About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named America's most beautiful place by Good Morning America in 2011 — and the title holds up. The park stretches 35 miles along Lake Michigan's eastern shore in Benzie and Leelanau counties, encompassing massive sand dunes, crystal-clear inland lakes, dense hardwood forest, and some of the most stunning Lake Michigan shoreline anywhere in the state.
Unlike Michigan state parks, Sleeping Bear Dunes books through Recreation.gov — not MiDNRReservations.com. The booking window is also 6 months in advance and the competition is just as fierce. The park's two main campgrounds — D.H. Day and Platte River — are both extremely competitive during summer season. MittenCamper's Blaze plan covers Recreation.gov in addition to MiDNR.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore, not a Michigan state park. Reservations go through Recreation.gov — not MiDNRReservations.com. The 6-month advance booking window applies but the exact opening time may differ. MittenCamper Blaze plan covers Recreation.gov cancellation alerts.
Campground Options
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.H. Day Campground | 88 | No hookups | Tent campers, proximity to Glen Haven and the dunes | North end of park near Glen Arbor — most scenic location |
| Platte River Campground | 176 | Electric available | Families, RVs, tubing on Platte River | South end of park near Honor |
D.H. Day is the more scenic and coveted of the two. It sits among rolling dunes close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, Glen Haven historic village, and the Dune Climb. Sites are rustic (no hookups) and the campground has a classic national park feel. Platte River is larger, has electric hookups, and offers access to Platte River tubing — a beloved summer activity. Choose based on your priorities.
The Dune Climb
The Dune Climb is the park's most popular attraction — a steep 130-foot sand dune that visitors climb for views of Glen Lake below and Lake Michigan beyond. The climb takes 10-20 minutes each way and is more strenuous than it looks. Continuing over the crest of the dune and down to Lake Michigan adds another 2.5 miles one-way — a full afternoon hike through open sand with no shade. Bring water, sunscreen, and prepare for soft sand on the return climb.
Crystal-Clear Inland Lakes
The park encompasses several extraordinary inland lakes — Glen Lake, Crystal Lake, and Platte Lake among them. Glen Lake in particular is renowned for its water clarity and color — a vivid blue-green that rivals tropical destinations. The combination of Lake Michigan beaches and crystal-clear inland lake swimming makes Sleeping Bear one of the most versatile park experiences in Michigan.
Campground Map
Available at Recreation.gov → Sleeping Bear Dunes → Campground details
Screenshot the site map and upload here — 800×400px
How to Get a Reservation
All campsite reservations at Sleeping Bear Dunes are made through Recreation.gov — not MiDNRReservations.com. The booking window opens 6 months in advance. D.H. Day Campground sites are particularly competitive and book within minutes of the window opening for summer weekends.
MittenCamper Blaze plan covers Recreation.gov cancellation monitoring in addition to MiDNR — set an alert and we will watch both systems simultaneously.
What to Know Before You Camp
Recreation Passport vs Entrance Fee
As a National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes charges a federal entrance fee rather than requiring a Michigan Recreation Passport. The fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. America the Beautiful annual passes (National Parks passes) are accepted and provide significant savings if you visit other national parks.
Glen Arbor and Nearby Towns
The town of Glen Arbor sits within the park boundary and has excellent restaurants, shops, and the Cherry Republic store — a beloved northern Michigan institution. Empire at the south end of the park is smaller but has essential services. Stock up on supplies before arriving as options within the park itself are limited.
Directions
The park visitor center is located at 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630. D.H. Day Campground is near Glen Arbor on M-109. Platte River Campground is south of Honor on M-22. Both campgrounds are approximately 25-30 miles from Traverse City.