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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
