10 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Several RV parks surround Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with varying amenities and access. Indigo Bluffs RV Park in Empire offers full hookup sites with water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electrical connections amid wooded surroundings. Lake Leelanau RV Park provides big-rig friendly spaces with 50-amp service and operates seasonally from May through October. Wild Cherry RV Resort in Lake Leelanau features trash service and full hookups in a resort setting. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort near Traverse City maintains 366 sites and remains open year-round with both 30 and 50-amp electrical options. "We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site which most of them seemed to be," noted one visitor about Indigo Bluffs.
Most RV parks in the region require reservations, especially during summer months when proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes attracts heavy traffic. Dump stations are available at Lake Leelanau RV Park, Wild Cherry Resort, and Timber Ridge, though not all smaller facilities offer this service. Pet policies vary significantly between properties - Indigo Bluffs and several others allow pets with certain restrictions. Concrete pads are featured at some premium sites, while others utilize gravel surfaces. According to recent feedback on The Dyrt, some RV sites at certain parks can be "very close together," particularly in more developed front sections, while sites situated in back areas often provide more privacy and space. Accessibility to local attractions, including beaches and hiking trails, makes these locations popular despite varying site dimensions.
"My goal is always to find campgrounds that are in state park or national forest settings, but with all the conveniences of a private campground."
"They offer full hookups as well as 30 & 50 amp service. Nice shower and bathroom facilities, coin laundry, pool, and camp store."
"Situated just a few miles from the village of Lake Leelanau is this truly immaculately kept, family-owned and operated RV park."
"Our site is close to the beach. Clean and right on the lake."
from $36 - $109 / night
"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."
"Honcho Rest Campground is a little gem on Bass Lake in Elk Rapids, MI. The grounds are mostly well maintained and clean."
"The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit. It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here."
"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."
"My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones. The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long."
from $60 - $260 / night
"Quiet campground with friendly staff. We had an electric only site and it was very private. Facilities were extremely well maintained."
"Spacious, level sites. Great family atmosphere! Very clean and well kept. Close to every kind of recreation you can think of."
"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."
from $69 - $79 / night
"We attend a horse show circuit near by. It is the creme de la creme of RV parks. The sites are individually owned (and leased out) and many of the owners have made their lots very nice."
"Sites are all paved with water electric and sewer, but also landscaped. Wifi is terrible but good cell coverage. There’s trash pick up at 10:00 at your site. No fire rings."
"Plenty of pull-through sites and lots of grass."
"A hidden gem near Cadillac. It’s nice and quiet and clean, bathrooms aren’t too far from campsites. Electrical hookups are provided and fire pits. We even got free firewood. Fun visit!"
from $25 - $55 / night
"It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling. The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions."
"Pull through full hook up, everything worked great. Nice level gravel spot. Clean restroom and laundry room. The host were friendly and helpful."
TravelerStayed 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.
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.
GuideI was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
LegendMy 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.
ScoutEach site seems to be cased in with beautiful trees and the atmosphere is relaxing. Bsthrooms are clean but be sure to bring quaters to take showers.
GuideThis is a beautiful park, with waterfront sites as well as wooded areas. Vault toilets, and pump for water, quiet and great rock beach.
GuideNice on the river easy access. Shady sites not on top each other. Barred owl not even dark
Seasonal campgrounds surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore typically operate from May through October, though some sites remain open year-round. Most RV sites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore require advance bookings during peak summer months when temperatures average 75-80°F. The region's sandy terrain affects site conditions, with varying degrees of shade and natural buffers between campsites.
Fishing opportunities: Just minutes from Lake Leelanau RV Park, you can rent fishing boats or use the marina facilities. "Lake Leelanau is a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding. Lots of great fishing, cycling, and hiking in the area, too," notes reviewer Shari G.
Golfing access: Several campgrounds provide easy access to nearby golf courses. At Vista Green RV Resort, campers can reach the DNR Outdoor Shooting range just 5 miles away. "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)," explains Julia H.
Wine tasting: The Leelanau Peninsula hosts numerous wineries within short driving distance of many campgrounds. "The campground is located in the heart of wine country, with about 6 vineyards/wineries within 15-20 minutes (all with tasting rooms) and just a short drive to Leland's historic fishing village," writes one Lake Leelanau RV Park camper.
Privacy options: Sites at Wild Cherry RV Resort include various layout configurations. "Our site was a pull-in that faced a large pond on a corner that overlooked a four-acre lake. We never had a neighbor on the site next to us during our stay and since we were on a large corner there was nobody on that side either so we never felt crowded," writes Nancy W.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean restrooms and shower facilities. "Bathroom house was very nice with plenty of hot showers with great water pressure. That's a number one seller for me, that and if they are clean, which they were," remarks Joyce S. about Manton Trails RV Park.
Level sites: Quality of sites varies significantly across campgrounds. "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," reports Robert T. about Wild Cherry RV Resort.
Seasonal restrictions: Most camping facilities near Sleeping Bear Dunes operate seasonally from May through October. Lake Leelanau RV Park is typically open "May 1 to Oct 31," while Wild Cherry RV Resort operates from "May 1 to October 31."
Campsite availability: At Kampvilla Park, campers note the importance of booking ahead. "We were here off season, daily rate was $40. There is a lot to do in this park, zip line, pool, walking trail, lake," reports one visitor at a nearby campground.
Site types: Campgrounds offer various site types with different hookup configurations. "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," explains Julia H. about Vista Green RV Resort.
Pool access: Swimming options vary between campgrounds. "There is 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. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here. The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," says Cassondra P. about Timber Ridge.
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with outdoor play areas. "They have all the toys to play in sand, basketballs, volleyballs and such sitting out for all the kids to play with. The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!" explains Amy Y. about Kampvilla Park.
Site dimensions: RVers should verify site sizes before booking. "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," notes Robert T.
Hookup configurations: Check specific hookup details when booking camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes. "The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions. Our site required us to pull through in such a way that the hookups were on the opposite side of our coach," advises Hope C. from Kalkaska RV Park & Campground.
Shade coverage: Consider your preference for shaded or open sites. "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, while Jeff G. comments about another campground: "Lots of trees. Will likely be returning."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at RV parks near Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Indigo Bluffs RV Park offers premium amenities including full hookups, stamped concrete pads, and a lodge with a full kitchen, private bathrooms, and outdoor patio. The park features gorgeous landscaping, spacious sites, and a pool. Wild Cherry RV Resort provides well-maintained grounds with nicely spaced sites, many overlooking a four-acre lake. Other area RV parks typically offer water and electric hookups, dump stations, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi. Some feature pools, laundry facilities, camp stores, and recreational areas. Many parks are situated to provide convenient access to the region's attractions while offering more amenities than the national lakeshore's more rustic camping options.
What are the private RV campground options near Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Several private RV campgrounds offer comfortable accommodations near Sleeping Bear Dunes. Traverse Bay RV Resort is considered a premium option with individually owned sites that are leased out. The resort caters to Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers, offering upscale amenities. Vista Green RV Resort provides full hookup sites with blacktop pull-throughs at around $65 per night (with weekly discounts available). Other options include Lake Leelanau RV Park near Lake Leelanau and Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort near Traverse City. Most private parks are within 30-45 minutes of the national lakeshore.
Where are the RV campgrounds located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers two main campgrounds that accommodate RVs. D.H. Day Campground is located on the northern section of the park near Glen Haven, offering rustic camping with limited facilities but beautiful beach access. Platte River Campground is situated in the southern portion of the park near the Platte River and offers more amenities for RVs including electrical hookups. Both campgrounds are strategically positioned to provide access to the park's main attractions, hiking trails, and Lake Michigan beaches. The locations allow visitors to explore different sections of the 35-mile long lakeshore while having a convenient base for their RV.
Are reservations required for RV camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Reservations are highly recommended for RV camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, especially during the peak summer season. Platte River Campground accepts reservations up to six months in advance through recreation.gov and typically fills quickly for summer weekends. D.H. Day Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which means arriving early in the day is essential, particularly from June through August. For those seeking guaranteed accommodations, nearby options like Traverse City State Park Campground offer reservable sites about 45 minutes from the lakeshore, with over 300 sites that accommodate various RV sizes.
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