Looking for the best campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$20 / night
"Small rustic campground right on shores of Lake Michigan in Sleeping Bear Dunes. So beautiful-quick walk to the most beautiful beach. Expected to see sunsets but surprised with awesome sunrises!"
"Sleeping Bear Dunes would be rivaling Wilderness State Park and/or Hiawatha NF on the Lake Michigan coast in the UP as my favorite, #1 spot I’ve ever camped/visited."
$22 - $50 / night
"It seems to be easier to get a site here when the neighboring sleeping bear dunes campgrounds are full."
"One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."
"It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."
"Indigo Bluffs is close to Empire which has a beach and Joe’s Friendly Tavern. Joe’s has excellent hamburgers and plenty of beer variety."
$30 / night
"South Manitou island is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore."
"A few sites offer amazing views of Lake Michigan atop some small bluffs which make this campground amazing."
"It's a great location, just across from Traverse Bay with just across the road. With that being said, one downside is that road, a VERY busy main drag through Traverse City. Very loud."
"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."
"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."
"Located just a short drive away from many attractions."
$20 / night
"The campground is right on Duck Lake, and there was a canoe/kayak launch in the campground in addition to the main ramp in the center of the park."
"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."
$103 - $130 / night
"The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake."
"We were stationed near the boat ramp and had a beautiful shaded view of the lake. Our neighbors, most of whom were permanent campers, were nice."
"Weather Station Campground is located on South Manitou Island and offers 20 individual sites and 3 group sites nearby. "
"A relatively short hike and simple hike, Weather Station offers some great scenic views of Lake Michigan."
$33 - $85 / night
"The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes."
"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."
TravelerYou have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.
TravelerStaff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.
GuideAbsolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.
This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.
From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.
I’d love to come again.
ScoutAwesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.
GuideRight of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small
GuideNice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful
ScoutThe campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.
RangerThis is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded. The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
ScoutThis is a very nice campground, it's on Casino Property and they did an excellent job. All sites have Electric Water Sewer, and I believe cable. They also have a dump station. There are no site firepits, but they do have a place for fires. All sites have concrete pads and wide asphalt roads. Showers are in the clubhouse. The staff is friendly and also staff and grounds keepers are very helpful. The area close by within 3-4 miles has just about everything You may need. The only downfall is if there is one for everything You get is price. But again it's a very nice e place.
Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping locations within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, D.H. Day Campground is highly recommended for its rustic sites located right on Lake Michigan's shore, offering stunning sunrises and beautiful beach access. Platte River Campground is another excellent option within the park, featuring well-maintained sites with both walk-in and drive-in options, running toilets and showers. For those who can't secure spots within the park, nearby options include Lime Lake (about 15 minutes away) and Peterson Bridge (45-60 minutes from the dunes).
What amenities are available at Sleeping Bear Dunes campgrounds?
Amenities at Sleeping Bear Dunes campgrounds vary by location. Platte River Campground offers running toilets, shower facilities, and well-maintained sites throughout the park. Traverse City State Park Campground, located about 45 minutes from the dunes, provides electric hookups, central bathhouses with hot water, dish washing stations, and shaded sites. While some campgrounds like D.H. Day are more rustic with pit toilets, they typically include water filling stations and disposal areas. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities despite high visitor numbers.
Are there group camping options available at Sleeping Bear Dunes?
South Manitou Island Group offers group camping opportunities within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, accessible by boat. For groups looking to stay closer to the mainland, Chain-O-Lakes Campground provides options with the restriction of one tent and one car per site. Lake Leelanau RV Park on the Leelanau peninsula can accommodate larger parties while providing access to the dunes and nearby attractions. Be aware that many campgrounds in this popular area fill quickly during peak season, so advance reservations are strongly recommended for groups.
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