Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests,
clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of
Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An
island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and
picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and
recreational history.

Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.

## Overview

D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan.

This rustic campground is one of the most popular in Northern Michigan and is
open (weather permitting) from April 27 through the last Sunday in November.
Reservations are required May 1 through October 15. Campsites are within
walking distance of the Lake Michigan shoreline and a short drive to many
popular features in the park. Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to
90 degrees F (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F
(10° to 25° C) at night.

## Recreation

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's rustic D.H. Day Campground is
beautifully wooded. Campers can swim, canoe, kayak, fish and relax along the
shoreline of the campground. The multi-use Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail passes
through the campground opening up 20+ miles (32 km) of biking and hiking.
There are canoe and bicycle rentals nearby in the village of Glen Arbor. The
historic village of Glen Haven is a short 15-minute walk away. Multiple hiking
trails, the Dune Climb, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are just a short
drive away. D.H. Day Campground is the perfect launching point for a fun-
filled stay at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

## Facilities

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's rustic D.H. Day Campground is
beautifully wooded. Campers can swim, canoe, kayak, fish and relax along the
shoreline of the campground. The multi-use Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail passes
through the campground opening up 20+ miles (32 km) of biking and hiking.
There are canoe and bicycle rentals nearby in the village of Glen Arbor. The
historic village of Glen Haven is a short 15-minute walk away. Multiple hiking
trails, the Dune Climb, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are just a short
drive away. D.H. Day Campground is the perfect launching point for a fun-
filled stay at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

## Natural Features

D.H. Day Campground lies in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore near the historic village of Glen Haven. The spacious wooded
campsites are no more than a 5-minute walk to the Lake Michigan beach.
Features include northern hardwood and conifer forests, old farm meadows,
wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs, and splendid examples of glacially formed
landscapes. The beautiful, perched sand dunes, for which the parked is named,
are just a few minutes' drive from the campground.

## Nearby Attractions

  * **Village of Glen Arbor** (1.5 miles East).
  * The **Alligator Hill Trail** is less than a mile away. 
  * To the West visitors will find the**Historic Village of Glen Haven & the General Store bookstore (0.8 miles ), the Maritime Museum (1.1 miles), and the Sleeping Bear Point Trail (1.4 miles). **
  * The **Dune Climb**(2 miles) and **Dune Center bookstore** are a short drive to the south.
  * 4.2 miles to the south is the**Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive,** where the **Lake Michigan Overlook** is located . 
  * **Village of Empire** (7.5 miles South).
  * The **Crystal River** winds its way to Lake Michigan just a few short miles to the north. 
  * The **Port Onieda Historic District** can be found 5.7 miles to the North.
  * The **Harbor Town of Leland** is 20 miles north of the Lakeshore & is the gateway to both **North and South Manitou Islands**. 

## contact_info

For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for
general information.

