Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
7 campgrounds in the park · 162 nearby · 22 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
3 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationFall Hunting SeasonsMichigan has many designated hunting seasons for different animals. Several of these hunting seasons overlap and begin mid-September. Hunting is permitted within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in accordance with Michigan state laws and regulations. Hunting is not permitted within 450 feet of popular sites within the park, which are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium. Wearing brightly colored clothing is recommended for visitors.
- Park closureEmpire Hill Climb: Saturday, September 19, 2026The 2026 Empire Hill Climb will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Drivers will race south on Wilco Rd from downtown Empire all the way to the Empire Bluff Trailhead area. Access to the Empire Bluff Trailhead will be limited. An alternative hike of similar terrain and distance is the Pyramid Point Trail to the overlook.
- Park closureIronman Triathlon: Sunday, September 20, 2026Road closures on September 20, 2026. The race takes place on M-22 and will have a significant impact on local traffic. M-22 will be closed between Esch Road and Frankfort until 2 pm. Lake Michigan Road will not be accessible during the race. To avoid road closures, exit Lake Michigan Road by 8:30 am via Deadstream Road, Platte Road, or M-22 northbound. Anyone in the area of Lake Michigan Road after 8:30 am cannot depart until after 2 pm.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 7 campgrounds5 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 162 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 22 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $45Sleeping Bear Dunes only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 7
- National Park
White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits
In the park · Empire, MI
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
D.H. Day Group Campground
In the park · Glen Arbor, MI
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 162
- Aerial viewCampground
Group Campground
6.5 mi · Glen Arbor, MI
- Aerial viewRV Park
Indigo Bluffs RV Park
8.4 mi · Empire, MI
Free and dispersed nearby 22
See them on the map- Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore - Bay CampgroundGlen Arbor, MI7.2 mi
- Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore - Popple CampgroundGlen Arbor, MI9.2 mi
- Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore - Popple CampgroundGlen Arbor, MI9.2 mi
- Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore - White Pine CampgroundEmpire, MI13 mi
- Camp siteLeland, MI14 mi
- Interlochen Duck Lake Modern CampgroundInterlochen, MI24 mi
Services nearby: 12 dump stations · 3 rest areas
About Sleeping Bear Dunes
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…
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.
Photos: NPS Photo · NPS / Keith Furguson
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Group Camping
- Fishing
Plan your visit
Getting there
From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire…
Weather
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$25
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- Per person$15
- Sleeping Bear Dunes annual pass$45
Hours
The Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours, however, please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Getting there
From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire on your right. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington and then north to Manistee. You can follow either US-31 or M-22 from north of Manistee. From the north (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), take I-75 to Grayling and follow M-72 to Traverse City or take US-31 south
Weather
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water--heat exhaustion is common, especially when hiking on the dunes. Fall: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F. Fall foliage is at its peak around mid September. Winter: Temperatures range from 15 F to 40 F. Snow is common and is on the ground for most of the winter. Dress in warm layers.
Camped at Sleeping Bear Dunes? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits, D.H. Day Group Campground and Platte River Campground.