Details
9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
The Bay Campground is the closest campground to the dock. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 25 individual sites and 3 group sites.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
What do you want to say about season?
Weather
Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in northern lower Michigan. You want to come equipped for any condition that may present itself as lake-borne weather patterns can change quickly. The well-advised visitor dresses in layers, prepared for a variety of conditions. Summer days have highs ranging from upper 70's to 90's with lows typically in the 50's to 70's. Winter days have highs ranging from 20's to 30's and lows in the 10's to 20's. Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.
Amenities
Toilets
Directions
From Traverse City, Michigan, take M-22 to Sutton's Bay. Go west on M-204 from Sutton's Bay towards Leland. Turn north at the junction of M-22 and M-204 to Leland. Take the ferry from Leland to South Manitou Island.
Rates & Fees
Bay Campground for 1-4 persons
Nightly fee for Bay Campground for 1-4 persons
Bay Campground Group SItes
Nightly fee for Bay Campground group sItes for 7-20 persons
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Fires are permitted only in the designated fire rings, and only as long as there are no burn bans or dangerous fire weather.Regulations Overview
Camping Permits and Park Passes are required. Pets are prohibited in the campgrounds. Camp only in designated sites (does not apply to North Manitou Island). Fires are permitted only in the communal metal fire rings. Use down and dead wood only. Do not leave a fire burning unattended. Put out all fires before leaving the campground. Carry out all trash. Snowmobiles, bicycles, or any wheeled vehicle is prohibited from being on the trail or in the campground.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
No accessible facilities
RV Allowed
No
RV Information
Not allowed
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
No accessible camp sites
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
No Roads
Classifications
Designated Primitive Campsites
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