9 campgrounds with availability this weekend
D.H. Day Campground within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore permits pets at all sites, offering a rustic camping experience with direct access to Lake Michigan beaches. All pet-friendly sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with water spigots and pit toilets scattered throughout the grounds. The campground accommodates tents, small campers, and some larger RVs in select sites. Platte River Campground, another pet-friendly option in the national lakeshore, provides electric hookups and thirty-amp service for RVs. Most sites at these campgrounds maintain good spacing between neighbors with wooded areas providing natural privacy barriers. Leashed pets must stay within designated campground areas and owners are required to clean up after their animals. Sites remain fairly quiet even when the campgrounds are at capacity during peak season. Campground data and reviews near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
The Leelanau Pines Campground's lakefront location provides excellent water access for pets that enjoy swimming, with 182 sites available between May and October. Empire Township Campground offers shower facilities for campers who need to clean up after outdoor adventures with their dogs. Both campgrounds are a short drive from the dunes and provide easy access to the Heritage Trail, a 20-mile paved path ideal for walking dogs. Wildlife awareness is essential when camping with pets in this area, as black bears are active in the region. Campers should store all pet food securely in vehicles to prevent attracting wildlife. The campgrounds enforce strict leash policies to protect both wildlife and pets. Vault toilets throughout the campgrounds are regularly maintained and kept clean, with sites generally level and suitable for setting up tents or parking RVs with pets.
"Located in Empire, Michigan and part of the National Park Service and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore."
"The foliage helps create privacy but the campsites are close in proximity overall."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 / night
"Part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National lakeshore, this is the most "civilized " campground they offer. 179 campsites in multiple loops, 96 of them with electric hookups."
"There are electric and non electric sites available as well as group sites and walk in sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $50 / night
"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."
"300+ sites, pet friendly, sites for all shapes and sizes. Open year round, with heated cabins. It's a great location, just across from Traverse Bay with just across the road."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $100 / 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)"
"This is a great location based around Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes areas."
from $56 - $194 / night
"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $120 / night
"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."
"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."
from $33 - $85 / night
"It is beautiful, peaceful campground on Lake Leelanau which is located on the Leelanau peninsula in between West Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan in close proximity to the little town of Lake Leelanau, Suttons"
"It's right on Lake Leelanau, and they even rent boat slips. There is a tiny beach, fun for an afternoon dip with the kids."
from $36 - $109 / night
from $35 - $60 / night
"My all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water."
"Our site had nice distance between the next camp but others are closer together. We had lots of room- enough so that the dog didn’t even get disturbed by other campers."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $80 / night
TravelerWe like it because there are only 4 other campers in the entire 88+ sites, only 1 section allows generators. Easy check in this time of year and only $5 for us due to Sr. National Park pass! Easy access- walking from park to beautiful lake Michigan beach.
RangerPart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National lakeshore, this is the most "civilized " campground they offer. 179 campsites in multiple loops, 96 of them with electric hookups. The four loops and group areas have blacktop roads and spurs, all designed very thoughtfully to let the terrain and vegetation provide great privacy between sites. This place has truly become our "home" campground. Decent cell signal too.
Traveler⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful campground in an amazing location!
Platte River Campground is a wonderful place to camp if you enjoy nature, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities. The wooded campsites provide a peaceful atmosphere, and the campground is well maintained.
The bathrooms and showers are a big plus, and having access to the Platte River and Lake Michigan makes this location even better. There are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming, and exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The campground is a great home base for exploring northern Michigan. The natural beauty of the area is hard to beat.
A few things to keep in mind: mosquitoes can be bad during warmer months, and reservations are important because campsites fill up quickly. Some sites also offer more privacy than others.
Overall, this is a beautiful campground with excellent access to some of Michigan's best outdoor attractions. Definitely worth visiting, and a place I'd recommend to anyone looking for a northern Michigan camping getaway!
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
GuideStayed in the non electric sites. Short paved driveways were nice, but if not in a tent your just in a driveway. Bathrooms were super nice, and bear proof trash and mixed recycling outside. Private outside entry showers, and a camp sink room in the shower house. Lots of trails thru out the camp to get to the shower house.
TravelerCamped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
TravelerWe came later Friday in October and every spot was occupied. It is very beautiful though. There is some places it says no camping. If you can't camp there it would be a nice place to find a secluded spot and hammock all day. Camp sites are not close to each other at all.
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
Seasonal changes greatly impact camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with temperature fluctuations between 40-80°F from spring through fall. The region's unique glacial geography creates varied terrain across campgrounds, ranging from wooded sites to lakefront locations. Fall camping offers colorful foliage viewing with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
Kayaking on Lake Leelanau: Visitors can rent boats directly at Lake Leelanau RV Park for fishing or exploration. "We rented a power fishing boat and the guy helping us was very willing to tell us his favorite fishing spots," notes Aaron C. The lake is large enough for full-day adventures but protected enough for swimming and paddleboarding.
