Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Show on map (231) 326-4700 sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

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.

Directions

From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire on your right. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington and then north to Manistee. You can follow either US-31 or M-22 from north of Manistee. From the north (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), take I-75 to Grayling and follow M-72 to Traverse City or take US-31 south

Reviews

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore campgrounds are cherished for their peaceful, clean, and well-maintained sites, showcasing beautiful natural settings near Lake Michigan and various trails. Visitors often highlight helpful staff, spacious campsites with varying privacy, and easy access to scenic beaches and outdoor activities. While most facilities are clean with frequent maintenance, some rustic restrooms occasionally produce unpleasant odors. The reservation process remains challenging, and poison ivy and mosquitoes continue to affect certain areas. Elevated firewood prices and site-specific differences in terrain and privacy were also noted.

Peaceful, clean, and well-maintained campsites

Helpful and friendly staff

Close proximity to scenic beaches and outdoor activities

Variety of site options including walk-in and car camping

Family-friendly and quiet atmosphere

Reservation system can be frustrating

Presence of poison ivy and mosquitoes in some areas

Occasional unpleasant smells from rustic bathrooms

Some sites vary greatly in size, privacy, and terrain

Firewood prices considered high by some visitors

2,832 reviews

5 stars

2,162

4 stars

475

3 stars

111

2 stars

1 stars

Kenneth D

Campground:Platte River Campground

Loop:Loop 1

Site:

Reviewed 7 days ago

Had a wonderful conversation with Harold just before we left. Very informative employee!

Billy B

Campground:Platte River Campground

Loop:Loop 1

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Staff at visitor checking was very rude and not welcoming.

Steven S

Campground:Platte River Campground

Loop:Loop 3

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

The Ranger was very welcoming and friendly. The sites are quite and well spaced apart. The trails and beach is nice too!

Jay P

Campground:Platte River Campground

Loop:Loop 4

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Busy campsite. Even in late October. Sites are nice. Some are tighter than others. Seemed like a fun community of people. A lot of big RVs, but the space for them is small. Fantastic hiking trails. Nature Center was great. Lots to do and see.

Aaron G

Campground:Platte River Campground

Loop:Loop 1

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Great Campground!

Aaron B

Campground:Platte River Campground

Loop:Loop 4

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Site 408. This is a great site located right across from the restrooms in loop four. The site is positioned so that the lights from the restroom do not blind you in the middle of the night. However, the noise from the campers in 407 may echo, as they are in a small valley right next to this. The area is immaculate and the restrooms were cleaned daily. Most campers here are respectful of noise and light discipline. A short walk around the loop will lead to the Railroad Grade trail, which is about 0.9 mile to Lake Michigan. It's a straight and smooth trail that is clearly marked.

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.