Best Tent Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan

Searching for a tent camping spot near Sleeping Bear Dunes? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Sleeping Bear Dunes with tent camping. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI (28)

    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group

    1. South Manitou Island Group

    8 Reviews
    47 Photos
    59 Saves
    Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Overview

    South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Campers must take a 1.5-hour Manitou Island Transit Ferry trip or boat ride to reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock. **Booking for individual sites on South Manitou Island are made on a first come/first served basis directly through Manitou Island Transit .**This facility is comprised of three reservable group sites at Bay Campground and three others at Weather Station Campground. Each site is open to groups of nine to 20 people only. Smaller parties must plan to occupy multiple first-come, first-served individual sites at Popple, Bay or Weather Station Campgrounds on the island. Bay is the closest campground to the dock (less than a mile/1.6 km) and a short walk from the beach. Weather Station overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island; the hike from the ferry is about 1.3 miles (2 km). If group sites are full, your group may be able to split up into multiple individual campsites. Be sure to book reservations on the Manitou Island Transit website or call (231) 256-9061 for transportation to the island. Or contact Sleeping Bear Dunes for more information at (231) 326-4700 ext 5010.Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25 to 32 C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10 to 25 C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20 to 30 F (-7 to -1 C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7 C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

    Recreation

    There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island. Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.

    Natural Features

    South Manitou Island is part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The campgrounds lie on sandy soils among younger forests.

    Contact Info

    For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

    2. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

    6 Reviews
    132 Photos
    63 Saves
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

    Camping on North Manitou Island offers solitude and a wild beauty and nights listening to lapping waves. The small Village Campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground. Camping is allowed in the wilderness area, but open fires are prohibited. Use gas or alcohol stoves i the wilderness. Backcountry Camping Regulations are in effect on North Manitou Island. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping. Permits are available on the island and on the mainland. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3. Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    9 Photos
    24 Saves
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

    The Weather Station campground overlooks Lake Michigan on the island's south side, about a mile beyond the lighthouse. The campsites are located within a forested area and are pretty well secluded from each other. This location affords inspiring views of the Manitou Passage and Sleeping Bear Dunes on the mainland. The lighthouse, Lake Florence, the Morazan, and Giant Cedars are all within easy walking distance. Follow the signs to take a pleasant walk along a woodland path, past the lighthouse to this campsite, or follow Burdick Road, turning left at Ohio Road for a less scenic but more leisurely walk. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water.

    There are 20 individual sites (maximum of 4 people or two tents per site) and 3 group sites (maximum of 20 people or ten tents per site). There are several fire rings in the campground that can be shared by campers.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    4. Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    5 Saves
    Glen Arbor, Michigan

    The Popple Campground is the furthest from the dock (about 3.5 miles), so you are likely to have fewer people camping there. The campground is close to the beach on the northern tip of the island. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 7 individual sites

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    5. Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    8 Saves
    Leland, Michigan

    The small Village Campground contains eight first-come, first-served designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    6. Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    16 Saves
    Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Overview

    South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Campers must take a 1.5-hour Manitou Island Transit Ferry trip or boat ride to reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock.This facility is comprised of three reservable group sites at Bay Campground and three others at Weather Station Campground. Each site is open to groups of nine to 20 people only. Smaller parties must plan to occupy multiple first-come, first-served individual sites at Popple, Bay or Weather Station Campgrounds on the island. Bay is the closest campground to the dock (less than a mile/1.6 km) and a short walk from the beach. Weather Station overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island; the hike from the ferry is about 1.3 miles (2 km). If group sites are full, your group may be able to split up into multiple individual campsites. Be sure to book reservations on the Manitou Island Transit website or call (231) 256-9061 for transportation to the island. Or contact Sleeping Bear Dunes for more information at (231) 326-4700 ext 5010.Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25__ to 32__ C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10__ to 25__ C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20__ to 30__ F (-7__ to -1__ C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7__ C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

    Recreation

    There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island. Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.

    Facilities

    Water is only available in the Village area. Group campsites are secluded and set apart from one another. Each site has a fire pit for open fires (firewood must be purchased or collected in the park). Wooden pit toilets are provided, however campers must bring their own toilet paper.

    Natural Features

    South Manitou Island is part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The campgrounds lie on sandy soils among younger forests.

    contact_info

    For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    8. White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    98 Saves
    Empire, Michigan

    This camp has 6 sites and is located about 2 miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22 and is about 1/2 mile from the Lake Michigan shore where you can obtain fresh water. There is no well water at White Pine, so if you use water from Lake Michigan, it must be treated before drinking it.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites

    9. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites

    2 Reviews
    18 Photos
    90 Saves
    Suttons Bay, Michigan

    There are 10 campsites on Power/Bassett Island. These sites are not assigned, they are 1st come, 1st serve. Please use the fire pit area that is established on the site. Each site has it's own picnic table, cooking grill and campfire circle. There are maintained restrooms servicing the island.

