Best Tent Camping near Leland, MI
Tent campers seeking island solitude can access multiple backcountry campgrounds near Leland, Michigan via the ferry service that departs from the Leland harbor. South Manitou Island offers three distinct tent campgrounds – Bay, Popple, and Weather Station – while North Manitou Island features both designated and dispersed backcountry tent camping options. Both islands are part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, providing primitive camping experiences completely separated from mainland development.
Most island tent sites require substantial planning as they can only be reached by ferry and then on foot. Water sources vary significantly between campgrounds – some sites near the village areas offer potable water access, while others require campers to filter water directly from Lake Michigan. Vault toilets are available but limited in number and quality. A recent review noted, "The toilets in the village are in better condition than the toilets in the campground itself." Fire regulations differ between islands and specific campgrounds, with fires completely prohibited in some areas and permitted only in designated fire rings in others. Campers should pack extra food and supplies, as ferry service can be canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
Island tent sites provide rare backcountry isolation despite being relatively close to mainland Michigan. Campsites on the bluffs at Weather Station Campground offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan, with one visitor commenting that "proximity to the edge of the dune and the lake also helped with a breeze that kept mosquitoes to a minimum." The varying terrain includes forests, sandy beaches, dunes, and historic ruins throughout both islands. Backcountry tent campers particularly value the lack of motorized vehicles and limited number of fellow campers, especially during weekdays and shoulder seasons. Wildlife sightings are common, ranging from chipmunks and deer to nesting bald eagles on Power Island, another tent camping option accessible only by boat from nearby harbors.
