More Reservable Campsites at Platte River in 2010
Beginning in 2010, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will offer more campsite reservations at Platte River Campground through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS).
The very popular Platte River Campground typically fills up every night from late June to Labor Day. Until now, just over 25% of campsites have been reservable, and these filled up several months in advance. As a result, many campers seeking to make reservations were unable to do so. The National Park Service is increasing the reservable sites to about 66% in order to serve the growing number of campers who wish to plan their trips in advance. In addition, campsite reservations will be extended until October 1 of each year.
For those campers who wish to be more flexible in their arrival dates and length of stay, approximately 34% of campsites at Platte River will remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each day, any reservable sites which are not taken will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation fee. In addition, all campsites at D. H. Day Campground, near Glen Arbor, will remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Through the NRRS, reservations for regular campsites (which accommodate up to six people) may be made by phone or internet up to six months in advance of the camping date desired. Regular campsites may be reserved from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through October 1.
Group campsites (which accommodate up to 25 people) may be reserved up to one year in advance of the camping date desired. Group campsites may be reserved from the first Friday in May through October 1.
Campers wishing to reserve a site may call 1-877-444-6777 or Clicking Here to make a reservation on-line.
Click here to download a copy of the campground map showing the reservable campsites (pdf file, 40 kb).
The Platte River Campground is open year-round and offers a wide variety of camping styles. You can find back-in and pull-through sites for RV's, including electrical hookups; but it also offers beautiful tent sites, walk-in sites for the slightly more adventurous, and group sites (hike-in, tents only) accommodating up to 25 people. There is even a nearby backcountry campground for those who enjoy a great backpacking experience, but don't have the time to head for the Manitou Islands, Pictured Rocks' Lakeshore Trail, or the Appalachians.
