Parks / Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
National Lakeshore · MI
Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.
Official NPS page →Entrance Fees
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they're part of a commercial tour group or not.
Campgrounds (8)
Bay Campground - South Manitou Island
The Bay Campground is the closest campground to the dock. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 25 individual sites and 3 group sites.
Details →D. H. Day Campground
The rustic D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. This beautifully wooded campground is one of the most popular in northern Michigan, with easy access to the Dune Climb, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and museums and the historic village of Glen Haven. and is located only 2 miles from the restaurants and shops of beautiful downtown Glen Arbor.
Details →D. H. Day Campground Group Campground
The D.H. Day Group Campground offers more rustic camping. You will find dirt roads, vault toilets, and ready access to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. There are no electric hook-ups or showers. The campground is located in the northern part of the park roughly mid-way between the Dune Climb and Glen Haven.
Details →Platte River Campground
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.
Details →Popple Campground - South Manitou Island
The Popple Campground is the furthest from the dock (about 3.5 miles), so you are likely to have fewer people camping there. The campground is close to the beach on the northern tip of the island. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 7 individual sites
Details →Village Campground - North Manitou Island
The small Village Campground contains eight first-come, first-served designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.
Details →Weather Station Campground - South Manitou Island
The Weather Station Campground overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island. Camp sites are well secluded from each other and have fire pits for open fires. Follow the wooded trail past the lighthouse about 1.3 miles to the campground. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 20 individual sites and 3 group sites.
Details →White Pine Backcountry Campground
This camp has 6 sites and is located about 2 miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22 and is about 1/2 mile from the Lake Michigan shore where you can obtain fresh water. There is no well water at White Pine, so if you use water from Lake Michigan, it must be treated before drinking it.
Details →Upcoming Events
"Tails" of the Night: Platte River Campground Twilight Talk
Sep 3, 2026 · The Platte River Campground Amphitheater is located near the Campground office. If not camping at the campground, park at the office, take the stairs or ramp located to the left. If entering from the campground, walk in from loop 1 on the paved path between sites 104 and 105.
Enduring Legacies: D.H. Day Campground Amphitheater
Sep 3, 2026 · The D.H. Day Amphitheater is located near the Campground office. If not camping at the campground, park at the office, walk into the campground and stay to the left. Pass the firewood shed, bathrooms, and site 81. The path to the amphitheater will be on the left.
Fall Bird Migration Walk - North Bar Lake
Sep 4, 2026 · Meet at the North Bar Lake Parking Lot on Bar Lake Road. Empire MI, 39630
"Tails" of the Night: DH Day Campground Twilight Talk
Sep 4, 2026 · The D.H. Day Amphitheater is located near the Campground office. If not camping at the campground, park at the office, walk into the campground and stay to the left. Pass the firewood shed, bathrooms, and site 81. The path to the amphitheater will be on the left.
A Ripple in Time: Platte River Campground Twilight Talk
Sep 5, 2026 · The Platte River Campground Amphitheater is located near the Campground office. If not camping at the campground, park at the office, take the stairs or ramp located to the left. If entering from the campground, walk in from loop 1 on the paved path between sites 104 and 105.
Living With Fire: DH Day Campground Twilight Talk
Sep 5, 2026 · The D.H. Day Amphitheater is located near the Campground office. If not camping at the campground, park at the office, walk into the campground and stay to the left. Pass the firewood shed, bathrooms, and site 81. The path to the amphitheater will be on the left.
Fall Bird Migration Walk - Otter Creek
Sep 10, 2026 · Meet at the Otter Creek Loop Trailhead off of Esch Road, just east of Esch Beach.
Star Party and Candlelight Hike
Sep 12, 2026 · Dune Climb 6748 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI 49630
Fall Bird Migration Walk - North Bar Lake
Sep 17, 2026 · Meet at the North Bar Lake Parking Lot on Bar Lake Road. Empire MI, 39630
Things to Do
Biking in the Lakeshore
Where can you bike in the Lakeshore? On public roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail but not on any other park trails.
Explore Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Enjoy spectacular views of Glen Lake, undulating sand dunes, and breathtaking views of the grandest of all dunes, with shimmering Lake Michigan as the backdrop. Wind through cool forests of sugar maple and beech trees. Take a moment along the way to enjoy a picnic, take a walk, or just linger in the sunshine.
Float the Platte and Crystal Rivers
Canoe, kayak, or float these calm rivers. Rent equipment near either launch site if you don’t have your own. Great for kids!
Paddle and Fish Loon Lake
Have a picnic on the shore of one of the park’s tranquil inland lakes. A big lake with a sandy bottom, Loon Lake has a new fishing pier and accessible kayak launch.
ParkPuzzler
Park Puzzler- a set of puzzles that you can complete while in the park or anywhere!
Port Oneida Fair
Step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair and experience life as it was in the late 1850's through the early 1940's.
Visit Glen Haven Historic Village
Glen Haven is the best-preserved cord wood station on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and perhaps in the entire Great Lakes. It was a company town, eventually diversifying into farming, canning of fruit, and tourism. Today, the history of Glen Haven is still preserved within several buildings that you can visit during your trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. In the summer, these buildings are open to visit and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Visitor Centers
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
- Port Oneida Heritage Center
- South Manitou Island Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.