Eating & Sleeping

Lodging and Dining

There are many lodging and eating options in the nearby communities. Please visit chambers of commerce to find more information on:

• Lodging
• Food
• Grocery stores
• Other activities in the area

Lodging in the Lakeshore

The Balancing Environment And Rehabilitation (BEAR) Non-Profit operates the Sleeping Bear Inn in the Glen Haven Historic Village.

Picnic Areas

If you prefer to bring your own food into the park, there are several areas for picnicking that provide tables, and sometimes restrooms and fire grates.

All picnic areas are first-come, first-served.
You can find all NPS picnic areas on the park map and the NPS app.

Camping and Backpacking

Camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds and campsites. Off-trail camping, boondocking, or overnight parking for sleeping is illegal within Sleeping Bear Dunes.

There are two front-country campgrounds to choose from in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Platte River Campground on the south end of the park and the D.H. Day Campground on the north end of the park.

Platte River Campground

The Platte River Campground is located near the Platte River and has beach access to Lake Michigan in Platte Bay.
Site amenities include:

• Modern facilities
• Tent pads
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings
• Paved parking pads at each site

Reservations are recommended for Platte River Campground. You can make reservations at https://www.recreation.gov/.

D.H. Day Campground

The D.H. Day Campground is a popular rustic campground with wooded campsites located near Glen Haven and the Maritime Museum on Lake Michigan.
Site amenities include:

• Tent pads
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings
• Parking areas

Reservations are recommended for D.H. Day campground. You can make reservations at https://www.recreation.gov/. Reservations for group camp sites can also be made at https://www.recreation.gov/.

For campground status, contact entrance stations or the visitor center.

Camping is not permitted within the park along roadsides, in overlooks or in parking areas. Doubling up in campsites is not permitted and there are no overflow facilities.

Learn more about camping in the park.

Other Area Campgrounds

There are many other beautiful campgrounds in the area. Additional details can be found:
State of Michigan DNR website
Huron Manistee National Forest website
or local chamber of commerce sites