The best camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore adventure.

The best camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore adventure.

Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

100% (53 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore adventure.

Sand dunes tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan.  

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Community favorites near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Top-rated campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

97%
(105)

Echo Valley Forest Camp

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Empire, MI
Note for 2024: Date are currently blocked to reduce overuse. If you would like to stay certain dates, please message me. Echo Valley Forest Reserve is a backcountry tent site located deep within hardwood forest near the center of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, ten minutes from Empire Beach, Glen Haven, and Glen Arbor, and just a mile south of Big Glen Lake. This site is completely private, with only one site rented at a time, in the center of a 40-acre parcel, surrounded by thousands of acres of National Lakeshore and private forested land. It is abundant with wildlife; listen for thrush, barred owls, ravens, and coyotes. Walk the trails on the property, cook dinner over a wood fire and watch the stars come out, or enjoy fine dining La Becasse or Funistrada, just 2 miles from the site, or a burger at the Friendly Tavern in Empire or Art's Bar in Glen Arbor, both about 5 miles away. Swim at Old Settler's Park on Big Glen or drive to several Lake Michigan beaches in 5 minutes. The camp site is unmaintained and there is no water, but it is a spot to pitch a tent and experience the northern forest without the filter of a busy campground. We have installed a graveled drive up the steep hill that leads up to the camp site, so you no longer have to walk up (YEY!). We ask that you please stay on the gravel, and do not drive around the camp in order to keep it as wild as possible. There is room for 4 cars to park next to camp on the gravel. We also just put in a pit toilet (YEY YEY!). It has a little motion-sensor solar light that will light up if you use it at night. There is also a mirrored medicine cabinet with (usually) a basic first aid kit and hand sanitizer. A bucket of sawdust is provided to put into pit after use. You will want to bring TP. No trash in pit please! There are solar lights around the tent site in the woods. When on, they will turn on automatically when it gets dark and turn off automatically in the day time. They are probably turned off when you arrive. The controller is in a ziplock the tub (which is sometimes stored in the outhouse). There are also buttons on the back of the solar panel, one for on/off and one for mode. The battery usually lasts a few hours, but you can bring a back up external battery to plug in if it's been cloudy. The solar lights have a USB-C power input plug. You can explore the property by hiking west from the camp. There is a rough trail from the camp site that runs up a valley to the hill top with treed views of Big Glen Lake and evening sunshine. The trails are being developed (your foot traffic helps!) so keep an eye out for the pink flagging tape. There is also a big kettle hole formed by glacial ice deposits across the road from the driveway, about 150 feet to the north (no trail).  RULES - We only have 4 simple rules: 1) Leave no trace. Do not leave garbage at camp or in the pit toilet. Also, do not burn garbage, we cook in that fire pit! 2) Absolutely NO cutting into the live trees. You will get a 0-star review, 100% of the time. 3) Keep cars on the gravel so that we can get our grass going again. 4) Put out all fires completely and respect any Burn Bans that may be active at the time of your stay (you will get a notification from HipCamp if there is a burn ban). Note: I do not issue the burn bans, they come from the local fire departments. ACTIVITIES - There are a ton of great activities close to the camp. Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore has great beaches, swimming, and hiking. Empire Beach is 6 miles and Glen Haven is 8 miles away. The Heritage Trail in Glen Arbor is a road bike trail that runs from Empire to Bohemian Rd. There are a few mountain bike trails in the area as well (Palmer Woods in Glen Arbor, Arcadia Bluffs trail south of Frankfort, etc). Big Glen access is just a couple miles from the camp at Old Settler Park or at then end of Agnew St (by Funistrada). There isn't a good public beach on Big Glen but you can swim or hand-launch a boat. There are two nearby restaurants, La Becasse (French) and Trattoria Funistrada (Italian), as well as bar food in Empire and Glen Arbor. VEHICLE ACCESS - Welcome to Northern Michigan! The camp is accessed off Echo Valley Road, which is a rough, seasonal, unmaintained two-track road that can be sandy, rocky, and rutted. If you have 2-wheel drive, I recommend accessing Echo Valley Road from Benzonia Trail end. Most vehicles are fine on Echo Valley Rd if you drive mindfully (I used to use my 1992 Honda Civic). RV's and fifth wheels will not get up the driveway to the camp site. FIRES AND WOODS - Keep fires in the pit or ring, and always put out completely before leaving the site. We have had some very dry summers lately, as well as wildfires - if you get a Fire Ban notification from HipCamp, because the local Fire Department has issued it due to high risk of wildfire. Please do not bring wood from home. Moving firewood is one of the main ways tree pests and diseases are introduced to a region, resulting in a huge loss for our forests (emerald ash borer, beech bark disease). If you would like pre-cut firewood there are several roadside stands on Benzonia Trail and Plowman Road. SAFETY - We have BLACK BEAR, porcupine, and other curious critters. Practice bear-safe camping by storing food and anything "smelly" in a bear can, by hanging it, or in your car when you are sleeping or not on site. Do not store food in your tent or the critters will come scratching around. Leelanau County also has deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease. Check for ticks daily! CONTACT - Please TEXT, or message me on HipCamp, if you have any questions of if you need directions or recommendations.
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$50
 / night
99%
(513)

