Best Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI (130)

    Camper-submitted photo from D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    1.

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

    52 Reviews
    182 Photos
    368 Saves
    Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Overview

    D.H. Day Group Campground is a tent-only facility located in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, about one mile (1.6 km) north of the Dune Climb, where visitors can walk over miles of sand dunes. This year-round campground has four sites which accommodate groups of 7 to 25 people.

    Recreation

    D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park's beaches. The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake.

    Facilities

    D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park's beaches. The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake.

    Natural Features

    The campground is open with sparse vegetation. Contrary to the park's name, bears are rarely sighted here, yet other wildlife such as birds, deer and wild turkey may be seen. Although the Lake Michigan shore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape. The most prominent features in the park, for which it was named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet above the lake. With 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.

    contact_info

    For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

    Nearby Attractions

    The historic area of Glen Haven, which features a working blacksmith shop, a 1920s-era general store and Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum, is within a short drive of the campground.

    Charges & Cancellations

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    2.

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    59 Reviews
    228 Photos
    626 Saves
    Beulah, Michigan

    Overview

    Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. This year-round facility is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It is within walking distance of the Platte River and a short walk or drive away from the Lake Michigan shore. Hikers can access many of the area's day use and backpacking trails just north of the campground.Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25__ to 32__ C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10__ to 25__ C) at night.__ Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20__ to 30__ F (-7__ to -1__ C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7__ C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

    Recreation

    Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.

    Facilities

    Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.

    Natural Features

    The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles (3.2 km) away from the beaches of Lake Michigan. Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake. With 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.

    contact_info

    For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground

    3.

    Traverse City State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    93 Photos
    214 Saves
    Traverse City, Michigan

    Traverse City State Park is a 47-acre state park set in a more urban setting and featuring .25 miles of beautiful beach on the Grand Traverse Bay. The park is located only 3 miles from downtown Traverse City, one of the Michigan's most popular resort towns.

    The park was established in 1920 on about 16 acres of land after the logging industry began to wane. In 1921 and 1939, parcels were added to increase the park's land area. The original inhabitants of the land were the Ottawa branch of the Algonquin Indians.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  • 4.

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    22 Reviews
    168 Photos
    22 Saves
    Empire, Michigan

    Offering the accommodations you need for all the ways you camp; in a destination that delivers: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, miles of hiking/biking trails, Traverse City, and more. A place where food, art, and events are abundant in everyday life. Whether you’re looking for an enjoyable weekend, a family vacation, or planning your entire season, this is the place. Families have spent a century vacationing and building memories here; we created a place that allows you to do the same with your family and friends.

    Indigo was named after the shades of blue that dominate the surrounding landscape. Leelanau, the peninsula we are located on, is a Native American name meaning “Land of Delight”. That's all the inspiration we needed to create one of the country’s most distinctive outdoor lifestyle resorts.

    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau State Park Campground

    6.

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    134 Photos
    501 Saves
    Northport, Michigan

    Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite

    7.

    Betsie River Campsite

    17 Reviews
    22 Photos
    134 Saves
    Elberta, Michigan

    Pop open your lawn chair and relax by the crackling fire. Most sites have room for 4 folks, a camper or tent, a boat, a dog or two and a few kiddos :D We have a tiny cafe, a small playground, a fish station, warm showers and bike/kayak rentals! Hop on the Betsie Valley trail for a 3 mile adventure to ice cream, beaches, shops...so much! We are not a big concrete pad RV park, we are a nice small family owned campsite. We try and keep it quiet and calm (but still fun!) If you are looking for the far North Electric Forest, this is not the place. What we are is a great base-camp for all your awesome Northern Michigan adventures!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 - $85 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group

    8.

    South Manitou Island Group

    8 Reviews
    47 Photos
    59 Saves
    Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Overview

    South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Campers must take a 1.5-hour Manitou Island Transit Ferry trip or boat ride to reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock. **Booking for individual sites on South Manitou Island are made on a first come/first served basis directly through Manitou Island Transit .**This facility is comprised of three reservable group sites at Bay Campground and three others at Weather Station Campground. Each site is open to groups of nine to 20 people only. Smaller parties must plan to occupy multiple first-come, first-served individual sites at Popple, Bay or Weather Station Campgrounds on the island. Bay is the closest campground to the dock (less than a mile/1.6 km) and a short walk from the beach. Weather Station overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island; the hike from the ferry is about 1.3 miles (2 km). If group sites are full, your group may be able to split up into multiple individual campsites. Be sure to book reservations on the Manitou Island Transit website or call (231) 256-9061 for transportation to the island. Or contact Sleeping Bear Dunes for more information at (231) 326-4700 ext 5010.Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25__ to 32__ C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10__ to 25__ C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20__ to 30__ F (-7__ to -1__ C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7__ C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

    Recreation

    There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island. Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.

