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Map showing campground location near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreView 9 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Sitting on a sandy bluff above Lake Michigan, Weather Station Campground occupies the western edge of South Manitou Island within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Access is by ferry, then on foot or along the beach. No drinking water is available at the campground itself; campers either filter directly from the lake or walk roughly 1.5 miles back to the dock. The 20 individual sites and 3 group sites sit in the woods close to the shoreline, where the bluff edge provides sightlines across the water toward the mainland. Mosquitoes run heavy in summer. Food storage requires hanging or a bear canister, as chipmunks are persistent. Campers who pack in a water filter, adequate food, and insect repellent will find South Manitou Island worth the logistical effort.

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Map & DirectionsWeather Station Campground is located in Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

45.00000037 N
86.12572867 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Weather Station Campground

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Multiple campers commented on the stunning lakefront location with beautiful hiking and views from wooded bluff sites. Visitors often highlighted the backcountry nature requiring preparation for basic facilities and water filtering.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2023

The Best Place on South Manitou Island

A relatively short hike and simple hike, Weather Station offers some great scenic views of Lake Michigan.

In my opinion, site 16 is the site to stay at, with relatively easy access to the lake for water. We used a carabiner to secure a line to a tree in the camp and tossed the other end down to give us a hand in climbing back up to the site as well as dragging our bag of containers back up.

Proximity to the edge of the dune and the lake also helped with a breeze that kept mosquitoes to a minimum. Be warned, it does seem like Weather Station is buggy during summer.

All in all, should I return to South Manitou as opposed to North, site 16 at Weather Station is where my party will be posting.

Site16
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore by Jason H., June 9, 2023
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Reviewed Feb. 26, 2020

Backcountry Experience with Designated Campsites

Weather Station Campground is located on South Manitou Island and offers 20 individual sites and 3 group sites nearby.  The campground is located on a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and the mainland with picturesque places to enjoy your morning coffee.  Access to the island is by boat only (obviously, because it's an island) and from there, you'll have to hike to the campground through the woods or along the beach.  All sites are located in the woods, however they are close to the shore.  You must camp at one of the designated sites. 

The campground offers a shared fire pit, log benches to sit on, and access to a pit toilet (which was pretty smelly, but usable).  There is no access to clean drinking water at the campground, so plan on filtering water from Lake Michigan, or walking approximately 1.5 miles to the dock area to collect water there.  There are no food storage lockers, so food must be properly hung from a tree or stored in a bear canister to avoid being stolen by the microbears (aka chipmunks)! 

Keep in mind that this is a backcountry camping experience, so you'll need to be adequately prepared and carry in all your supplies.  In addition to a water filter and a first aid kit, bringing extra food with you is also a must.  The ferry is unable to reach the island in dangerous weather conditions.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore by Kristy C., February 26, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

very rustic

bring what you need. filter your water, beautiful hikes, beautiful views ...bloodthirsty mosquitos.. but worth it...bring deet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the features of Weather Station Campground on South Manitou Island?

Weather Station Campground sits on a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and the mainland, offering spectacular views. The campground features 20 individual sites and 3 group sites nearby. Site 16 is particularly desirable with relatively easy access to the lake for water collection. The campground provides picturesque spots to enjoy morning coffee with panoramic lake views. Facilities are basic, so campers must filter their water and pack in all necessary supplies. The location offers access to beautiful hiking trails around the island with scenic vistas of Lake Michigan.

How do you reach Weather Station Campground from the South Manitou Island ferry?

After arriving on South Manitou Island by ferry (the only access method to the island), you'll need to hike to Weather Station Campground. The trail from the ferry dock to the campground is relatively short and straightforward. The hike is considered simple and manageable for most skill levels, making it accessible for campers carrying gear. Follow the marked trail system from the dock area, which will guide you to the campground located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Be prepared for a walking journey with your camping equipment as there are no vehicles or shuttles on the island.

What is the typical weather like when camping on South Manitou Island?

South Manitou Island experiences typical Great Lakes weather patterns with variable conditions. Summer months offer pleasant temperatures ideal for camping and hiking, though evenings can cool significantly due to the lake influence. Be prepared for mosquitos, which can be quite aggressive - bringing insect repellent with DEET is strongly recommended. The island's exposed position means it can experience sudden weather changes, including strong winds and unexpected rain showers. The campground's elevated position on a bluff may experience more wind than sheltered areas. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of the forecast to ensure comfort during your stay.

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