Hikers and water enthusiasts will find Popple Campground occupies a remote corner of South Manitou Island, accessible only by ferry from the mainland. The National Park Service manages this small facility with just seven to eight sites, creating natural spacing between campsites that reduces crowding compared to more accessible locations. No pets are permitted at this backcountry destination.
The campground's isolation from the island's dock area means fewer visitors make the trek here, even during peak summer months. Campers must bring their own drinking water or filtration systems, as no potable water is available on-site. The surrounding area provides hiking trails with water views and beach access for those willing to explore beyond the immediate camping area.
Description
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPopple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in Michigan
Directions
Popple Campground - South Manitou Island directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/smicamping.htm.
Address
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Coordinates
45.046024 N
86.116205 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
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








