The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Northport, MI

718 Reviews

Tent camping options near Northport, Michigan range from accessible island campgrounds to remote backcountry sites across the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island offer established tent-only campgrounds with primitive amenities, while Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides mainland backcountry tent camping with more solitude. Power Island County Park features boat-in tent sites for those willing to paddle or sail to their camping destination.

Most tent campgrounds in the Northport region require some effort to access, with several sites only reachable by boat, hike-in, or walk-in approaches. Village Campground on North Manitou Island provides designated tent sites a short walk from potable water sources, while the Weather Station Campground on South Manitou Island offers spectacular Lake Michigan views but requires filtering water from the lake or walking 1.5 miles to a water source. According to one visitor, "Weather Station Campground is located on a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and the mainland with picturesque places to enjoy your morning coffee." Sites typically include fire rings, though fire regulations vary by location, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely.

The isolated nature of these campgrounds creates a uniquely peaceful tent camping experience. Areas like Bay Campground offer secluded sites that feel private even during peak summer months. One camper noted that Popple Campground "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." Tent campers on North Manitou Island enjoy dispersed camping options almost anywhere on the island with a backpacking permit, though rules prohibit camping within 300 feet of the beach. Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides mainland tent camping with excellent fishing opportunities, clean outhouses, and minimal crowds, making it a preferred option for those seeking seclusion without boat transportation.

Map showing campgrounds near Northport, MichiganExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

13 min away

Leelanau Pines Campground

Leelanau Pines Campground

27 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Northport Contest

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Northport, Michigan (24)

    1. Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    Leland, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    "This designated campgroundon 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"

    "Choose one of many trails to explore and distance is your choice to one of the many outback camps."

    2. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    "Manitou Island is part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and is located in Lake Michigan and offers days of discovery to be had. To get to N."

    "After taking a ferry for a few hours across 12 miles of Lake Michigan, you finally arrive on North Manitou Island! The crossing helps to really remove you from the mainland you left behind."

    3. South Manitou Island Group

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

    $30 / night

    "Site 3 has easy access to an overlook which we made use of for photos of a storm that rolled in over North Manitou Island, our original destination."

    "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."

    4. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Suttons Bay, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-4818

    "This place is primitive, but worth it.. lots of beautiful trails. 5 campsites on Power (big island) and apperantly 5 on Basset (little island) We kayaked with all our gear!!"

    5. C3 farm trust

    1 Review
    Charlevoix, MI
    18 miles
    +1 (231) 330-6878

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Check them out and make sure to share your experience on the Dyrt."

    6. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    31 miles
    Website

    "Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody."

    "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."

    7. Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    "This was the second place on our stop while visiting Michigan. The first place we stayed was nice, but super busy because there was a beach and lake."

    "Friendly staff, plenty of space to spread out, really nice not to be so close to your neighbors! Beautiful area you can't go wrong here"

    8. Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    "Weather Station Campground is located on South Manitou Island and offers 20 individual sites and 3 group sites nearby. "

    "A relatively short hike and simple hike, Weather Station offers some great scenic views of Lake Michigan."

    9. Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    1 Review
    Glen Arbor, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $30 / night

    "This campground is near the lake and about a mile from the ranger station. Less traveled place and so much to explore. BEAUTIFUL hiking!"

    10. Torch Grove Campground

    2 Reviews
    Rapid City, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 322-2891
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Northport Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Northport, MI

27 Photos of 24 Northport Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Northport, MI

718 Reviews of 24 Northport Campgrounds

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

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

    Sleeping Bear Bliss

    Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun. A short walk will get you to Lake Michigan and it’s sandy beach. Each site has a nice picnic table, a designated tent pad (if it’s a tent site) and a fire ring with a grill top. Firewood is available on site for $5/bundle, vault toilets are also available. No shower facilities. Lots and lots of poison ivy! Stay on the paths!! And tIcks! Stay in trails and out of tall grass or weeds. The tent pad is very compacted ground, definitely need a hammer or decent sized rock to pound in the tent stakes, and also definitely bring a sleeping pad or air mat. Tent sites are only $20/night, but you also need a National Park Pass, which is $20/1 week or $40/ 1 year, so be aware of that! Stayed at site 88, seemed to be a slightly more “roomy” site than others, as there were no neighbors behind us. PLUS thIs Is located very near to thw sleepIng bear dunes and natIonal lake shore!

