Overview

Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan.
This year-round facility is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It is within walking distance of the Platte River and a short walk or drive away from the Lake Michigan shore. Hikers can access many of the area's day use and backpacking trails just north of the campground.

Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10° to 25° C) at night. 

Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30° F (-7° to -1° C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7° C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

Facilities

Natural Features

The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles (3.2 km) away from the beaches of Lake Michigan. Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.


The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake. With 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.

Recreation

Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles (40 km) of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Entrance Fees - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of entrance fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park. All visitors must have an entrance pass (separate from camping fees). The park also honors Federal Recreational Lands interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, military, 4th grade, Golden Age). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page. 

  The Michigan Recreation Passport is not valid for entry at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is a federally managed site.

• Permit Conditions:

  1. Campers must check-in at the campground office immediately upon arrival.

  2. Campers must notify the campground at 231-326-4700 ext. 5029 if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check-in time or their reservation will be cancelled; they will be charged the first night's camping fee plus a $20 no show fee.

  3. Check-in time is 2 pm Check-out time is noon.

  4. Camping is permitted only in designated areas, on the established tent pads, and paved parking pads. All vehicles, wheeled camping units, and trailers must remain on pavement and off gravel or vegetation.

  5. No more than six (6) people and only one wheeled camping unit will be permitted on each site.

  6. Quiet hours are 10 pm - 6 am. Noise levels must be controlled at all times.

  7. Generator use is prohibited at Platte River Campground.

  8. ACTIVE BEAR AREA: Store food, drinks, ice chests/coolers (empty or full), toiletries, trash/recyclables, food prep tools and all scented items in a sealed hard sided vehicle or food storage locker day and night. Never feed wildlife.

  9. To prevent and slow the spread of forest pests and diseases, you may only burn NPS approved firewood. Firewood may be purchased between the entrances of Loops 2 and 3.

  10. Confine all fires to the fire ring and burn only dead, down, and detached wood, manufactured logs, or charcoal. Fires must be completely extinguished with water. Do not leave fires unattended. Do not burn trash.

  11. The use of burning torches, commonly referred to tiki or bug torches, is prohibited.

  12. It is unlawful to cut, destroy, or damage any standing tree, shrub or plant, or possess any green vegetation within the park, including flowers. Do not injure trees with nails or by hanging hot lanterns on or against the trunk.

  13. Wheeled devices, including bicycles, wheelbarrows, wagons, and trailers are prohibited on foot trails. These items are also prohibited in walk-in and group campsites.

  14. Pets must be on a six-foot leash under restraint or caged at all times. Do not leave pets unattended. Pet owners are responsible for all cleanup. Pets are prohibited in group camp areas.

  15. Containers must be kept under drains and emptied only at the dump station.

  16. The washing of dishes, hands, hair, or brushing teeth, etc. at outdoor water faucets is prohibited. Washing vehicles at the dump station is prohibited.

  17. Camping is limited to 14 TOTAL days per designated campground between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

  18. Unless registered for a group or walk-in site, parking in those areas is prohibited. Overflow parking is available at Platte River Picnic Area located at Lake Michigan Road and M-22.

• Violation of terms may result in permit suspension, revocation and/or issuance of a citation by law enforcement.

Notifications and Alerts

• RV/TRAILER RENTALS:

  You can transport a rented camping unit in and out of the park; however, if a rental is being delivered and set up for you at the campground, you must rent from an individual/company with a commercial use authorization (CUA) permitting them to conduct business activities within the National Lakeshore.

• The reservation booking window has been extended through October 31.

  • Reservations are required May 1 through October 31.
  • Outside the reservation booking window (November 1 through April 30) only sites in Loop 2 will remain open. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • All campers in areas outside Loop 2 must depart by noon check-out November 1.

Available Activities

• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Visitor Center - Visitor Center
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Camping - Camping
• Amphitheater - Amphitheater
• Birding - Birding
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Biking - Biking
• Evening Programs - Evening Programs
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Photography - Photography
• Paddling - Paddling
• Ranger Station - Ranger Station
• Swimming - Swimming
• Water Access - Water Access
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p>From the east (Traverse City): Take State Highway M-72 west to Empire. Turn south on State Highway M-22. Proceed 10 miles 16 km) (and turn right on Lake Michigan Road. Follow the signs to Platte River Campground.<br><br>From the south (US-31/M-115): At the junction of U.S. Route 31 and M-115, continue north for seven miles (11 km). Turn left on Platte Road. Proceed five miles and turn right on M-22. Proceed one mile (1.6 km) and turn left on Lake Michigan Road. Follow the signs to Platte River Campground.<br></p> <p><strong>PHYSICAL CAMPGROUND ADDRESS: 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI, 49640</strong></p>

Cancellation Policy

Contact Information

Phone: 231-326-4700

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip