Is Popple Campground - South Manitou Island first-come first-served or reservation?

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island before I book?

Yes! Popple Campground - South Manitou Island has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Popple Campground - South Manitou Island?

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island is open Opens May 23, 2025. Reservations available during peak season until September 12, 2025. Closed in off-season due to lack of services.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island?

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Popple Campground - South Manitou Island have?

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island?

Pets are not allowed at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island?

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

3.29

7 reviews

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Michigan

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Official Website

Get Directions

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(231) 326-4700sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

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Campground Map

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Nearby places

Empire (0 miles, as nearest city), Traverse City (approx. 26 miles, 45-minute drive), Leland (approx. 17 miles, ferry departure point).

Weather at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

Best Time to Camp at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for beach swimming and long days exploring the island’s dunes and cedar groves (typical highs 70–90°F, nighttime lows 50–70°F). Water-based fun and hiking are at their peak, and ferry service and campground reservations are in full swing—important because Popple has only seven primitive sites. Expect the busiest crowds in July–August, so reserve early and plan to carry all gear the 3.7-mile trek from the ferry dock. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: ferry reliable, warm water and full access, though mosquitoes can be an issue.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Opens May 23, 2025. Reservations available during peak season until September 12, 2025. Closed in off-season due to lack of services.

About Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

Popple Campground sits on South Manitou Island within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, accessible only by ferry from the mainland near Empire. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive backcountry site requires a 3.7-mile hike from the ferry dock and offers no potable water. Campers come for the remote island experience, Lake Michigan overlooks, and access to dunes and cedar groves.

Popple Campground is a primitive, backcountry campground catering to tent camping enthusiasts. It is one of the most remote camping options within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for beach swimming and long days exploring the island’s dunes and cedar groves (typical highs 70–90°F, nighttime lows 50–70°F). Water-based fun and hiking are at their peak, and ferry service and campground reservations are in full swing—important because Popple has only seven primitive sites. Expect the busiest crowds in July–August, so reserve early and plan to carry all gear the 3.7-mile trek from the ferry dock. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation679 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Lake Michigan from 679 feet elevation, with pebble beaches below and ancient white cedar groves inland. Some of these cedars have stood for over 500 years. Sand dunes stretch across the island's interior, shaped by the same glacial forces that deposited the smooth stones along the shoreline. Site #3 sits right on the edge, offering direct lake views that reviewers consistently call gorgeous.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not include any additional lodging options such as cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are hosted at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Limit of 14 nights total during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual sites allow up to 4 people. Group sites accommodate 9-20 people.

Groups

There are no designated group sites at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be booked via Manitou Island Transit for ferry transportation or directly at the island ranger station.

AccessibilityThe campground is not described as having specific accessibility features, and the primitive nature may make it unsuitable for those requiring accessible facilities.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 7 individual sites that are fairly small and suitable for tents only.

PrivacyGiven its remote location and small number of sites, the campground offers a high degree of privacy. Site #3 is particularly noted for its scenic location by the lake.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesBring water filtration equipment for lake water. Wear pants to avoid poison ivy on trails.

Best CampsitesSite #3 gets the most recommendations for its cliffside position overlooking the lake. The other six sites are more sheltered in the cedar groves. All seven are small and spaced individually, offering good privacy given the remote location.

Amenities available

Popple Campground on South Manitou Island is a primitive backcountry site, offering a remote and rugged camping experience. The amenities are minimal, catering to those prepared for self-sufficiency. Campers are advised to bring water filtration equipment as there is no purified water on-site. The campground features vault toilets but no electricity or cell service. Fire pits are available for open fires, with firewood that must be purchased or collected on-site.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Popple Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, leveraging its remote and scenic location. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the beaches. Campers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of South Manitou Island while enjoying solitude and rugged landscapes.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews praise the campground for its remote location, scenic beauty, and quiet atmosphere. However, the lack of amenities and the long hike from the dock are common concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

"The views are gorgeous," particularly from site #3, which overlooks the lake. The remote and quiet setting is frequently appreciated by reviewers, with one stating, "Worth the hike in even through...

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of purified water is a recurring concern, with one reviewer noting, "Bring filtration straws so you can drink water from the lake." Additionally, the long hike (3.7 miles one-way) from...

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3 is highlighted as the best spot due to its location on the cliff with lake views.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to pack water filtration equipment and wear long pants to mitigate poison ivy exposure. Water shoes are recommended for walking on the pebble beaches. A specific recommendation is...

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is generally favorable for outdoor activities. However, mosquitoes can be a nuisance during this season. The area is less accessible during...

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very Remote! No water, no electricity, and almost no cell phone service." Another user shared, "Great time, fun backpack camping."

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features, though the challenging hike may make it unsuitable for those with mobility limitations.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed, so there are no pet-specific reviews.

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a true backcountry experience on an island and can carry water for the entire stay.

Skip if

You need vehicle access, potable water on-site, or prefer shorter hikes to your campsite.

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South Manitou Group Campground

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, 9922 FRONT STREET

South Manitou Group Campground sits on South Manitou Island within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, accessible only by ferry from the mainland near Empire. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive group site serves organized parties exploring the island's dune landscapes, cedar forests, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Campers hike in from the ferry dock to reach secluded tent sites equipped with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings.