The Sleeping Bear Dunes area offers primitive tent camping options spanning over 70,000 acres of protected wilderness near Empire, Michigan. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day and can drop to 50-55°F at night, creating ideal camping conditions for most of the season. Winter camping requires specialized cold-weather gear as temperatures regularly drop below freezing with significant lake effect snow from November through March.
What to do
Hike to historic ruins: On North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites, visitors can explore abandoned buildings and sites from early settlers. "Once on the island you can go many miles of hiking, where you will encounter beautiful forest, marsh, dunes, and the abandoned buildings, ruins, and orchards unused for over 100 years," notes one camper who spent three days exploring the island.
Fish for smallmouth bass: Lake Manitou on North Manitou Island provides excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor reports, "If you pack your fishing pole to lake manitou, located in the center of the lake, you can experience amazing small mouth bass fishing." Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online before your trip.
Beach exploration: Sandy beaches surround most islands in the Sleeping Bear Dunes system. At Popple Campground, campers report excellent beach access. "The island is beautiful, and the beach area was amazing! Very clean, and private. Felt like we were on our own little island," writes one visitor who stayed during mid-July.
What campers like
Island isolation: Campers consistently mention the relative solitude of these camping areas compared to mainland sites. "This place wasn't very busy because it was a bit isolated from other campgrounds. 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."
Campsite spacing: At South Manitou Island Group, campsites offer more privacy than typical established campgrounds. "The nice thing about a smaller campground and less sites is that they were separated really well. There was quite a bit of space between the sites, so it didn't feel like you were right on top of each other," notes a reviewer who stayed at Popple Campground.
Diverse landscapes: The best tent camping near Empire, Michigan provides access to varied terrain. "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," writes a camper about North Manitou Island.
What you should know
Water filtration essential: There's limited drinking water access throughout the islands. A camper at Weather Station Campground advises, "There is no access to clean drinking water at the campground, so plan on filtering water from Lake Michigan, or walking approximately 1.5 miles to the dock area to collect water there."
Ferry schedules affect trip planning: Island camping requires advance planning. "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," reports a camper who stayed at South Manitou Island. Ferry service typically runs May through October, weather permitting.
Chipmunk food raids: Small wildlife can be persistent around 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)!" warns a visitor to Weather Station Campground. Many campers recommend hanging food at least 10 feet off the ground.
Tips for camping with families
Shorter backcountry options: For families with younger children, White Pine Backcountry Camp provides an introduction to primitive camping without long hikes. "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 box."
Kid-friendly campsite selection: Bay Campground offers easier access for families. "This campground is near the lake and about a mile from the ranger station. Less traveled place and so much to explore. BEAUTIFUL hiking!" notes a visitor to Bay Campground.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially for children. "Mid July was very buggy," reports a camper at Popple Campground, while another advises "bring deet" for Weather Station. Long sleeves and pants, even in summer, help reduce insect exposure for children.
Tips from RVers
No RV options on islands: The best tent camping near Empire, Michigan on the Manitou Islands doesn't accommodate RVs. Access is by ferry only, and all camping requires hiking with gear. RV campers must find mainland alternatives or plan to tent camp on the islands.
Village Campground accessibility: For RVers transitioning to tent camping, Village Campground on North Manitou offers amenities that ease the transition. "This designated campground on 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."