    Power Island - Bassett Island Fun Facts

    Power Island is approximately 200 acres with over 3 miles of waterfront and over 5 miles of hiking trails
    Bassett Island is connected to Power Island via isthmus.
    Power Island has 5 rustic campsites.
    Bassett Island is 1 acre in size with 5 rustic campsites.
    It's a 6.5 mile boat ride from clinch Park Marina and 3.5 mile boat ride from Bower's Harbor Marina.
    Power Island and Bassett Island are dedicated as quiet, nature preserves.
    
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Healy Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Healy Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Healy Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Healy Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Healy Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Healy Lake State Forest Campground

    10. Healy Lake State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    3 Saves
    Copemish, Michigan

    The campground is under township management

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Sleeping Bear Dunes

649 Reviews of 28 Sleeping Bear Dunes Campgrounds


  • Tammy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    Hidden gem on the west side

    This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton. There is always something going on. Spacious, super clean bath house and on Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!

  • Barry E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Traverse City State Park Campground

    Convenient and clean

    Very nice park, walkway to the public beach, paved path behind the grounds. Modern, clean bathhouse. Not a lot of privacy between spots, big mature trees all through the grounds. Right by municipal airport with lots of flight activity.

  • Michael N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Beautiful area!

    The camping area is amazing. My group camped in the non electric section. Each area was set back from the road. Flat gravel pad. Small paved driveway for your car. It was peaceful. And absolutely dark at night. Perfect for star gazing. The comfort station was a short walk away. Clean bathrooms, shower areas, and a small room to wash dishes. You cannot wash dishes at your site. You must take precautions against bears. So food had to be locked in cars. We didn’t encounter bears. At the entrance is a canoe/tube business. You can float down the river to Lake Michigan.

  • Amy D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnes County Park Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Barnes County Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Access

    This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great nature - noisy neighbors

    Our site was great, easily fit a 17 foot trailer and a tent. Trails down to the water were appreciated by our kids. Neighbors are pretty close all around but that didn't matter until our last night. Several new campers rolled in at 10pm and proceeded to throw an absolute rager of a party until 4am - on Labor Day weekend. So overall a great campground but I wish there had been enforcement of quiet time or some kind of consequence for such horrible camping manners.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp David
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Camp David

    Wonderful, quiet location

    David and Gail were so friendly and welcoming, especially for the inconvenience of a last minute stay on Labor Day weekend! I had questions during the booking process and messaged them- I had a response in minutes. We had a quiet spot and were able to get some uninterrupted sleep after a long afternoon at the beach. 

    There are several places nearby with beach access (the turquoise water of Lake Michigan is beautiful), and lakes under 5 minutes away for fishing. For rockhounding, check out the beaches near Old Mission Lighthouse. Should we find ourselves back on the road to the UP, we'll be sure stop back in. Thanks again for being so accommodating!

  • Jason H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Manitou Island Group
    Aug. 28, 2024

    South Manitou Island Group

    Popple Campground

    Stayed at site 3. It was a relatively easy hike until you hit a hilly spot towards the campground. Mid July was very buggy.

    Site 3 has easy access to an overlook which we made use of for photos of a storm that rolled in over North Manitou Island, our original destination. There was one vault toilet at the opposite end of the campground.

    Like at Weatherstation, it was easy enough to get down to the beach for swimming and refilling our Grayls but to get back up was a bit of a challenge that grew old after a few trips.

    Our last night, we stayed at the Bay campground which was nice. Fire rings are available and getting to and from the water was much easier. I'd recommend the Bay for people who want a more leisurely experience and one of the other campgrounds if you want to get some miles and get more rustic.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from The Campground
    Aug. 20, 2024

    The Campground

    Fantastic Campground!

    The campground is a small, family friendly campground that has a lot of activities for both adults and kids. It is clean, has level sites and well maintained facilities.

  • J B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great time

    The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There’s also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam

  • Erica L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain-O-Lakes Campground
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Chain-O-Lakes Campground

    Will be back!

    Our time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.

    Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.

    We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry RV Resort
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Wild Cherry RV Resort

    Quiet and peaceful

    This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City.

    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. 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.

    Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover.

    This was a good spot for a two night stay as it’s close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries.

    Have fun!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

    close to travese city and interlockin

    Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

  • Jen L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    Great location for orv trail access

    Great campground.  Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect.   We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite.  It’s really handy to not have to trailer over to the trsilheads.  Quiet, bug spaces, huge bathhouse. We will be going back!

