Platte River Campground

4.7·923 reviews
·Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 2:00 pm)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Food Storage Locker

    (21 of 171 campsites have Food Storage Locker)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 0.2mi)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (166 of 171 campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

  • Site Access

    (Majority of the campsites have drive in)

Natural Features

Fish Cleaning Station Overview - Credits: NPS
Firewood Vending Machine - Credits: NPS
Platte River Campground Map - Credits: NPS
Group salmon fishing in the Platte River - Credits: NPS
The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles 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 above the lake. With 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.

Recreation

Platte Point Beach - Credits: J. Eggle
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 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.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 40ft

  • tent-N/A

  • trailer-Up to 35ft

  • vehicle-Up to 35ft

  • 5th wheel-Up to 35ft

  • camper van-Up to 35ft

  • pickup camper-Up to 35ft

  • pop up camper-Up to 35ft

Additional Information

Campsites