Camp Moonshadow

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Honor, MI
Our property was originally the only homestead on this road. WE offer 4 Walk in Tent sites and a RV site for small campers up 20 ft.- 20 Amp service Only!!! WE also have a 59 Vintage Shasta that rents nightly up to 3 nites The big barn was built over 100 years ago and is still standing. The farm house was built in 1907. It has been remodeled with a second story added. Pine trees were planted to prevent erosion in the 1960's. The national park began buying land near us in the 1970's and the boundary line to the park is a half-mile from Moonshadow Camp. The area is surrounded by state forests and many hiking and biking trails. Our valley is known for incredible stargazing. Amenities include full access to the Camp kitchen and dining area. You will also have access to a Portable restroom and hand washing station which is located by our BIG BARN. Hot Showers, no problem, you can enjoy a secluded private shower in our shower house which has indoor and outdoor showers. Nearby is Lake Michigan and Esch Rd beach. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore is nearby and The National Park is famous for attractions , trails, and hiking. Electricity and water is included at the RV site, and the Shasta Camper along with the Showerhouse and Camp Kitchen
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$60
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95%
(315)

Backyard Burdickville

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Empire, MI
Nurturing the adventurous spirit through, Community, Local Food, and Live Music in Northern Michigan, Backyard Burdickville is a special place just outside of Empire, MI offering camping, Live Music, The Lively Farm, and NeighborFood Market. Visitors can explore the beauty of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore by day and our starry landscape by night. Our 40x50 rustic campsites offer a picnic table, and about half are equipped with Fire Pits w/ Screens. Potable water hydrants and clean, regularly serviced porta-johns are available. Sites can accommodate small campers and camper vans but are not equipped for large RVs or motorhomes. If you are looking to park your larger camper vehicle or trailer, and need electricity, let us know as we do have a few larger sites with access to standard power outlets and can accommodate a larger camper. We do not have septic hook-ups, but can help you arrange a clean out from our portajohn servicer. However, out of respect for fellow campers, we do not allow generators in our campground. We aim to be family friendly! We want you to have fun, but please respect your neighbors. Quite Hours: 10pm-7am, 11-8am on Saturdays. If you need anything while you're here, we make every effort to be available onsite in the camp office (the small camper behind the wood) daily 12-4pm, and by phone, the number will be listed at our office onsite. Please send us a message if you have any questions or need anything during your stay! Address: 3805 W Empire HWY, Empire MI, 49630
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$25
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100%
(17)

Woods & Stars: For Now.

