Best Tent Camping near Glen Arbor, MI
Tent campers visiting Glen Arbor, Michigan can explore island-based backcountry camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with South Manitou Island and North Manitou Island offering primitive tent sites. Weather Station Campground on South Manitou Island provides 20 individual tent sites and 3 group sites on a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, while North Manitou Island features both designated and dispersed backcountry camping options.
Most tent sites require boat transportation, typically via ferry service from nearby harbors. The campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities, with vault toilets available at most locations but limited or no access to potable water. According to one visitor, "You must bring your own water, pull from the lake and purify, or get it from the pump near the dock on Power Island." Fire rings are available at some sites, while others prohibit fires entirely. Camping permits are required, with backcountry permits costing approximately $10 per night from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor's Center. Campers should plan carefully for changing weather conditions, as ferry service can be delayed or canceled during rough lake conditions.
The island tent sites provide a true wilderness experience with opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife observation. Campgrounds like Weather Station offer scenic views of Lake Michigan and proximity to historic attractions such as lighthouses and shipwrecks. A recent review noted, "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." Sand Lakes Quiet Area near Traverse City provides additional walk-in tent camping options with good fishing opportunities. Many sites feel secluded despite their popularity, with adequate spacing between tent pads. During summer months, mosquitoes can be prevalent, so proper preparation with insect repellent is essential. For those seeking to camp without traveling to the islands, Power Island County Park in Grand Traverse Bay offers primitive tent campsites accessible only by boat.
