- Sunset at the Sleeping Bear Dunes - M.Rasey
The Sleeping Bear Dunes of Northern Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula are a beautiful and unique vacation destination. Determining where to stay is a matter of deciding between campgrounds, bed and breakfasts and house/cabin rentals. It’s also helpful to select the desired local ambiance; urban or rural, winery, quaint boutiques and regional food are just some of the features of local towns. Find a brief overview of lodging options below that will help you select the right location for your Michigan vacation.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Campgrounds
The National Parks Service runs several campgrounds at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Michigan's weather makes for pleasant camping, being generally hot during the day but cooling down at night. However, the local mosquito population is quite robust so come prepared.
Only two of seven campgrounds accept reservations in advance. The rest are first come, first serve, which poses a risk during the height of the tourist season. Be sure to have a back-up plan if planning on camping without a reservation.
Campgrounds that accept reservations include:
- D.H. Day Group Campground This is primarily a tent campground with no electricity and primitive toilet facilities. The campground has tent pads, fire pits, parking and picnic areas.
- Platte River Campground This is the only campground that has 'real' restrooms, showers (for a fee) and electricity for RVs. The site also has tent pads, parking, and fire pits.
Make a reservation by calling 1-877-444-6777 or via the National Park Service website.
Campgrounds that do not accept reservations are:
- D.H. Day Campground-Accepts RVs but does not have electric hook ups. There is beach access.
- White Pine-Offers beach access and 'backcountry' camping.
- Valley View-No beach access, but 'backcountry' camping.
Note that 'backcountry' camping requires a permit from the Visitor Center.
There are also campgrounds located on each of the islands that are part of the Sleeping Bear Dune park system. These islands are accessible by ferry and the sites have beach access, but are primitive. Potable water is available on both islands.
- South Manitou Island This campground will accept group reservations but is not open to individual reservations.
- North Manitou Island
Sleeping Bear Dunes Lodging in Nearby Cities
The dunes are located anywhere from a 15-minute to 45-minute drive from surrounding cities. Each city has its own special flavor, amenities and mix of lodging, which are recapped below.
- Traverse City, Michigan is the farthest away, but has all the amenities of a medium-sized city; restaurants, shopping, movie theaters and dozens of resort hotels. The drive to the dunes will take between 45 to 60 minutes.
- Suttons Bay is located in Michigan’s wine country and approximately 30 minutes from the dunes. Opt to stay at a winery based bed and breakfast, a traditional B&B or rent a house. Suttons Bay has one of the more extensive lodging lists outside of Traverse City Michigan.
- Glen Arbor is a small town located just 15 minutes from the dunes and home to the famous Cherry Republic store. There are three bed and breakfast inns as well as house rentals available. The Homestead Spa is also located in Glen Arbor and offers a 5-star spa experience.
- Leland is another small town and many of the popular Lake Michigan boat tours launch from its docks. From Leland, it is a 30-minute drive to the dunes and also has a good selection of lodging options.
- Empire, Michigan is the location of the Sleeping Bear Dunes park headquarters and has three small inns/B&Bs, cabins for rent and city-run campgrounds. The drive to the dunes takes 15 minutes.
No matter where you stay, the views will be breathtaking and the Sleeping Bear Dunes will be unforgettable.
References:
National Park Service, US Department of the Interior. “Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: 2010 Visitor Guide.”
Michelle Rasey - Michelle R. Rasey has extensive expertise in International Business and Health. She holds two BA degrees and an alternative medical ...