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Frankfort, MI
Watch spring and summer unfold here! Close to protected lands for hiking & mountain biking. Sip fair-trade french press coffee & enjoy homemade muffins. A chance to live close to nature while remaining close to Frankfort, Elberta, beaches,& more. Guests have explored Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, Empire, etc. from here. Experience tiny house living! 125 sq ft!! A perfect place to celebrate your anniversary & birthday! Learn more about this land: We want to make sure each guest has an awesome experience so please be sure to thoroughly review the listing to make sure this is the experience you are excited about!  We have another tiny house on the property. Each tiny house has its own privacy. They are located approx. 40 yards apart, separated by a piece of forest.  You will have the whole tiny house to yourselves. Enjoy the hammock, relax by a bonfire, enjoy the stars. We live on the property, not far away so are available if you have any questions, etc. We have a two night minimum stay. There is a book in the house full of info on our favorites...favorite place for breakfast, favorite beach, mt. bike, etc.  Other things to note:  We have a french press for making coffee and provide fair-trade coffee.   I haven't been able to update the caption on our "outdoor shower-like structure"-this is a rinse station-perfect for cooling down on a hot day!  We have an indoor shower and flush toilet.  We are pet-friendly and have hosted many groups with dogs. There is a $20/per pet/per night fee, which will not be included in your total. Please leave this money before departure. We require pet owners to follow our pet policy. Inquire for a copy of it. We built our family home in the woods behind the tiny house.  When leafed out, the trees protect the view but just want to make sure you are aware of this before you arrive. Before the leaves are out, you will see the house behind the tiny house. We recently had to have some excavation work done so the area around the tiny house is in need of landscaping and time to re-grow vegetation.  I will be working on this as soon as I can but just wanted to make sure you were aware before your arrival. 
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$126
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91%
(22)

Winding River Campground

70 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Benzonia, MI
Majestic River Centric Campground is nestled on 11 acres of land overlooking the Betsie River. We are right off of US-31 before downtown Beulah. We are known as a fishing destination and many locals have said our 1900ft of frontage on the Betsie has the best fishing holes of any stretch from Homestead Dam to Grace Road. We have over 100+ camping sites with approx. 75 sites available for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals with a variety of stay options that meet your needs including RV rentals, tenting and car camping sites, river sites, highland sites close to the pool and camper amenities, glamping options, two cabin rentals, and one frame rental. Weekly and monthly activities include live music, food trucks, fishing lessons, tap takeovers, electric bikes, kayak rentals, hay rides, farm animals, crocket/horseshoe/bags tournaments and much more. Make your next Northern Michigan Visit HERE at Winding River Campground! For seasonal rates please call our main office and our staff can provide you with information. Open Dates: March 16 to November 1
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$45
 / night
100%
(6)

Bear Woods Resort

6 sites · Lodging, RVs65 acres · Bear Lake, MI
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan, our enchanting 65-acre property offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature's beauty. Situated amidst rolling hills and woods, our property serves as a basecamp for your Northern Michigan adventure. From here, you'll find yourself conveniently positioned to explore all the region's hotspots, including the pristine Lake Michigan beaches, a round of golf at the acclaimed Acadia course, the iconic M22 drive, and visits to charming cities such as Frankfort, Traverse City, and Bear Lake. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, golfer, beach lover, or simply looking to soak up the local culture, our property offers the perfect starting point for your daily excursions. For those who prefer the comforts of home on the road, we offer three spacious RV full hook-up sites, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. These sites provide all the essential amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer connections, making it convenient for RV enthusiasts to relax and recharge. Additionally, we offer a unique glamping experience with canvas tents that allow you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a cozy retreat. As the sun sets, gather around a campfire, stargaze under the vast Michigan sky, and savor the tranquility of our secluded haven. Whether you're embarking on a romantic getaway, an adventure with friends and family, or a solo retreat, our 65-acre property welcomes you to experience the best of Northern Michigan.
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$40
 / night
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(6)

Deer Run Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Manistee, MI
Escape the hustle and bustle at Deer Run Retreat, a haven for those seeking tranquility and new memories in the embrace of nature. Here, you can wake up to the sight of deer grazing in the pasture and spend your evenings by the fireplace, gazing up at a sky adorned with countless stars. Our retreat offers a serene environment to unwind and relax, providing a peaceful getaway from the demands of everyday life. Whether you're drawn to the Little River Casino, historic downtown Manistee, or the array of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, tubing, and hiking, you'll find something for everyone in the surrounding area. We provide two gravel pads with full hook-ups for RVs and an additional grassy area with electric and water hook-ups. For those without their camper, we offer the option to rent a beautiful camper on-site. Deer Run Retreat is designed to be family-friendly, creating the perfect backdrop for building lasting memories with your loved ones. Come and rejuvenate at Deer Run Retreat, where the beauty of nature meets the comfort of a welcoming retreat. We can't wait to host your stay!
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$50
 / night
100%
(21)

