Best Tent Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides a diverse range of tent camping opportunities on both mainland Michigan and its offshore islands. South Manitou Island offers tent-only camping at three distinct campgrounds: Bay, Weather Station, and Popple. North Manitou Island features backcountry tent sites and a designated Village Campground, all accessible only via ferry service from Leland, Michigan.
Tent campgrounds throughout the area require careful preparation as amenities are minimal. Most sites have fire rings, but access to drinking water varies significantly—Weather Station Campground requires filtering water from Lake Michigan or hiking 1.5 miles to the dock area for potable water. All island camping requires packing in supplies and packing out trash. Vault toilets are available at most designated campgrounds, though many campers report them being somewhat primitive. Permits are required for backcountry camping, which can be obtained at the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor's Center for approximately $10 per night.
The tent sites offer exceptional seclusion rarely found in other Michigan camping destinations. Island campgrounds provide unique opportunities to sleep near Lake Michigan, with some campsites positioned on bluffs overlooking the water. White Pine Backcountry Camp on the mainland offers a short 1.5-mile hike to reach six primitive tent sites set within wooded surroundings. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, particularly on the islands, where ferry service may be delayed or canceled. "The island does have drinking water but you have to hike from your sites to get it or you can get water from Lake Michigan and make it drinkable," noted one camper about South Manitou Island. According to another visitor, "Sites feel secluded and each has a fire pit. The lighthouse and giant cedars are all within easy walking distance."
