiple small tents." One visitor noted that the quarter-mile trail to the beach across the dunes provides easy lake access. On South Manitou Island, a camper reported that "sites on the cliff over the water" allowed them to "watch the waves from inside our tent." The island experience requires preparation, as another visitor emphasized: "Bring plenty of food and weather gear as Northern Michigan can bring storms. The ferry doesn't run in severe weather." Tent campers seeking solitude often prefer the less-visited Popple Campground on South Manitou, where "there was quite a bit of space between sites, so it didn't feel like you were right on top of each other."
"Just 1.5 miles on a very easy sandy trail from the parking area at the Lake Michigan shore is this 6 site campground complete with a reasonably clean pit toilet and group cooking/campfire area with bear"
"We camped here after visiting the Northern Natural Cider and Winery nearby which we highly recommend. The campground itself was large with plenty of sites to choose from, first come first serve."
"Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."
"Did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night. Spots for a fire and very peaceful!"
"Site 3 has easy access to an overlook which we made use of for photos of a storm that rolled in over North Manitou Island, our original destination."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
from $13 / night
"Weather Station Campground is located on South Manitou Island and offers 20 individual sites and 3 group sites nearby. "
"A relatively short hike and simple hike, Weather Station offers some great scenic views of Lake Michigan."
"It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also."
"This was the second place on our stop while visiting Michigan. The first place we stayed was nice, but super busy because there was a beach and lake."
"Friendly staff, plenty of space to spread out, really nice not to be so close to your neighbors! Beautiful area you can't go wrong here"
RangerPart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National lakeshore, this is the most "civilized " campground they offer. 179 campsites in multiple loops, 96 of them with electric hookups. The four loops and group areas have blacktop roads and spurs, all designed very thoughtfully to let the terrain and vegetation provide great privacy between sites. This place has truly become our "home" campground. Decent cell signal too.
Traveler⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful campground in an amazing location!
Platte River Campground is a wonderful place to camp if you enjoy nature, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities. The wooded campsites provide a peaceful atmosphere, and the campground is well maintained.
The bathrooms and showers are a big plus, and having access to the Platte River and Lake Michigan makes this location even better. There are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming, and exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The campground is a great home base for exploring northern Michigan. The natural beauty of the area is hard to beat.
A few things to keep in mind: mosquitoes can be bad during warmer months, and reservations are important because campsites fill up quickly. Some sites also offer more privacy than others.
Overall, this is a beautiful campground with excellent access to some of Michigan's best outdoor attractions. Definitely worth visiting, and a place I'd recommend to anyone looking for a northern Michigan camping getaway!
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
GuideStayed in the non electric sites. Short paved driveways were nice, but if not in a tent your just in a driveway. Bathrooms were super nice, and bear proof trash and mixed recycling outside. Private outside entry showers, and a camp sink room in the shower house. Lots of trails thru out the camp to get to the shower house.
ScoutFree, sites are awesome. Many well off the dirt road. Mine had a fire pit. This is one I'd gatekeep.
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
ScoutEach site seems to be cased in with beautiful trees and the atmosphere is relaxing. Bsthrooms are clean but be sure to bring quaters to take showers.
The area around Elberta, Michigan sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan with sandy beaches and diverse terrain including forest land and river valleys. The region experiences cold winters and moderate summers with average July temperatures around 80°F. Summer tent camping typically requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 50s even during peak season.
Lake swimming access: The White Pine Backcountry Camp offers a short quarter-mile trail to Lake Michigan beaches. One camper noted, "The trail to the beach is just about ¼ mile across the dunes from the campground."
Fishing opportunities: Anglers enjoy the Insta-Launch Campground & Marina where "its quiet here a nice cleaning station lots of 🐟" according to a visitor. The campground provides docks specifically for fishing and boat launching along the river.
Hiking diverse terrain: The Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping area connects to the North Country Trail for varied hiking options. One hiker shared, "Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!" The trail system allows backpackers to complete a 23-mile loop with riverside and forest sections.
Secluded sites: At Popple Campground on South Manitou Island, campers appreciate the privacy. A visitor observed, "This campground is the furthest from the dock area, so less people travel to here. There was probably about 5 other families while we were here, which is surprising because it was mid July."
Waterfront views: The designated sites along the Manistee River Trail offer premium locations. A backpacker explained, "The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far. No matter where you end up setting up camp, you're in for a beautiful and gentle hike."
Rustic experiences: South Manitou Island camping requires proper preparation. A camper at Weather Station Campground advised, "bring what you need. filter your water, beautiful hikes, beautiful views...bloodthirsty mosquitos.. but worth it...bring deet."
Transportation logistics: For South Manitou Island camping, ferry schedules limit access. One camper cautioned, "Bring plenty of food and extra supplies in case of delays as the ferry is unable to reach the island in dangerous weather conditions."
Water access considerations: At Weather Station Campground, campers need to plan for water collection. A visitor explained, "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."
Wildlife management: Small animals can cause problems at tent sites. A camper reported, "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)!"
First backpacking experiences: White Pine Backcountry Camp offers an accessible introduction to backpacking. A camper observed, "We ran into a group of young girls from a nearby summer camp who were experiencing their first 'backpacking' adventure. They were adorable and having a ton of fun."
Lake access for kids: Healy Lake State Forest Campground provides easy water access for families. A visitor noted, "Good boat launch. The site host was actually not there while we were, though it wasn't an issue."
Food planning: When tent camping near Elberta with children, bring extra provisions. A camper advised, "Bring your own wood and ice" as supplies can be limited at more remote locations like Healy Lake.
Alternative options: Crystal Forest Campground offers both tent and RV sites with full hookups. A visitor mentioned, "Sue, the host, is lovely and accommodating. She made us feel very comfortable and checked on us often. Full hook up at each site, and pit toilets if needed."
Boat launch facilities: Insta-Launch Campground provides comprehensive amenities for RVers who bring boats. A camper shared, "The tent sites are right off the river with docks to fish from and launch your boat from."
Cost considerations: Private campgrounds can offer better value than state parks. A camper reported, "One of the wonderful things about this campground was that because it is privately owned, it was very reasonably priced. It was significantly cheaper than the state parks."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elberta, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elberta, MI is White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4.0-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Elberta, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Elberta, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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