D
Dennis R.
Traveler
TravelerLeelanau State Park Campground
Great Location, Quiet Campground
Camped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
Glamping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Wild Cherry RV Resort houses a collection of yurts and glamping accommodations among its RV sites, situated perfectly for exploring the Leelanau Peninsula near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located in Lake Leelanau, this glamping destination offers full hookup amenities with concrete pads, picnic tables, and proximity to vineyards and cherry orchards. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort complements the area's glamping options with both cabin and yurt accommodations available year-round, featuring water and electric hookups. These sites provide comfortable stays with convenient access to nearby attractions and natural areas. The facilities are well-maintained with clean showers and restrooms, creating an elevated outdoor experience compared to traditional camping. According to one guest, "This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City."
The Leelanau Peninsula location places these glamping accommodations within 20 minutes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, making them ideal basecamps for exploring the region's natural wonders. Guests at Wild Cherry RV Resort can walk to local wineries, with Forty-Five North Vineyard and Winery offering walking trails, mountain biking, and wine tasting just across from the entrance. The glamping pods and accommodations provide easy access to Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouses, and charming coastal towns including Leland, Sutton's Bay, and Northport. One visitor noted, "The park is in a perfect location to explore the towns of Leland (and Fishtown), Lake Leelanau, Northport, and Sutton's Bay." Winter glampers benefit from Timber Ridge's year-round operation, while summer visitors can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and exploring the region's extensive wine trail featuring nearly 20 wineries within a short drive.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (30)
1. Betsie River Campsite
"All sites have electric. They have lots of little cute cabins through the park as well. They have a small simple playground that my kids loved! Super close to Lake Michigan and the river."
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
Check Availabilityfrom $33 - $85 / night
2. Leelanau State Park Campground
"I stayed in Cedar Cabin, sleeps 5, with heat, lights, fridge, microwave. Love that this cabin has a covered awning porch. Very short walk to Lake Michigan- you can even see if you have a clearing."
"Close to town Fire pits No hook up at the tent sites"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $80 / night
3. Wild Cherry RV Resort
"All sites have picnic tables but not all have fire pits (if you have your own you are allowed to use it). "
"This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City."
4. Lime Lake
"little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove"
"Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes."
5. Turtle Lake Campground
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
6. Nature
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $180 / night
7. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
"There is a camp store, turbo bikes, a variety of family activities, a pool, playground, bike park, equipment and rentals, laundry facility, cabins, cottages, and yurts for rent."
"Staff was all Great. Had a well stocked camp store."
Check Availabilityfrom $60 - $260 / night
8. Holiday RV Park & Campground
"Campground has lake access on silver lake, very nice. Rented a pontoon boat from an outside company and spent the day on the beautiful lake. Staff is friendly and helpful."
"Was able to check in early...because campers had checked out early and they had time to check the site...very clean...close to all the great sites around Traverse City...the only thing was where our site"
9. Duck Lake Campground — Interlochen State Park
"Typical rustic camper, so camping close to others is not my typical cup of tea, but I messed up my rustic campsite reservation by week and managed to get the last open spot for the weekend in the main"
"Just spent 5 nights at site 185 that borders along the north trail. Had an issue with noise one night but a ranger took care of it. Buildings were clean and staff was very nice."
Check Availabilityfrom $27 - $90 / night
10. Whitewater Township Park Campground
"Great sites with electric and water. Dump on site, very clean bathrooms and helpful staff. The campground has great Elk Lake access and some sites have views of the lake."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $60 / night
Drive Time
- 41 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 30 min from Muskegon, MI
- 4 hrs 45 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 4 hrs 57 min from Green Bay, WI
Recent Glamping Photos near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
11 Photos of 30 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
230 Reviews of 30 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Campgrounds
Kathie M.
LegendLeelanau State Park Campground
Beautiful Lake Michigan front campground
My all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water. Beautiful lake front sites as well as some in trees. Beautiful lighthouse, playground (including horseshoes) and picnic area. Phenomenal hiking trails south of campground-one trail leads directly to a pristine remote beach. Dogs are allowed on trails w/ leash(but not on beach mid April thru August due to Piping Plover nesting). Campground is quiet and serene. My all time favorite. Only downside is if you are in the cabins or on South sites you can hear road noise during day. Not horrible but irritating.
Carly A.
ScoutLeelanau State Park Campground
Favorite Michigan Campground
Love this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
Devin T.TravelerRainbow Camp
Rainbow Camp
It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also.
