We visited this campsite for a long weekend in October, looking for that autumn experience. Our site was right on the lake, and had a great view of the river and the trees changing. Our site was very large, especially for tent camping, and that seemed to be the trend. Others were camping with campers and tents, but there was pretty of room to spread out in the late fall.

After taking a ferry for a few hours across 12 miles of Lake Michigan, you finally arrive on North Manitou Island! The crossing helps to really remove you from the mainland you left behind.

Even better, in addition to the official campsites, with a backpacking permit you can camp almost anywhere on the island. Camping near the beach (300 ft) was my choice, and the sunsets and cool breeze did not disappoint. I even got to watch a small rainstorm roll in across the lake, and hurry up the dune to my tent when it got close.