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. </p>
<p>This rustic campground is one of the most popular in Northern Michigan and is open (weather permitting) from April 27 through the last Sunday in November. Reservations are required May 1 through October 15. Campsites are within walking distance of the Lake Michigan shoreline and a short drive to many popular features in the park. Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F  (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F  (10° to 25° C) at night. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's rustic D.H. Day Campground is beautifully wooded. Campers can swim, canoe, kayak, fish and relax along the shoreline of the campground. The multi-use Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail passes through the campground opening up 20+ miles (32 km) of biking and hiking. There are canoe and bicycle rentals nearby in the village of Glen Arbor. The historic village of Glen Haven is a short 15-minute walk away. Multiple hiking trails, the Dune Climb, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are just a short drive away. D.H. Day Campground is the perfect launching point for a fun-filled stay at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's rustic D.H. Day Campground is beautifully wooded. Campers can swim, canoe, kayak, fish and relax along the shoreline of the campground. The multi-use Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail passes through the campground opening up 20+ miles (32 km) of biking and hiking. There are canoe and bicycle rentals nearby in the village of Glen Arbor. The historic village of Glen Haven is a short 15-minute walk away. Multiple hiking trails, the Dune Climb, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are just a short drive away. D.H. Day Campground is the perfect launching point for a fun-filled stay at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>D.H. Day Campground lies in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near the historic village of Glen Haven. The spacious wooded campsites are no more than a 5-minute walk to the Lake Michigan beach. Features include northern hardwood and conifer forests, old farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs, and splendid examples of glacially formed landscapes. The beautiful, perched sand dunes, for which the parked is named, are just a few minutes' drive from the campground.   </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Village of Glen Arbor</strong> (1.5 miles East).</li>
<li>The <strong>Alligator Hill Trail</strong> is less than a mile away. </li>
<li>To the West visitors will find the<strong> Historic Village of Glen Haven & the General Store bookstore (0.8 miles ), the Maritime Museum (1.1 miles), and the Sleeping Bear Point Trail (1.4 miles). </strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Dune Climb </strong>(2 miles) and <strong>Dune Center bookstore</strong> are a short drive to the south.</li>
<li>4.2 miles to the south is the<strong> Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, </strong>where the <strong>Lake Michigan Overlook</strong> is located . </li>
<li><strong>Village of Empire</strong> (7.5 miles South).</li>
<li>The <strong>Crystal River</strong> winds its way to Lake Michigan just a few short miles to the north. </li>
<li>The <strong>Port Onieda Historic District</strong> can be found 5.7 miles to the North.</li>
<li>The <strong>Harbor Town of Leland</strong> is 20 miles north of the Lakeshore & is the gateway to both <strong>North and South Manitou Islands</strong>. </li>
</ul>

<h2>contact_info</h2>
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges an entrance fee for each
vehicle (apart from camping fees). You may pay the entrance fee upon arrival
at a staffed location. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g.,
annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information
visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

**NOTE:** Effective March 1, 2023, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
accepts card payment only at staffed locations (no cash or checks).

Current Vehicle Fees (reviewed October 2023):

  * $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee (1-7 days).
  * $45 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Annual pass (if camping more than 7 days).

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore does not honor the Michigan Recreation
Passport which only covers entrance fees for Michigan State Parks,

View of the Manitou Islands from the D.H. Day beach

Boardwalk to the beach at D.H. Day

Dump station

Beach path

D.H. Day Campground

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail running through D.H. Day Campground west to east

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail at D.H. Day

Fawn at DH Day

Amphitheater

D.H. Day Campground Map

Generator loop entrance

D.H. Day Campground entrance sign

D.H. Day Campground Ranger Station

Ranger Station

Campground Diagram Legend

D.H. Day

Beach access

Birds at the ranger station

Sleeping Bear Heritage trail leaving DH Day Campground toward Glen Arbor (facing east)

Sleeping Bear Heritage trail access

D.H. Day beach

Historical log cabin (not for use)

Top: NPS firewood service information sign. (see first image below for text)
Middle: Lake Ann Lumber Payment Instructions sign. (see second image below for text)
Bottom: Cash deposit box with 10 $ per bundle stenciled in white paint.

Firewood Vendor signs & payment box

A wooden bench sits next to a boardwalk leading to Lake Michigan in the distance.

DH Day beach boardwalk

Sign reads:
Lake Ann Lumber 
Hello there Campers!  This kiosk operates on the honor system. Please make cash payment in steel box. 
Or Venmo me @ michael sutherland @michael-sutherland-11891  
(QR code with venmo label below)
Any Issues? Call Captain Mike @ 231-883-7890
Fine print....  
If you cannot affort to pay, humbly take a bundle but remember to pay it forward.... (or pay us later)
(Camera Surveillance)

Lake Ann Lumber Payment Instructions sign.

This firewood service is operated by Lake Ann Sawmill (231-883-7890) under a Commercial Use Authorization from the National Park Service.  The NPS does not have the ability to offer change for the deposit box.