Night sky viewing: October camping provides excellent stargazing conditions when weather cooperates. "We went to the beach to skywatch and it was beautiful and worth every second," shares Doug P. about his late-season experience at D.H. Day Campground. Clear nights offer views of the Milky Way away from city light pollution.
Biking on paved trails: The Betsie River Campsite provides direct access to regional bike paths. "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," explains Chris W. These trails connect multiple towns and scenic areas throughout the peninsula.
Off-season tranquility: Late September and October offer peaceful experiences with fewer neighbors. "Stayed here on a chilly late September weekend with very few other campers around. Loved it. It's remote, rustic and the lakefront is scrubby and unspoiled," writes Mary H. about her stay at Leelanau State Park Campground.
Lighthouse access: Some campgrounds provide unique lighthouse viewing opportunities. "Lighthouse is breathtaking. Rangers friendly," reports Kathie M. about Leelanau State Park. These historic structures offer both photographic opportunities and educational exhibits about Great Lakes maritime history.
Night kayaking opportunities: Platte River Campground enables unusual evening water activities. "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" shares Nikki M. about her experiences at Platte River Campground. Full moon nights illuminate the water for memorable paddling experiences.
Swimmer's itch risk: Some lakes in the region can harbor parasites that cause skin irritation. "Sometimes swimmers itch can be a problem," notes Elizabeth G. about her experiences at Interlochen State Park. Water shoes and immediately rinsing after swimming can help reduce exposure risk.
Varied shower facilities: Campground amenities differ significantly across the region. At Empire Township Campground, "Showers are .50¢ for three minutes and water was hot," reports Justyna E. Other campgrounds use different payment systems or offer limited facilities.
Seasonal limitations: Fall camping requires preparation for colder conditions. "Went there in late October of 2022 and man was it a cold night to stay in a tent," cautions Doug P. Night temperatures can drop below freezing in October, requiring appropriate sleeping gear and clothing layers.
Find sites with playground access: While not all campgrounds offer play equipment, some include family-friendly features. "The new playground was a hit for the kids, one of the best playgrounds we have experienced at a state park," reports Melissa M. about Leelanau State Park Campground.
Consider timing for quieter experiences: Off-peak weekday camping provides more space for children. "I've been coming here for over a decade and I still love it. Quiet park, quiet beaches, beautiful views," shares Taylor D. about D.H. Day Campground.
Beach access quality varies: Not all waterfront sites have swimming-friendly shorelines. "There is no beach, you have water front which is beautiful but no beach. The water front is very rocky," warns Melissa M. about one campground. Research specific beach conditions before promising swimming to children.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have deceptively uneven sites. "Sites look level but it's deceiving," notes Sharon H. about her experience at Betsie River Campsite. Bring leveling blocks even if sites appear flat in photos.
Electric hookup availability: Pet friendly camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers varied electric options. "Some tent sites have electric hookups, which is always a must for us," reports Chris W. about Betsie River Campsite. This allows for heating or cooling equipment when camping with pets.
Spacing considerations: Privacy between sites varies significantly across the region. "The sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites but also close enough for larger groups to spread out," explains Anne G. about her experience at Platte River Campground when traveling with multiple camping units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but with specific restrictions. Dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and are only permitted in designated areas. They're allowed on most hiking trails, in picnic areas, and at campgrounds within the park. However, pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches, in public buildings, and on the Dune Climb to protect the fragile ecosystem. At D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, campers should be aware of poison ivy surrounding campsites when bringing pets. Always clean up after your pet and be respectful of wildlife and other visitors when bringing your dog to the lakeshore.
What pet-friendly lodging options are available near Sleeping Bear Dunes?
The Sleeping Bear Dunes area offers several pet-friendly lodging options. Traverse City State Park Campground is pet-friendly and located about 45 minutes from the national lakeshore, offering sites for various camping setups and access to Traverse Bay. For RV travelers, Wild Cherry RV Resort provides well-maintained, spacious sites with pet accommodations. Other nearby options include Leelanau Pines Campground and Empire Township Campground, both welcoming pets with proper leashing. For a more rustic experience, Old US-131 State Forest Campground offers peaceful, wooded sites where pets are welcome. Always check specific pet policies when booking, as rules regarding size, breed, and number of pets may vary by location.
Which campgrounds at Sleeping Bear Dunes allow pets?
Both major campgrounds within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are pet-friendly. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore welcomes pets and offers beautiful wooded sites with ample space between campers. The campground features paved RV sites with level tent pads, fire rings, and easy access to hiking trails. Similarly, D.H. Day Campground permits leashed pets throughout the camping area. When camping with pets, remember that all animals must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times, even at your campsite. Be prepared to clean up after your pet and bring supplies for their comfort, as the natural surroundings include potential hazards like poison ivy.
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