About Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes NS
Named by Native Americans after a mother bear and her cubs, Sleeping Bear Dunes rises 400 feet above Lake
Michigan in one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in the Midwest. Voted 'Most Beautiful Place in
America' by Good Morning America viewers, and for good reason.
Highlights
- Dune Climb — 450-foot sand dune (3.5 miles to lake edge)
- Pristine Lake Michigan beach swimming
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive overlooks
- Crystal River tubing and canoeing
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail — 22-mile paved path
Directions & How to Get There
From Traverse City, MI: Take M-72 W approximately 25 miles to Empire, then turn north on M-22 through Glen
Arbor. For Platte River Campground: Continue south from Empire on M-22 to Platte River Road. From Grand Rapids:
Take US-131 N to M-115 N to M-72 W, approximately 3 hours.
Nearby Attractions
- Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb (10 mi)
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (10 mi)
- South Manitou Island (ferry from Leland)
- Glen Arbor village
- Cherry orchards of Leelanau Peninsula
Insider Tips
- The Dune Climb is much harder than it looks — wear shoes and start early to avoid crowds
- Lake Michigan water is surprisingly cold — bring a wetsuit for swimming
- The Traverse City area cherry season (July) is spectacular
- Kayak rentals available in Glen Haven for a Lake Michigan paddle
Best Time to Visit
Best months: June–September
Season: May–October
Access difficulty: Easy access
What to Pack for Michigan Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route