NPS firewood service information sign

Wooden open front shed with slanted roof and 'FIREWOOD' sign above opening.
Bundles of firewood are stacked in the back of the shed.

firewood vendor shed at D.H. Day Campground

## Overview

D.H. Day Group Campground is a tent-only facility located in the heart of
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, about one mile (1.6 km) north of the
Dune Climb, where visitors can walk over miles of sand dunes. This year-round
campground has four sites which accommodate groups of 7 to 25 people.  
  

## Recreation

D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized
boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp
about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can
also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby
Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and
swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards
on duty at the park's beaches.  
  
The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand
dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake
Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake.

## Facilities

D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized
boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp
about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can
also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby
Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and
swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards
on duty at the park's beaches.  
  
The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand
dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake
Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake.

## Natural Features

The campground is open with sparse vegetation. Contrary to the park's name,
bears are rarely sighted here, yet other wildlife such as birds, deer and wild
turkey may be seen.  
  
Although the Lake Michigan shore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood
and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs
and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.  
  
The most prominent features in the park, for which it was named, are the
perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire
and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet above the lake. With 65 miles of
Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is
wonderfully water-oriented.

## contact_info

For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for
general information.

## Nearby Attractions

The historic area of Glen Haven, which features a working blacksmith shop, a
1920s-era general store and Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum, is within a
short drive of the campground.

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>D.H. Day Group Campground is a tent-only facility located in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, about one mile (1.6 km) north of the Dune Climb, where visitors can walk over miles of sand dunes. This year-round campground has four sites which accommodate groups of 7 to 25 people.<br><br></p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park's beaches.
<br/><br/>
The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake.<h2>Facilities</h2>
D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park's beaches.
<br/><br/>
The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is open with sparse vegetation. Contrary to the park's name, bears are rarely sighted here, yet other wildlife such as birds, deer and wild turkey may be seen.
<br/><br/>
Although the Lake Michigan shore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.
<br/><br/>
The most prominent features in the park, for which it was named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet above the lake. With 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.
<h2>contact_info</h2>
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The historic area of Glen Haven, which features a working blacksmith shop, a 1920s-era general store and Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum, is within a short drive of the campground.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges an entrance fee for each
vehicle (apart from camping fees). You may pay the entrance fee upon arrival
at a staffed location. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g.,
annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information
visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

**NOTE** : Effective March 1, 2023, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
accepts card payment only at staffed locations (no cash or checks).

Current Vehicle Fees (reviewed October 2023):

  * $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee (1-7 days).
  * $45 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Annual pass (if camping more than 7 days).

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore does not honor the Michigan Recreation
Passport which only covers entrance fees for Michigan State Parks,

D.H. Day Group

Group site restroom

Group water

D.H. Day Group parking area

Sleeping Bear Heritage trail

Harwood Road leading to Group sites

D.H. Day Group Campground Map

Group site parking & garbage

D.H. Day Group Campground

## Overview

Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan.  
This year-round facility is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park.
It is within walking distance of the Platte River and a short walk or drive
away from the Lake Michigan shore. Hikers can access many of the area's day
use and backpacking trails just north of the campground.  
  
Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25° to 32° C)
during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10° to 25° C) at night.

Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30° F (-7° to -1° C) and lows
in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7° C). Snow is usually on the ground from late
November through March.

## Recreation

Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are
canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake
(the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte
Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which
can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive
White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.

## Facilities

Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are
canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake
(the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte
Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which
can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive
White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.

## Natural Features

The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte
River and less than two miles (3.2 km) away from the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and
conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and
splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.  
  
  
The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are
the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear,
Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake.
With 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes
and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.

## contact_info

For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for
general information.

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. <br>This year-round facility is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It is within walking distance of the Platte River and a short walk or drive away from the Lake Michigan shore. Hikers can access many of the area's day use and backpacking trails just north of the campground.<br><br>Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F  (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F  (10° to 25° C) at night. </p>
<p>Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30°  F (-7°  to -1° C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7°  C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles (3.2 km) away from the beaches of Lake Michigan. Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.<br><br><br>The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake. With 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.</p>

<h2>contact_info</h2>
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of entrance fees,
depending on how a visitor arrives at the park. All visitors must have an
entrance pass (separate from camping fees). The park also honors Federal
Recreational Lands interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, military,
4th grade, Golden Age).