    Facilities

    There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island. Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.

    Natural Features

    South Manitou Island is part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The campgrounds lie on sandy soils among younger forests.

    contact_info

    For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau Pines
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau Pines
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau Pines
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau Pines
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau Pines
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau Pines

    9.

    Leelanau Pines

    10 Reviews
    36 Photos
    239 Saves
    Cedar, Michigan

    Located on the beautiful Lake Leelanau and just a short drive from Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Empire, and more, Leelanau Pines Campground is one of the best camping destinations in all of Michigan. With 7 different RV site types located along the lake or in the pines, there's a spot for every kind of camper! Enjoy our lakefront access and swimming area, playground, nature trail, and more. Open May 6 - October 16.

    A Family Camping Resort on Beautiful Twenty-One Mile Long "Lake Leelanau".

    Close to Traverse City, Leland, Suttons Bay, Casinos and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $86 - $108 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    10.

    Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    24 Photos
    86 Saves
    Traverse City, Michigan

    Big Rigs, RVs, Fifth Wheels, Pop-Up Trailers and Tents are welcomed to escape to Traverse City’s wooded retreat! With Cabin Rentals, wireless internet (please request this when making a reservation), spacious and shady sites, heated pool, a variety of activities, camp store and goodie shop, and clean bath houses, Timber Ridge has all of the bases covered.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $60 - $260 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 130 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Recent Reviews In Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

642 Reviews of 130 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    September 19, 2024

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Beautiful area!

    The camping area is amazing. My group camped in the non electric section. Each area was set back from the road. Flat gravel pad. Small paved driveway for your car. It was peaceful. And absolutely dark at night. Perfect for star gazing. The comfort station was a short walk away. Clean bathrooms, shower areas, and a small room to wash dishes. You cannot wash dishes at your site. You must take precautions against bears. So food had to be locked in cars. We didn’t encounter bears. At the entrance is a canoe/tube business. You can float down the river to Lake Michigan.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Barnes County Park Campground
    September 14, 2024

    Barnes County Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Access

    This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    September 12, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great nature - noisy neighbors

    Our site was great, easily fit a 17 foot trailer and a tent. Trails down to the water were appreciated by our kids. Neighbors are pretty close all around but that didn't matter until our last night. Several new campers rolled in at 10pm and proceeded to throw an absolute rager of a party until 4am - on Labor Day weekend. So overall a great campground but I wish there had been enforcement of quiet time or some kind of consequence for such horrible camping manners.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    August 28, 2024

    South Manitou Island Group

    Popple Campground

    Stayed at site 3. It was a relatively easy hike until you hit a hilly spot towards the campground. Mid July was very buggy.

    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. There was one vault toilet at the opposite end of the campground.

    Like at Weatherstation, it was easy enough to get down to the beach for swimming and refilling our Grayls but to get back up was a bit of a challenge that grew old after a few trips.

    Our last night, we stayed at the Bay campground which was nice. Fire rings are available and getting to and from the water was much easier. I'd recommend the Bay for people who want a more leisurely experience and one of the other campgrounds if you want to get some miles and get more rustic.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    August 17, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great time

    The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There’s also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chain-O-Lakes Campground
    August 11, 2024

    Chain-O-Lakes Campground

    Will be back!

    Our time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.

    Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.

    We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry RV Resort
    August 7, 2024

    Wild Cherry RV Resort

    Quiet and peaceful

    This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City.

    Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table.

    Site, and whole campground was clean and well maintained. 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.

    Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover.

    This was a good spot for a two night stay as it’s close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries.

    Have fun!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
    July 29, 2024

    Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

    close to travese city and interlockin

    Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

  • Camper-submitted photo from Grass Lake State Forest Campground
    July 25, 2024

    Grass Lake State Forest Campground

    Updated Info

    Updating this information. We live 3 miles from this camp. All MI State Forest Campgrounds are nor $20/night.

    There is not a RV dump or hookup of any kind in this campground. One could easily bring a 30 ft trailer but sites this size are limited.

