North Manitou Island - Village Campground
Description
Best backcountry camping in Michigan. Dare we say best island backcountry camping in Michigan? Sounds like bliss to us. If you venture to North Manitou Island, plan to camp overnight. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping, you can obtain a map of the island and hiking trails when you obtain your permit. View the island map here. Camping is allowed almost anywhere on the island except within 300 feet of the Lake Michigan high water mark, lakes, streams, ponds, on any trail, buildings and other camps.
The small Village Campground on the island contains designated campsites, two fire rings, and one outhouse. Open fires are prohibited in the wilderness area, so if you;re jonesin’ to toast up some s’mores, take it to the village! PS, don’t take firewood to the island, and make sure to review the Backcountry Camping Regulations before you embark, voyager!
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at North Manitou Island - Village Campground.
19 Reviews
Watch for ticks in the summer! Beautiful island, camp on the west side for the best sunsets.
Love this island did a trip with 7 of my best buddies 2 years in a row. We explored the whole island. My favorite part is the west side of the island. The wind from the coast keeps the bugs away. On that side of the island, there are massive sand dunes and an epic sunset on Lake Michigan. You take a 45min ferry ride to the island but the ship has a bar! most importantly you are allowed to camp anywhere on the island you dont have to stay at the designated campground so bring your backpacking gear. check it out >>>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EGqjv7dQrU&t=12s
Amazing place. I don't think the description states it's a 1 hour ferry ride to the island. Canpground was fun, community fire pit was a blast, but grab your backpacking gear and hike the island! There's miles of beautiful coast line to see.
- Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- State
- Michigan
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (231) 326-4700
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 45.136° N, 85.995° W
- $5/night
- Tent Only - Hike In: 8 Sites (Up to 4 people per site)
- $10/night
- Tent Only - Group: 8 Sites (Up to 4 people per site)