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Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreBackcountry camp site on North Manitou Island
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Campgrounds
 

You can choose from a wide range of camping experiences at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

The Platte River Campground offers sites with electric hook-ups for RVs and trailers as well as walk-in sites for those who want to carry their tent off the beaten path.  Showers and modern restrooms are available here.  The Platte River and Lake Michigan are close by, too.  Reservations are available by phone or over the internet.

The D.H. Day Campground offers more rustic camping for RVs, trailers, and tents.  You will find dirt roads, vault toilets, and ready access to the Lake Michigan beach. There are no electric hook-ups or showers.  The campground is located in the northern part of the park mid-way between Glen Haven and Glen Arbor.  Registration is on a first-come basis.

Group Campgrounds are located in several areas throughout the Lakeshore to provide camping for groups of at least 7 people. The upper limit on groups depends on the specific site.

Backpackers have several options in the Lakeshore.  Some of the best backcountry camping in Michigan is located on North and South Manitou Islands.  You can get to the islands by ferry operated by Manitou Island Transit out of Leland.  Mainland backcountry camping is available at the White Pine campground on the Platte Plains trail system near the Platte River campground, or at the Valley View campground north of Glen Arbor near the Homestead Resort.  White Pine is in walking distance to Lake Michigan, so water is available.  If you camp at Valley View, you will have to carry your water.

If the campgrounds in the Lakeshore are full, you still have camping options in the local area.  Our web site has a listing of many other campgrounds near the Lakeshore.

 
Emerald Ash Borer Larva
Emerald Ash Borer Larva

Help protect the ash trees in the Park. The emerald ash borer infestation is killing millions of ash trees in the Michigan. This invasive insect rides along on firewood to campgrounds. Click here to see what you can do to stop it from coming to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

DH Day Campground Office
Camping Fees & Reservations
More information about camping fees and reservations
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Platte River Campground
Platte River Campground
This campground offers a wide variety of camping styles from electric hook-ups to walk-in sites.
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DH Day Campground
D.H. Day Campground
Rustic camping near Lake Michigan, the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and Glen Haven.
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Backcountry Camping
Backcountry Camping
Check out the backcountry camping options. Camp on the mainland or on one of the Manitou Islands.
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Lake Michigan Overlook, Sleeping Bear Dunes  

Did You Know?
The sand and gravel bluffs on the Lake Michigan shore in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are 450 feet above the lake level providing outstanding views and sunsets. On a clear day, you can see South Manitou Island.
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Last Updated: July 24, 2007 at 09:22 EST