Hiking, fishing, and shoreline exploration are the main draws at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites, where the ferry crossing from Leland sets the tone before campers even set foot on land. The 12-mile crossing across Lake Michigan takes a few hours and drops visitors at an abandoned village, the departure point for routes heading in any direction across the island. With a backpacking permit, campers can set up nearly anywhere, though fires are restricted to the Village Campground at the island's entrance, and sites must be at least 300 feet from the beach.
The terrain shifts considerably as you move across the island's roughly seven-mile width. "Forests, hills, beaches, and dunes really help break up the terrain you encounter," notes Jason H., who also flagged that historical trails shown on the map can be difficult to follow without a compass. The inland lake at the center of the island draws anglers after smallmouth bass. Scattered ruins, abandoned orchards, and an old cemetery add context to the landscape for those who explore on foot. Wildlife sightings come up repeatedly across reviews.
Navigation matters here. Some historical trails require map-and-compass skills, and shoreline hiking along the western coast involves rocky, slippery terrain and downed trees. Campers should bring all supplies from the mainland. There are no stores on the island. Those planning to explore tent camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore more broadly will find additional options managed by the National Park Service in the surrounding area. Reservations are available, and weekday visits in early summer tend to see fewer people on the island.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNorth Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites is located in Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Coordinates
45.10679515 N
86.08356767 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
- Fires
Drive Time
- 32 min from Traverse City, MI
- 4 hrs 54 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 5 hrs 6 min from Green Bay, WI
- 5 hrs 24 min from Appleton, WI
