Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$20 / night
"Located in Empire, Michigan and part of the National Park Service and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore."
"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."
$22 - $50 / night
"There are electric and non electric sites available as well as group sites and walk in sites."
"One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."
"It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds and it’s located in our favorite vacation destination!"
$30 / night
"South Manitou island is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore."
"A few sites offer amazing views of Lake Michigan atop some small bluffs which make this campground amazing."
"This island is a hidden gem 12 miles off the coast of the Sleeping Bear Dunes national Lakeshore, accessible by ferry.."
"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."
"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."
"Located just a short drive away from many attractions."
"The campground is close to Sleeping Bear Dunes (15 mins) and Traverse City (30 mins). We enjoyed traveling to the city for Cherry Festival and returning to a quiet campground."
"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"
$103 - $130 / night
"Plenty of beautiful views of the lake! You’re tucked away from the main road but also close enough to enjoy nearby Sutton’s Bay ( which is worth a visit)"
"The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake."
"It's a great location, just across from Traverse Bay with just across the road. With that being said, one downside is that road, a VERY busy main drag through Traverse City. Very loud."
"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."
ScoutYou have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.
ScoutStaff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.
GuideThis was our second stay. Stayed on site 70 both times. We had a 35’ trailer last year and 42’ fifth wheel this year. The ferry ride was easy to navigate and when we arrived we were able to just drive right on. Even with our 13’2” clearance they easily accommodated us. Campground check in was easy and smooth, owners were friendly and gave us tips for navigating into our site with a big rig. Overall it’s very quiet and relaxing on the island with plenty of nature things to do. Visit School House Beach (don’t take the rocks!), the lavender farm and for a few extra bucks have seafood at Sailors Pub on the water. We will definitely put this campground in our regular rotation of places to camp.
GuideAbsolutely 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. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.
From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.
I’d love to come again.
ScoutAwesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.
GuideRight of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small
GuideNice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful
ScoutThe campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.
RangerThis is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded. The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Yes, camping is definitely allowed at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with multiple options available. D.H. Day Campground is located directly on Lake Michigan's shoreline and is a popular choice for families. For those wanting to explore the offshore areas, the Manitou Islands offer camping experiences as part of the national lakeshore. Additionally, nearby options like Empire Township Campground provide alternative accommodations close to park attractions while offering amenities like water and toilets.
What types of campsites are available in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers diverse camping options. Platte River Campground provides wooded sites with paved RV pads, large tent areas, and fire rings with cooking grates. For backcountry enthusiasts, both North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites and South Manitou Island offer primitive camping experiences accessible by ferry. The islands have different regulations - North Manitou is more restrictive with fires only permitted at the Village Campsite, while South Manitou has group camping options and drinking water available via hiking to central locations.
Do I need reservations for camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Reservations are highly recommended for most Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore campgrounds. Weather Station Campground and other island sites require advance planning, as you'll need both campsite reservations and ferry tickets. For mainland options, Indigo Bluffs RV Park near Empire offers reservable sites close to park attractions. During peak summer season (June-August), campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Some backcountry areas may have different policies, so check the National Park Service website before your trip for the most current reservation requirements.
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