For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

**Current Vehicle Fees:**

  * $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee (1-7 days).
  * $45 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore annual pass (if camping more than 7 days).

**The Michigan Recreation Passport is not valid for entry at Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore, which is a federally managed site.**

Pink sky

Group salmon fishing in the Platte River

Front of comfort station showing sidewalk leading up to building, two benches, and water spigot

PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND

Storm clouds moving over the Platte Point Beach

Platte River Point Beach

Children fishing

Fish Cleaning Station Close-Up

Platte Picnic Area Canoe Launch 2

Platte Point

Fish Cleaning Station Overview

Platte Picnic Area Canoe Launch

Platte River Campground Office

Firewood Vending Machine

RV Dump Station

Platte River Campground Map

Platte Picnic Area Canoe Launch 3

Group kayaking and inner tube floating on the Platte River

View of the beach at Platte Point with storm clouds moving in.

Platte Point Beach

A deer stands warily near the Platte River campground entrance sign

Platte River Campground

## Overview

South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South
Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan.
Campers must take a 1.5-hour Manitou Island Transit Ferry trip or boat ride to
reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock.
**Booking for individual sites on South Manitou Island are made on a first
come/first served basis directly through Manitou Island Transit .**  
  
This facility is comprised of three reservable group sites at Bay Campground
and three others at Weather Station Campground. Each site is open to groups of
nine to 20 people only. Smaller parties must plan to occupy multiple first-
come, first-served individual sites at Popple, Bay or Weather Station
Campgrounds on the island. Bay is the closest campground to the dock (less
than a mile/1.6 km) and a short walk from the beach. Weather Station overlooks
Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island; the hike from
the ferry is about 1.3 miles (2 km).  
  
If group sites are full, your group may be able to split up into multiple
individual campsites. Be sure to book reservations on the Manitou Island
Transit website or call (231) 256-9061 for transportation to the island. Or
contact Sleeping Bear Dunes for more information at (231) 326-4700 ext 5010.  
  
Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25° to 32° C)
during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10° to 25° C) at night.
Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30° F (-7° to -1° C) and lows
in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7° C). Snow is usually on the ground from late
November through March.

## Recreation

There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike
around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of
the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960
shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the
history of the island.  
  
Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and
old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can
beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than
at Weather Station.

## Facilities

There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike
around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of
the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960
shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the
history of the island.  
  
Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and
old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can
beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than
at Weather Station.

## Natural Features

South Manitou Island is part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends
north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted
layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features
unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old
growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The campgrounds lie on
sandy soils among younger forests.

## contact_info

For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for
general information.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Campers must take a 1.5-hour <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/manitou-island-transit-ferry.htm" rel="nofollow">Manitou Island Transit Ferry</a>  trip or boat ride to reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock.  **Booking for individual sites on South Manitou Island are made on a first come/first served basis directly through <a href="https://manitoutransit.com/" rel="nofollow">Manitou Island Transit</a> .**<br><br>This facility is comprised of three reservable group sites at Bay Campground and three others at Weather Station Campground. Each site is open to groups of nine to 20 people only. Smaller parties must plan to occupy multiple first-come, first-served individual sites at Popple, Bay or Weather Station Campgrounds on the island. Bay is the closest campground to the dock (less than a mile/1.6 km) and a short walk from the beach. Weather Station overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island; the hike from the ferry is about 1.3 miles (2 km). <br><br>If group sites are full, your group may be able to split up into multiple individual campsites. Be sure to book reservations on the <a href="https://manitoutransit.com/reservations/" rel="nofollow">Manitou Island Transit</a>  website or call (231) 256-9061 for transportation to the island. Or contact Sleeping Bear Dunes for more information at (231) 326-4700 ext 5010.<br><br>Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F  (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F  (10° to 25° C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30°  F (-7°  to -1° C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7°  C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island.<br/><br/>
Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.<h2>Facilities</h2>
There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island.<br/><br/>
Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
South Manitou Island is part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The campgrounds lie on sandy soils among younger forests.
<h2>contact_info</h2>
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges an entrance fee for each group
(in addition to camping fees). You may pay the entrance fee upon arrival. The
park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, 4th
grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees &
Passes web page.

