The reservation booking window has been extended through October 31.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL CAMPGROUND ADDRESS: 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI, 49640
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.
BE A GOOD CAMPER, PLEASE OBEY THE FOLLOWING 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 p.m. Check-out time is 12 noon.
4. Camping is permitted ONLY in designated areas, on the established tent pads, and parking pads. All vehicles and trailers must remain on asphalt and off gravel or vegetation.
5. No more than six (6) people will be permitted on a site and only one truck camper, camper trailer, or motor home will be permitted on each site.
6. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. Noise levels must be controlled at all times to avoid disturbing other campers.
7. Generator use is prohibited at Platte River Campground.
8. Camping is limited to 14 TOTAL days per designated campground between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
9. ACTIVE BEAR AREA: Store food, drinks, ice chests/coolers (empty or full), toiletries/hygiene products, trash/recyclables, equipment to prepare food and all scented items in a sealed hard sided vehicle, RV, or food storage locker day and night. Never feed wildlife.
10. 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 & 3.
11. 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 before leaving a campsite. Do not leave fires unattended. Do not burn trash in fire rings.
12. It is unlawful to cut, destroy, damage or remove ANY standing tree, shrub or plant, 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. Bicycles are to be used on roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail only and are prohibited in walk-in and group campsites. Roller blades, skates, skateboards, scooters, and similar devices are prohibited in the campground.
14. Wheeled devices, including wheelbarrows, wagons, carts and trailers are prohibited on foot trails. Do not create short-cuts.
15. Pets must be on a six-foot (6'/1.8 M) leash under restraint or caged at all times. Do not leave pets unattended and tied to an object. Pet owners are responsible for the cleanup of all excrement. Pets are NOT allowed in group camp areas.
16. Containers must be kept under drains and emptied only at the dump station.
17. The washing of dishes, hands, hair, or brushing teeth, etc. at outdoor water faucets is prohibited. Washing vehicles at the dump station is prohibited.
18. Unless registered for a group or walk-in site, parking in those areas is prohibited. Overflow parking is available at Platte 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.
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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.
This facility is well-maintained, well-organized and offers a wide variety of sites, including back-in and pull-through sites with electric hookups for RVs, non-electric sites, walk-to sites, group sites (hike-in, tent-only) and a nearby backcountry campground. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Each loop has restrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Hot showers are also available. The group sites allow no more than 25 people per site; pets and RVs are not permitted in them.
The Ironman Michigan triathlon will be taking place Sunday, September 14, 2025. The bike course takes place on M-22 and will have significant impact on local traffic.
M-22 will be closed from 8:30 am to approximately 2 pm between the City of Frankfort and Esch Road.
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.
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.
BE A GOOD CAMPER, PLEASE OBEY THE FOLLOWING 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 p.m. Check-out time is 12 noon.
4. Camping is permitted ONLY in designated areas, on the established tent pads, and parking pads. All vehicles and trailers must remain on asphalt and off gravel or vegetation.
5. No more than six (6) people will be permitted on a site and only one truck camper, camper trailer, or motor home will be permitted on each site.
6. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. Noise levels must be controlled at all times to avoid disturbing other campers.
7. Generator use is prohibited at Platte River Campground.
8. Camping is limited to 14 TOTAL days per designated campground between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
9. ACTIVE BEAR AREA: Store food, drinks, ice chests/coolers (empty or full), toiletries/hygiene products, trash/recyclables, equipment to prepare food and all scented items in a sealed hard sided vehicle, RV, or food storage locker day and night. Never feed wildlife.
10. 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 & 3.
11. 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 before leaving a campsite. Do not leave fires unattended. Do not burn trash in fire rings.
12. It is unlawful to cut, destroy, damage or remove ANY standing tree, shrub or plant, 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. Bicycles are to be used on roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail only and are prohibited in walk-in and group campsites. Roller blades, skates, skateboards, scooters, and similar devices are prohibited in the campground.
14. Wheeled devices, including wheelbarrows, wagons, carts and trailers are prohibited on foot trails. Do not create short-cuts.
15. Pets must be on a six-foot (6'/1.8 M) leash under restraint or caged at all times. Do not leave pets unattended and tied to an object. Pet owners are responsible for the cleanup of all excrement. Pets are NOT allowed in group camp areas.
16. Containers must be kept under drains and emptied only at the dump station.
17. The washing of dishes, hands, hair, or brushing teeth, etc. at outdoor water faucets is prohibited. Washing vehicles at the dump station is prohibited.
18. Unless registered for a group or walk-in site, parking in those areas is prohibited. Overflow parking is available at Platte 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.
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.
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.
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE 9922 FRONT STREET EMPIRE MI 49630
5685 Lake Michigan Road Honor MI 49640
For campground inquiries, please call: 231-326-4700
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
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.
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.
PHYSICAL CAMPGROUND ADDRESS: 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI, 49640
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