The Still Point Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Thompsonville, MI
The 40-acre property is picturesque with pastures, open fields and pockets of trees. The entire property is encircled by mature pines and hardwoods. Take a stroll through the woods or wander amongst the century old apple trees. Enjoy the stunning views of Turtle Lake Ridge or visit one of the many local attractions that are nearby: Crystal Mountain Resort (9 mi), St. Ambrose Cellars (5 mi), Sleeping Bear Dunes (26 mi), Honor-canoeing (8 mi), Beulah-shopping (10 mi), Frankfort-Lake Michigan (17 mi), Iron Fish Distillery (12 mi), Turtle Lake Campground (3 mi), Blue Bridge Events Centre (13 mi), Traverse City (25 mi). The land is flat and sandy with grassy fields and clusters of trees and forrest areas. For RV camping, there is one location with water and electrical (30 amp). For rustic camping, there are 2 tree-lined acloves to choose from with fire rings and water access a short distance from the sites. Come and ride! The property backs up on 2 sides to State land and the year-round groomed trails are a couple hundred feet from the property line. Whether it is horsepower or horseback, the trails are just steps away. There is plenty of room for parking your trailer and even your horse! Please contact me in advance for day pass or short-term board of your horse. Separate fee from listing. Whatever your plans, we know you will enjoy the serenity of The Still Point! *This is a working horse farm with a barn, horses and paddocks which we kindly ask are off-limits (unless pre-arrangements have been made). Our horses are beautiful to look at, however, some are rescues and we ask that you respect their space and not feed them (allergies/special diets). Also, they sometimes mistake fingers for carrots! Please do not enter or reach into any enclosures. Electric fences in use! Staff and owners will be on-site daily to care for the animals.
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$22.50
 / night

The best camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore guide

Overview

About

Panoramic views of Lake Michigan await in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. This 35-mile slice of lakeshore has wild beaches, lush coastal forests, and—of course—sweeping sand dunes that tower over the lake. Hikers have 100 miles of trails to explore, dotted with lookout points, wildflower fields, and inland lakes, while the Dune Climb and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive afford the most spectacular views. Campers have a choice of lakeside campgrounds, where you can swim, kayak, and fish, or you can hop on the ferry to the Manitou Islands to explore historic lighthouses and pitch a tent at rustic beach campgrounds. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for backcountry campers: Weather Station Campground has 20 walk-in tent sites with fire pits on the south side of South Manitou Island.
  • Best for RVs: Platte River Campground has 96 back-in and pull-through sites, all with electric hookups.
  • Best for views of the dunes: DH Day Campground has 87 campsites, including some walk-in tent-only sites and others suitable for RVs (no electric hookups).

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve a site at one of the campgrounds or purchase a backcountry camping permit via the Recreation.gov website. First-come, first-serve camping is available from October through April (exact dates vary for each campground, so check ahead). 
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. 
  3. Sites can fill up quickly for summer and holiday weekends, so book a minimum of three months ahead to avoid disappointment.

When to go

May through October is the most popular time to visit, and the views are ever-changing, as summer wildflowers give way to blazing fall foliage. June through Labor Day provides the best weather for swimming, but it’s still possible to get on the water until the winter frosts set in. Winter visitors can make the most of the snowfall from late November through March—popular activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding down the dunes.

Know before you go

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan, 160 miles north of Grand Rapids or about a 2-hour 40-minute drive away.
  • There is a per-vehicle admission fee to visit the park, and camping reservation fees also apply. 
  • Facilities in the park include the Philip A. Hart and South Manitou Island Visitor Centers, picnic areas, and restrooms. Gas, groceries, and other supplies are available from Glen Arbor, Empire, and other coastal villages. Cell phone service is patchy.
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is also accessible. 

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