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Best Campgrounds near Empire, MI

753 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Empire, Michigan (148)

    1. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    61 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "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."

    2. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    53 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    23 Reviews
    Empire, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-5050

    "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

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "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."

    5. Betsie River Campsite

    18 Reviews
    Elberta, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 352-9535

    $33 - $85 / night

    "Super close to Lake Michigan and the river. We had fun exploring the area. Bathrooms were clean and had hot water."

    "Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."

    6. Empire Township Campground

    6 Reviews
    Empire, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-5285

    "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

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "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."

    8. South Manitou Island Group

    8 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Leelanau Pines Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cedar, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 228-5742

    $103 - $130 / night

    "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)"

    10. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    9 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5280

    "We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."

    "Off the beaten path but has great rustic campsites with firepits and there are restrooms and fresh water close by in each circle we will be back"

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Recent Camping Photos near Empire, MI

342 Photos of 148 Empire Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Empire, MI

753 Reviews of 148 Empire Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Government Landing Campground

    Nice offseason spot

    You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Friendly Staff

    Staff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Awesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lime Lake

    Great Campsite

    The campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Betsie River Campsite

    Nice location

    This is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded. The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Little River Casino

    Very Nice Place

    This is a very nice campground, it's on Casino Property and they did an excellent job. All sites have Electric Water Sewer, and I believe cable. They also have a dump station. There are no site firepits, but they do have a place for fires. All sites have concrete pads and wide asphalt roads. Showers are in the clubhouse. The staff is friendly and also staff and grounds keepers are very helpful. The area close by within 3-4 miles has just about everything You may need. The only downfall is if there is one for everything You get is price. But again it's a very nice e place.

  • D
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest

    Enjoyable Stay

    The campground is rustic with sites 1 - 30 being well spaced with vegetation between most sites and quite spacious.   Sites above 30 are on another loop and are much closer together with less privacy between sites.  There are paved pads for each site although some are sloped.  Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table.  See photo.  

    Site 30 is close to the restroom and showers (although we didn't use them).  Also, the trash gondolas.

    There is little internet access with Verizon service.

    You could buy wood and ice from the campground host.  

    Our neighbor in site 29 had put his generator under the trailer and locked it with a steel cable.   It was visible from the road.   At some point during the day someone cut the cable and stole the generator.

Guide to Empire

Camping near Empire, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for you.

What to do:

  • Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes: This national lakeshore is a must-see. One camper mentioned, "The only thing I don't like are the pit toilets, but it's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water" while enjoying the quiet beaches and beautiful views at D.H. Day Group Campground.
  • Hiking Trails: There are plenty of trails to hike, with one reviewer from Platte River Campground saying, "There's also a trail that connects the campground to Lake Michigan, about a 1.2-mile hike which was a nice little hike even in the rain."
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park, offer great fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily. Lots to do outside of the campground in that general area as well, hiking trails and fishing opportunities everywhere."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "The campground was great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Betsie River Campsite shared, "They went above and beyond to accommodate our last-minute arrival."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One happy camper at Leelanau State Park Campground said, "Beautiful location and beautiful views."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Levels Vary: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A reviewer at D.H. Day Group Campground mentioned, "You could definitely see and hear your neighbors."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "If you’re looking for quiet, nature, and easy access to swimming then it’s not my #1 choice."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Whitewater Township Park Campground operates from May 9 to September 29.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool."
  • Plan for Privacy: If you want some space, check out reviews for site spacing. A camper at Betsie River Campsite mentioned, "Very few trees. Clean bathroom/showers."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park noted, "The local grocery store is close, as well as a dollar store, mini golf, ice cream, and restaurants."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be small. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, make sure to check the campground features. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park said, "This campground is absolutely beautiful! Tons of trees, large sites, well maintained."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports. A visitor at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park warned, "There are cars passing by frequently, but less in the evening."

Camping near Empire, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. Just be sure to check the specifics of each campground to find the best fit for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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?

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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