    This camp is on the Betsie River and the Grass Lake Flooding. There is a gravel/sand ramp to launch smaller fishing boats. Great area to kayak and float tube. 1000's of acres of State Forest surrounding this spot with miles of trails for atv, cars, trucks and horses. There are no horst facilities at this camp.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Vista Green RV Resort
    July 23, 2024

    Vista Green RV Resort

    Large, beautiful campground

    Our site was $65.63 a night. (This was the average after receiving one night free for staying a week).

    We were in Site# 4A (premium site). We had Full hook- up with a blacktop pull-through.
    We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep.
    The site was easy to level.

    Our site was not shaded with limited trees. This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.

    The lot comes with a concrete patio with picnic table. There was not a fire ring since only propane fires are allowed.

    There is free WiFi. They do not offer Cable TV but there are many local channels.

    There is an adult pub-style game room with poker tables, a large tv, a table shuffle board, air hockey game, foosball table, and board games. There is a community catering kitchen located in their activities center.

    They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster. This can be a long distance for some.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent golf carts. It is beneficial to have a golf cart to get around since it is a large campground. We have our own e-bikes which helped.

    They do have a large heated Swimming pool and an adults only hot tub. There is a fitness center.

    They have quite a few ponds throughout the campground.

    There is not a Playground. They offer pickleball courts.

    There is not a general store nor snack bar/restaurant on site.

    The streets are paved and good for riding bikes.

    This is solely an RV park. They do not have any cabins to rent or any tent areas.

    The showers are located in the activity center. These are typical stalls. There is a great area to hang clothes and store your toiletries in the shower stall. These are kept very clean.

    There is a laundry facility. There are approximately 4 washers and 4 dryers. They allow you to use cash or an app. It is approximately $2.25 to wash and $2 to dry a load.

    They do not have a fenced in dog park. There are areas to walk dogs though.

    Bugs/gnats were a small issue and bug spray was needed.

    There is supposedly a mowed trail to hike off of the campground (about 3 miles) but I was unable to locate it.

    Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the shops (Front Street) & water activities in Traverse City, the local wineries/vineyards, and the DNR Outdoor Shooting range (5 miles away & free to the public). We ate at Yankee Boy where all of the locals hangout. Excellent food (no alcohol served).

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
    July 14, 2024

    Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground

    Nice but camp host needed

    Large campground composed or 5 loops. Many have a trail leading to the water. Hiking and biking paths within the campground along with a nice boat ramp. Trash on sites and dirty outhouses along with lots of generators and after hour noise was a downside.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground
    July 7, 2024

    Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground

    Great Campground, huge sites!

    We just stayed here for 6 nights. Owners were welcoming and kind upon check in. The campground was very well maintained with a good amount of trees giving good shade outside.

    Sites are large well maintained.
    We stayed across the street from the bath house and the pool. Pool was chemically checked several times a day and it was so nice.

    Our kids loved the pool and the space to ride bikes.

    Will definitely be booking here again.

    Reasonable rates for the site and generous wood costs as well. They drive around almost nightly and will sell you wood right at your site if you're there. $10 for a wheel barrow full and they stack it for you!

    Highly recommend this campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Empire Township Campground
    July 7, 2024

    Empire Township Campground

    Great for tent camping!

    We have come to this campground every year since 2020 for a week with our travel trailer. We got lucky to find and opening at an electric site in their schedule and once you're in, you can reserve the same site on the same week the following year. We've had family members stay in tent sites nearby and they loved it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
    July 5, 2024

    Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    Nice boating

    Green Lake Rustic- clean campground. Some sites are small, and you are on top of your "neighbors." Vault style toilets that get quite smelly. The boat ramp to Green Lake is well maintained. The parking lot is a bit small but doable. Good pan and bass fishing. The local grocery store is close, as well as a dollar store, mini golf, ice cream, and restaurants (if that's your thing).

  • Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    June 25, 2024

    Whitewater Township Park Campground

    Great Location with Potential but...

    I was disappointed in the campground after having high expectations from previous reviews.  Sites were fine, good size and maybe could have been some planting between sites.  My concern was that there was only one bathroom, for the entire campground.  They were filthy, cleaned once daily which was considerably less than other campgrounds.  There was a sanitary pad discarded behind a toilet for over 24 hours. Possibly this is the norm, and guests were more disgusting than usual.  The scenic overlook deck was littered with toilet paper where someone had taken to using this area as their own restroom.  The grass and trails weren't mowed and the park attendant said they were changing mowing services, I understand that.  The water hose used to clean tanks had been cut off or fallen off, and when this was showed to a worker, they said they'd tell the manager.  What day, no one knows because he got in his car and left for the night.  The next day it was not fixed.