  * **NOTE:** Effective March 1, 2023, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore accepts card payment only at staffed locations (no cash or checks). 

**Current Fees (reviewed October 2023):**

  * $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee (1-7 days).
  * $45 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Annual pass (if camping more than 7 days).

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore does not honor the Michigan Recreation
Passport which only covers entrance fees for Michigan State Parks,

South Manitou Island Beach

SOUTH MANITOU GROUP

SOUTH MANITOU GROUP campsite with fire ring

A South Manitou Group campsite with fire ring

Ferry Docking at South Manitou Island

South Manitou Island Dock

View of the Morazan Shipwreck from South Manitou Island

View of the beach and Morazan Shipwreck in the distance under a blue sky from South Manitou Island

South Manitou Group Campground

## Overview

White Pine Backcountry Campground is a primitive camp located in the southern
district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of
Michigan. It is located approximately two miles from the Trail's End Road
trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22.

This year-round campground has six campsites, two shared fire rings, pit
toilet, and two shared animal resistant food storage lockers. Plan to pack
your water into the campsite, as there is no well in the campground.

Summer temperatures range from upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25° to 32° C) during
the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10° to 25° C) at night.

Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30° F (-7° to -1° C) and lows
in the 10s and 20s F (-12° to -7° C). Snow is usually on the ground from late
November through March.

## Recreation

The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails,
some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground.

## Facilities

The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails,
some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground.

## Natural Features

The campground is within wilderness. Designated Wilderness areas are the most
protected public lands in America. They are managed with restraint to preserve
characteristics of wilderness and solitude. The Sleeping Bear Dunes
Wilderness, within the boundaries of the Lakeshore, is over 30,000 acres.

The beaches of Lake Michigan are about 1/2 mile (0.80 km) walk from camp.
Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and
conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs, and
splended examples of glacially formed landscape.

The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are
perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire
and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake. Within 65
miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numberous inland lakes and
streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>White Pine Backcountry Campground is a primitive camp located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is located approximately two miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22. </p>
<p>This year-round campground has six  campsites, two shared fire rings, pit toilet, and two shared animal resistant food storage lockers.  Plan to pack your water into the campsite, as there is no well in the campground.   </p>
<p>Summer temperatures range from upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10° to 25° C) at night.  </p>
<p>Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30° F (-7° to -1° C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12° to -7° C).  Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground is within wilderness.  Designated Wilderness areas are the most protected public lands in America.  They are managed with restraint to preserve characteristics of wilderness and solitude.  The Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness, within the boundaries of the Lakeshore, is over 30,000 acres. </p>

<p>The beaches of Lake Michigan are about 1/2 mile (0.80 km) walk from camp.  Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs, and splended examples of glacially formed landscape.  </p>

<p>The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan.  The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake.  Within 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numberous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.  </p>

**Camping Use Fee:** The camping fee is $13 per campsite per night  

**Entrance Fee:** Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of
entrance fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park (by private
vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, boat or on foot). All visitors must pay an
entrance fee (separate from camping fees). The park also honors valid America
the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands annual or
lifetime passes (also known as an interagency pass, e.g., Senior, 4th Grade,
Military, etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

**Current Vehicle Fees:**

  * $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore vehicle entrance fee (1-7 days).
  * $45 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore annual pass (if camping more than 7 days).

**The Michigan Recreation Passport is not valid for entry at Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore, which is a federally managed site.**

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

D.H. Day Campground

D.H. Day Group Campground

Platte River Campground

South Manitou Group Campground

White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits