• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

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  • Maritime Museum closed

    The Maritime Museum and Boathouse are closed until further notice.

North Manitou Island Camping

Backcountry Camping Regulations are in effect on North Manitou Island. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping. Permits are available on the island and on the mainland. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

The small Village Campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Camping is allowed in wilderness area.

Open fires are prohibited in the wilderness area. Use gas or alcohol stoves. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.

Don't take firewood to the islands! The State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine strictly prohibits transporting firewood to North and South Manitou Islands. Island campers may collect dead and down wood found on the island for personal use during their visit; however, unused wood must remain on the island.

North Manitou Island map
Leave No Trace camping ethics

  • Know before you go Know before you go

    Being fully prepared will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Read More

  • Sanitation and water Sanitation and water

    Drinking water is only available in the village and all other water must be purified. Dispose of waste properly. Read More

  • Rules and regulations Rules and regulations

    More information about rules and regulations. Read More

  • Wilderness ethics Wilderness ethics

    North Manitou Island is managed as a wilderness area. Read the Leave No Trace principles before your trip to help protect this wilderness. Read More

Did You Know?

Floating the River

Float the river! There is more to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes than just climb sand dunes. A hot summer day is ideal for floating the Platte or Crystal River. More...