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Grass Lake State Forest Campground
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Grass Lake State Forest Campground

    Updated Info

    Updating this information. We live 3 miles from this camp. All MI State Forest Campgrounds are nor $20/night.

    There is not a RV dump or hookup of any kind in this campground. One could easily bring a 30 ft trailer but sites this size are limited.

    This camp is on the Betsie River and the Grass Lake Flooding. There is a gravel/sand ramp to launch smaller fishing boats. Great area to kayak and float tube. 1000's of acres of State Forest surrounding this spot with miles of trails for atv, cars, trucks and horses. There are no horst facilities at this camp.

  • Nicole V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground

    Nice but camp host needed

    Large campground composed or 5 loops. Many have a trail leading to the water. Hiking and biking paths within the campground along with a nice boat ramp. Trash on sites and dirty outhouses along with lots of generators and after hour noise was a downside.

  • Liz E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground

    Great Campground, huge sites!

    We just stayed here for 6 nights. Owners were welcoming and kind upon check in. The campground was very well maintained with a good amount of trees giving good shade outside.

    Sites are large well maintained.
    We stayed across the street from the bath house and the pool. Pool was chemically checked several times a day and it was so nice.

    Our kids loved the pool and the space to ride bikes.

    Will definitely be booking here again.

    Reasonable rates for the site and generous wood costs as well. They drive around almost nightly and will sell you wood right at your site if you're there. $10 for a wheel barrow full and they stack it for you!

    Highly recommend this campground.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Empire Township Campground
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Empire Township Campground

    Great for tent camping!

    We have come to this campground every year since 2020 for a week with our travel trailer. We got lucky to find and opening at an electric site in their schedule and once you're in, you can reserve the same site on the same week the following year. We've had family members stay in tent sites nearby and they loved it.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    Nice boating

    Green Lake Rustic- clean campground. Some sites are small, and you are on top of your "neighbors." Vault style toilets that get quite smelly. The boat ramp to Green Lake is well maintained. The parking lot is a bit small but doable. Good pan and bass fishing. The local grocery store is close, as well as a dollar store, mini golf, ice cream, and restaurants (if that's your thing).

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Whitewater Township Park Campground

    Great Location with Potential but...

    I was disappointed in the campground after having high expectations from previous reviews.  Sites were fine, good size and maybe could have been some planting between sites.  My concern was that there was only one bathroom, for the entire campground.  They were filthy, cleaned once daily which was considerably less than other campgrounds.  There was a sanitary pad discarded behind a toilet for over 24 hours. Possibly this is the norm, and guests were more disgusting than usual.  The scenic overlook deck was littered with toilet paper where someone had taken to using this area as their own restroom.  The grass and trails weren't mowed and the park attendant said they were changing mowing services, I understand that.  The water hose used to clean tanks had been cut off or fallen off, and when this was showed to a worker, they said they'd tell the manager.  What day, no one knows because he got in his car and left for the night.  The next day it was not fixed.

    Which brings me to the point that while there were three people in the guard house, no one was really doing much.  No one drove around checking on things, no one walked a common path to see discarded trash, etc.  The on duty person left at 8PM.  This is all a management issue, not the campground itself. 

    I have camped at local/municipally owned campgrounds in Michigan before and was very happy, and gladly went with this campground but was disappointed.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Billings RV Park & Campground
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Lake Billings RV Park & Campground

    It was decent

    They have a really nice area whether it’s fishing or swimming, playground or just plain camping, etc. the only negative thing is the tent camping spots DO NOT have PLUGS which was really irritating because tent camping you’re definitely gonna need an outlet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park Campground
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Traverse City State Park Campground

    Spots are small for travel trailers/RV’s.

    Well, the spots are very small and you have to park sideways. Nothing can beat the price of staying in Traverse City. If you have your own camper, the showers are nice. You’re right downtown and there’s a catwalk over the beach.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    Friendly, clean and well maintained

    This is a great little campground. Clean and well maintained. We used it as a base camp for canoeing on the Manistee River and it served us well. Plenty of pull-through sites and lots of grass.



Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes

Tent camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The South Manitou Island Group provides access to drinking water and allows campfires, making it a comfortable spot for tent campers.
  • At the Weather Station Campground, you'll find designated sites with scenic views of Lake Michigan and access to vault toilets.
  • The Bay Campground features secluded campsites with fire pits, perfect for enjoying evenings under the stars.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $25

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sleeping Bear Dunes?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes is South Manitou Island Group with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes?

    TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Sleeping Bear Dunes, with real photos and reviews from campers.