    Which brings me to the point that while there were three people in the guard house, no one was really doing much.  No one drove around checking on things, no one walked a common path to see discarded trash, etc.  The on duty person left at 8PM.  This is all a management issue, not the campground itself. 

    I have camped at local/municipally owned campgrounds in Michigan before and was very happy, and gladly went with this campground but was disappointed.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Billings RV Park & Campground
    June 23, 2024

    Lake Billings RV Park & Campground

    It was decent

    They have a really nice area whether it’s fishing or swimming, playground or just plain camping, etc. the only negative thing is the tent camping spots DO NOT have PLUGS which was really irritating because tent camping you’re definitely gonna need an outlet.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    June 13, 2024

    Traverse City State Park Campground

    Spots are small for travel trailers/RV’s.

    Well, the spots are very small and you have to park sideways. Nothing can beat the price of staying in Traverse City. If you have your own camper, the showers are nice. You’re right downtown and there’s a catwalk over the beach.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    May 26, 2024

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Awesome fishing and great camp sites

    Me and my dad went camping here rode our motorcycles into the parking area and had a nice little hike to the camp ground! Very nice camp sites once we got set up we went down to fish and the lake is beautiful clear water and a lot of fish!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Torch Grove Campground
    May 21, 2024

    Torch Grove Campground

    Private campground

    A clean, private campground located near orv trails. Most sites were full hook up but they had some rustic sites too. There was a small playground also.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fisherman's Island State Park Campground
    May 21, 2024

    Fisherman's Island State Park Campground

    Rustic State Park

    So far this campground has been my favorite rustic campground. You can't beat the location because it is absolutely gorgeous right on Lake Michigan. Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan. The beach is sandy with plenty of cool rocks for rock hunting. People complain of the concrete factory but I hardly noticed it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Government Landing Campground
    May 19, 2024

    Government Landing Campground

    Beautiful Rustic Riverside Site

    At site #33 which is technically not governments landing, but felt it was good information. Camping with a 20ft trailer, It was very beautiful and peaceful stay. This was a very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident. River access at bottom of steep hill and gets deep fast.



Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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.

What to do:

  • Explore the Dunes: The iconic dunes are a must-see. Many campers rave about the stunning views and the chance to hike up the sandy hills. One visitor mentioned, “The campground is beautiful and has great access to walking trails and the beach” at D.H. Day Group Campground.
  • Fishing and Boating: The area is perfect for fishing and boating. A camper at Betsie River Campsite noted, “This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites... There are many places to put into the river.”
  • Visit Local Attractions: Check out nearby towns like Glen Arbor for shops and restaurants. One reviewer said, “Going into Glen Arbor is fun and checking out all the different parts of Sleeping Bear is a treat” at D.H. Day Group Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Platte River Campground said, “Bathrooms were very clean. There's also a trail that connects the campground to Lake Michigan.”
  • Natural Beauty: Many love the scenic views and wooded sites. One camper at Leelanau State Park Campground shared, “Beautiful location and beautiful views. Bring some water shoes to enjoy the rock beaches.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park noted, “Clean restroom and showers. Swimming pool very nice friendly staff.”

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at D.H. Day Group Campground mentioned, “You could definitely see and hear your neighbors.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground said, “If you’re looking for quiet, nature, and easy access to swimming then it’s not my #1 choice.”
  • Busy Seasons: The campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak times. One camper at Betsie River Campsite noted, “The campground was a bit rustic for our liking but it was packed.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, “It felt like endless things to do, whereas in most campgrounds the trouble is finding something to do.”
  • Plan for Privacy: Some sites are closer than others. A camper at Barnes County Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are pretty close together in some locations.”
  • Pack for the Beach: Bring water shoes and beach gear. A visitor at Leelanau State Park Campground advised, “Bring some water shoes to enjoy the rock beaches.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some spots can be small for larger RVs. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground said, “The spots are very small and you have to park sideways.”
  • Look for Amenities: Make sure the campground has the amenities you need. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, “The campground was large... it had a lot more shade than the RV resort area.”
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast. A visitor at Platte River Campground mentioned, “There are a couple dozen other campers here.”

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

  • What camping is available near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4.6-star rating from 52 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

  • What parks are near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes and Huron-Manistee National Forests.