- GGayle B.
GuideTurtle Lake Campground
RV park not great for tent camping
Cute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.
- LLaura H.Scout
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
Great Place to Relax
I had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.
You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.
The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.
We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫
Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.
Kristy W.GuideOrchard Beach State Park Campground
Lk Michigan sunsets included
Ideal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric. Nice hiking trails across the road, the outer loop is a 2mile walk. Just north of here are the largest sequoia trees east of the Mississippi River. Park offers Hammocks for daytime use over looking the Lk Michigan bluffline. Pet friendly.
- Kristy W.Guide
Duck Lake Campground — Interlochen State Park
Michigan's 1st State Park
Interlochen SP is one of my favs. Very low key, quiet camping. The bath houses are clean and well kept, rangers are helpful and you're so close to Traverse City for day trips or seasonal outdoor concerts across the road at World Class Interlochen Center for the Arts. Great CG for fishing, swimming & boating on Duck Lake. I would have given them a 5 if there were someplace to fish from shore. enjoy
Katie S.ScoutTimber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
Do not Recommend
I have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Interlochen State Park offers year-round camping access with both modern and rustic options across Duck Lake and Green Lake. The campground features 30-amp electric service at select sites, with many positioned on sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. Sites fill quickly during summer months when water temperatures reach their warmest points in July and August.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Leelanau State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the campground with excellent forest walking routes. "There is a paved trail that runs by the campground, and it's less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore, which has a ton of things to do," notes Chris W. about Betsie River Campsite.
Fishing for various species: The region's lakes provide diverse fishing opportunities. "Betsie river runs behind the campground. Wildlife is present in area," explains Nancy C. Turtle Lake Campground has unique fishing challenges as "when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times. A bit of a surprise to see their size!"
Visit historic lighthouses: The area features multiple lighthouse access points for day trips. "Lighthouse is breathtaking. Rangers friendly," writes Kathie M. about Leelanau State Park Campground. Visitors can tour lighthouses and learn about Great Lakes maritime history while enjoying scenic lake views.
What campers like
Spacious natural sites: Many campgrounds provide well-separated camping spaces. "Sites were fine, good size and maybe could have been some planting between sites," notes a camper at Whitewater Township Park Campground. Another visitor describes "Very quiet campground and close to the small town of Frankfort. The campground is along the Betsie river and they offer a fish cleaning station."
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open during colder months. "I stayed in Cedar Cabin, sleeps 5, with heat, lights, fridge, microwave. Love that this cabin has a covered awning porch," explains Kathie M. This makes glamping close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore viable even during snowy seasons.
Accessible water activities: Many sites provide direct water access. "Tent camping on the water, it does not get any more beautiful than this!" shares Melissa M. Kayaking, fishing, and swimming are common activities with varying access points depending on the campground. Some sites feature "a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Swimmers itch affects some lakes during warmer months. "Beach is beautiful but has swimmers itch," warns Joie V. about Duck Lake Campground. Prepare accordingly with proper showering after swimming and consider alternative swimming locations.
Bathroom facilities vary greatly: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. "Vault toilets so clean!" notes one camper, while another mentions "Bathrooms were redone and are very nice!" Many campgrounds have pay showers requiring quarters, so bring change.
Wildlife awareness needed: The area has active wildlife populations. "Raccoons are insane! They are not afraid of anything. We were very good about putting everything away so we only had them visit our site a few times but the dumpster is full of them," warns one camper. Another mentions "hilariously aggressive squirrels."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly beaches: Look for gradual-entry swimming areas. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area," explains Edward C. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with varying depths and bottom conditions.
Activity-focused campgrounds: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive recreation options. "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids," notes Allison H.
Reserve early for peak season: Family-friendly sites fill quickly from June through August. "Reservations are first come first serve and aren't taken until early April. So book early," advises Jennifer B. For glamping options near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, booking months in advance is often necessary.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling equipment. "Our first site was pretty unlevel but we were able to move without issue," reports Barbara P. Bring adequate blocks and leveling systems, especially for larger rigs at older campgrounds.
Limited full-hookup options: Only certain campgrounds offer sewer connections. "Our site was a full hookup but had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks," explains Robert T. at Wild Cherry RV Resort. Sites with water and electric are more common than full-hookup sites.
Shade considerations: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds. "Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover," notes Robert T. about Wild Cherry RV Resort. This can affect comfort during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is Betsie River Campsite with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 glamping camping locations near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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