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

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

    Perfect Proximity

    This campground is in this system ( the Dyrt) like 3 times under similar names, and I just want to be sure you all know how great it is! This is a first-come-first-served campground, so get there earlier in the day if you want a site, even on a weekday. There are rustic bathrooms, no flushing, no sink, nothing. No showers available here, either. However, it is so close to Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, Empire, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The location is truly fabulous. You are able to take a short walk down to Lake Michigan from your site. The sites are hard packed ground, dirt, rocks...so bring a mallet or hammer to pound in your tent stakes! I would also advise a sleeping pad or air mat for this same reason. The tent pads are nice and level though, which is awesome. It rained quite a bit over night when I stayed, so I’m thankful for the level ground. There is LOTS of poison ivy on location, so stay on the trails!!! Sites were only $20/night but you also need a National park pass which is $20/week or $40/year, so be mindful of that. This is also an “Active Black Bear Site,” so everything with a scent—clothes, candles, etc., must be stored in your vehicle. No, we did not see any bears while we were there. Everyone was very friendly, and the campground was so much more quiet than anticipated. It was very peaceful and serene. Firewood is available for purchase on site through a wood vending machine basically, so have $5 bills on hand. Stayed at site #88

  • Ash S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Very peaceful lakeside campground

    No hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.

  • Hilary S.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Walk-in sites practically on top of each other

    Pros: Designated dish-washing sink, as well as shower/bathroom building for walk-in sites specifically. Short 0.8 mile hike from camp to Lake Michigan. Bear boxes are shared between only two adjacent campsites, and are large. 

    Cons: Walk-in sites have essentially no privacy and are much less secluded than other walk-in sites where I have stayed at other parks. I was at site A003, which abutted adjacent A-loop sites as well as B-loop sites. The other sites were visible, and folks at a neighboring site were playing music late into the night.

  • Gemma G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

    There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.

    The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).

    The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.

    There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.

    The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.

    There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

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

    Small Sites h

    DH Bear. Sept 2023 (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.75 Price 2023: Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Most sites are not real great.
    Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Fine Road Noise: Bone Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No. Platt River CG has electricity. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Be careful. Some sites do not allow generators. The more private sites are in the No-generator loop . Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Setting: Forest Weather: Very nice Bugs: Not bad Solar: Most sites do not offer enough sunlight .

  • A
    Sep. 11, 2021

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

    Great spots, close to beach

    Great campsite with spacious sites not too close to each other. Sites are close to the beach (3-5 min walk). Vault toilets are to be expected. Quiet at night when I was there. Easy access to hiking trails and Glen Arbor. Would stay again! $20 for basic tent site (non-electric).

  • R
    Jul. 24, 2022

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

    D H Day Campground

    Enjoyed the D H Day Campground. Really liked the elevated boxes for tent placement and the site was clean. 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. Make sure you have bug spray. Great proximity to Glen Arbor and Empire. Short drive to the dunes for hiking and cannot over recommend Empire Beach to watch a sunset.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Another great island to explore!

    This campground is near the lake and about a mile from the ranger station. Less traveled place and so much to explore. BEAUTIFUL hiking!

    No showers, no water (bring filtration equipment), and only vault toilets. Campsites feel secluded and each has a fire pit. The lighthouse and giant cedars are all within easy walking distance.

Guide to Northport

Northport, Michigan, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in the beauty of nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers should check out South Manitou Island Group

  • The South Manitou Island Group provides a rustic experience with easy access to stunning overlooks and beautiful beaches, ideal for swimming and photography.
  • Campers can enjoy campfires and the serene environment, making it a great spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • With no electric hookups and limited amenities, this campground is perfect for those who appreciate a back-to-basics camping experience.

Explore local activities on North Manitou Island

  • The North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites offer miles of hiking trails through forests, dunes, and historical ruins, providing plenty of exploration opportunities.
  • Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy smallmouth bass fishing at Lake Manitou, located in the center of the island, making it a perfect spot for anglers.
  • Campers can also discover the remnants of old homesteads and orchards, adding a unique historical aspect to their outdoor adventure.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Weather Station Campground

  • The Weather Station Campground features designated sites with scenic views of Lake Michigan, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening sunsets.
  • Campers have access to a shared fire pit and log benches, creating a communal atmosphere for sharing stories and experiences.
  • Although there are no showers or drinking water available, the campground's natural beauty and tranquility make it a highly sought-after destination for tent campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Northport, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Northport, MI is Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Northport, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Northport, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring