Map showing campground location near Leland, Michigan

Camper submitted image from Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Getting here requires a ferry from Leland across Lake Michigan to North Manitou Island, roughly 40 minutes each way, with service subject to cancellation in rough weather. A backcountry permit is required to camp. The sites sit well off the trail and include community fire rings; potable water and vault toilets are available near the village dock, though the in-campground facilities are in rougher shape. No pets, no motor vehicles. Pack extra food. Campers who have done backcountry trips before will find the North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites a natural extension if they want to push further into the island's interior, and there are campgrounds around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for those who prefer to stay on the mainland.

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Map & DirectionsVillage Campground is located in Michigan near Leland

Public Campground

Directions

From Traverse City, Michigan, take M-22 to Sutton's Bay. Go west on M-204 from Sutton's Bay towards Leland. Turn north at the junction of M-22 and M-204 to Leland. Take the ferry from Leland to North Manitou Island.

Address

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

Coordinates

45.128121 N
85.977598 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

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General Info

Drive Time

32 min from Traverse City, MI
2 hrs 39 min from Muskegon, MI
4 hrs 54 min from Sheboygan, WI
5 hrs 6 min from Green Bay, WI

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Village Campground

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5 Stars

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4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the isolated, peaceful island setting with good hiking trails and basic facilities. Ferry schedule depends on weather, so visitors should pack extra supplies for potential delays.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Jason H.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2022

Designated Campground on North Manitou

This designated campgroundon North Manitou is a short walk from the village where you have access to potable water as well as vault toilets in better condition than the toilets in the campground itself.

The sites are isolated and well off the trail. There are community fire rings which led to a fun final night on the island passing some of my flasks around with fellow hikers.

Site4

Month of VisitJune

Alicia V.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Great backpacking location

Isolated island but good backpacking experience. Loads of designated trails to hike on and lots to see. In order to camp here, you will need a backcountry permit.

The ferry to the island can be delayed so may sure to pack extra food in case they aren't able to sail. I'm told in spring and fall this is more likely.

(4) View All

Michelle S.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

North Manitou by Ferry

 Starting off with the ferry ride that leaves from Leland, MI was a pleasure created with smiling faces from the crew. What better way to start than a ride on Lake Michigan, a dream in itself. A 40 minute ride across to North Manitou island with views of the South Island. 
 Once on the Island it's up to you. Choose one of many trails to explore and distance is your choice to one of the many outback camps. The choice is yours, stay in one of the near by  camps close to the ferry dock or explore several miles around the island. Explore an inland lake or camp on one of the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan and dream of schooners passing by, possibly catching sight of one of the many freighter ships passing by in the shipping lanes past the island. 
 Your views are endless opportunities of    woods, old farm fields, or possibly an settlers orchard with remains of one of the farms throughout the island. 
 At night your possibilities of hearing coyotes in the distance are good. By day you can see animals ranging from chipmunks to one of the many whitetail deer that roam the island. 
  No motor vehicles, or other loud machinery makes for a secluded escape into the northern Michigan nighttime sky's. 
 Bring plenty of food and weather gear as you never know what Northern Michigan can bring as far as storms. The ferry doesn't run if the weather is to grieve for safety so you never know if you could be on the island for a few days. I highly recommend this adventure for anyone who has out backed camped and has some type of experience in the outdoors as you may need to find alternative water and or food if a storm brews. Come prepared.
 My 7 year old son and I hiked the island and loved the adventurous feeling of the unknown.