• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Some restrooms and trash cans not available until Memorial Day

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Other than those at the visitor center and campgrounds, restrooms and trash cans will not be available until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. This includes the Manitou Islands. More »

  • Maritime Museum closed

    The Maritime Museum and Boathouse are closed until further notice.

NMI Packing List

Following is a list of suggested items to bring into the backcountry. Non-cotton (synthetic) base layer clothing is suggested as it dries more quickly than cotton materials. Layering clothes for warmth is important. Temperatures on the island are typically cooler than on than on the mainland; be sure to pack plenty of layers. Bring two extra days' worth of food, in case the ferry doesn't run due to weather. It is recommended to have two water purification methods in the backcountry.

CLOTHING

Bandana
Comfortable camp shoes/sandals
Gloves
Hiking shoes (broken in)
Hiking socks
Insulated jacket
Long underwear
Non-cotton hiking pants
Non-cotton shirt (long sleeved)
Non-cotton shirt (short sleeved)
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Shorts
Sock liners
Swimsuit
Underwear
Warm hat

PERSONAL

Feminine supplies
Hand sanitizer
Prescription drugs
Toiletries

GENERAL CAMPING

Backpack
Backpack rain cover (or large garbage bags)
Batteries
Binoculars
Biodegradable soap
Blister kit or medical tape
Book
Bug spray (DEET)
Camera
Compass
Cooking pans
Cooking/eating utensils
Day pack
Duct tape
First aid kit
Food bags (for hanging)
Food/snacks (NOTE: bring two extra days' worth of food, in case of ferry cancellations due to weather)
Headlamps/flashlights
Journal
Large plastic garbage bags
Lighter/waterproof matches
Mug
Pocket knife
Repair kit for tent, stove, etc.
Rope
Scrub brush for dishes
Sealable plastic bags
Sleeping bag (3-season)
Sleeping pad
Stove
Stove fuel
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Tarp
Tent
Tent groundsheet
Toilet paper
Topographic map
Trash bags
Trowel
Water bottles (2 liter carry-capacity per person)
Water purification/filter

Did You Know?

Blacksmith Shop

There is an operating Blacksmith Shop in Glen Haven. Ask the blacksmith how he makes useful tools and parts by heating, bending, and hammering metal. It is open each day during the summer. More...