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.
