Michigan has thousands of campgrounds scattered throughout the state, and the Leelanau Peninsula is home to some of the most scenic and secluded campgrounds in lower Michigan. Many campgrounds are located right on the Lake Michigan shore or within walking distance of the beach. Most of these campgrounds are located within state or national park boundaries, but there are some privately owned facilities in the area, mostly for patrons with RVs. A link in the resource section leads to the park's website for those seeking information on fees and reservations.
Leelanau State Park
Leelanau State Park is a 1,300 acre gem located at the extreme northern end of the Leelanau Peninsula. This peninsula extends out in to northern Lake Michigan forms one side of Grand Traverse Bay. This park receives fewer visitors than many other state and national parks in Michigan because of its somewhat remote location. The campground is located at the tip of the peninsula at Lighthouse Point, and a decommissioned lighthouse, the current Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum as well as a newer lighthouse are within the park's boundaries nearby. Camping here is rustic, and the 52 sites and two rustic mini-cabins have no improvements other than picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are provided. This park has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Over 2 miles of pebble beaches are a good place to hunt for petoskey stones, and more than 8 miles of hiking trails wind through the park's woods and dunes. The campground has a swimming beach, and wildlife viewing areas dot the park.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore traverses two counties, covers over 70,000 acres and preserves more than 35 miles of Lake Michigan Coast. This enormous park has its roots in a small state park in the area dedicated in 1919, and the National Lakeshore was created by an act of Congress in 1970. This park has many options for campers, all of which are located right on the dunes lining its shores, or a short walk from the beaches found throughout the park. Backcountry camping accessible only by foot awaits backpackers at White Pine Campground and Valley View Campground. Rustic camping with vehicle and RV access is available at the D.H. Day Campground. This campground has no electricity or showers. The Platte River Campground offers more amenities for RVs including electric service and water hookups, but rustic walk-in sites for tent camping are also available. The resource section includes a link to information on planning your visit. The website has a map of the park, and a download-able visitors guide.
North Manitou Island
North Manitou Island is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes complex, and lies just off shore from the town of Leland, which is located at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula. This island, formerly inhabited by regular residents, has been managed as a wilderness since the National Park Service acquired the island in 1970. Its 15,000 acres offer many miles of hiking trails and campers are allowed to choose their own campsites. Campsites must be 300 feet from Lake Michigan or any of the small ponds or lakes on the island, buildings or other campsites. This freedom makes North Manitou a favorite of backpackers in the region. One designated campground, located at the site of the now-deserted village of North Manitou has eight rustic sites and a fire ring. Village Campground is also the site of many historic, abandoned buildings as well as National Park Service buildings, and campers should respect and preserve these facilities and landmarks.
South Manitou Island
South Manitou Island is smaller than North Manitou, but still provides a rich camping experience. Three campgrounds are located on the island, and all are completely rustic, offering no amenities other than group fire rings and running water. All are accessible only by foot, and all are located directly along the Lake Michigan shore. Popple and Weather Station campgrounds have sand beaches, and Bay Campground is located on a mile-long pebble beach lining the bay on the island's eastern shore. Many miles of trails meander through the island's woods and dunes, and offer some unique experiences. The Valley of Giants is a forest vale with many enormous trees, some of them among the largest of their species left in the country. A steep dune climb gives access to the perched dunes on the island's western shore, a 300-foot dune complex perched atop a high bluff. This type of dune area, formed by thousands of years of westerly winds piling the sand high is found nowhere else in the world. "Ghost forests", stands of centuries-old dead trees and ancient snail shells are found atop these dunes, and the view of the lake and the island is unmatched.
Privately Owned Campgrounds
Three privately owned campgrounds are in the area, all located at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula. These campgrounds offer modern amenities for RV camping, including electricity, water, cable television, and modern bathrooms. None offer the types of scenery and activities possible at the state and national parks in the area, however. While these campgrounds are popular with RV campers, those wishing a backcountry or rustic camping experience should consider one of the parks listed above.
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