Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

4.60

7 reviews

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for group tent camping at South Manitou Island is $30 during peak season (May 23 - September 12).

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

(231) 326-4700sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietlake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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 Manitou Island Transit ferry from Leland to South Manitou Island.

Accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry. South Manitou Island is remote, requiring a boat ride and a 3.7-mile hike to reach Popple Campground.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Empire, MI (groceries, camping supplies, fuel)

Leland, MI (ferry access)

no supplies available on South Manitou Island.

Best Time to Camp at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

Experience the full spectrum of Michigan's moods at Popple Campground, where summer days bask in temperatures between 70-90°F, perfect for exploring sun-warmed dunes and refreshing lake swims. As darkness falls, temperatures dip to a comfortable 50-70°F, ideal for stargazing around the campfire. Winter transforms the island into a frozen wonderland, with snow blanketing the landscape from late November through March and temperatures plunging below freezing—a time when only the most intrepid souls venture to this remote paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season ideal for hiking, swimming and dunes; beware mosquitoes during summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers cooler temps, fewer insects and strong scenic qualities; less crowded.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens late May; early spring likely variable weather and limited services until official opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in off-season and area is less accessible in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 12, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens May 23, 2025. Reservations available during peak season until September 12, 2025. Closed in off-season due to lack of services.
Current Alerts: Dock access for private boats and potable water unavailable in 2025 due to construction funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.

About Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

Venture deep into the wilderness of South Manitou Island to discover Popple Campground, a pristine backcountry sanctuary where seven intimate campsites await those seeking true solitude. After a 3.7-mile journey from the ferry dock, you'll find yourself in a world stripped down to essentials—just you, your tent, a crackling fire ring, and the endless horizon of Lake Michigan. This remote outpost offers no modern amenities save for a simple pit toilet, inviting adventurers to embrace the raw beauty of island camping at its most authentic.

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.

Historical SignificanceCamp among echoes of maritime history on South Manitou Island, where the beacon of the historic lighthouse once guided countless vessels through treacherous waters. The ghostly silhouette of the Francisco Morazan, wrecked in 1960, serves as a haunting reminder of Lake Michigan's power. Beneath your feet lie geological wonders sculpted by ancient glaciers—the same forces that carved this remarkable island into existence, creating a landscape that tells stories spanning millennia.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Michigan's moods at Popple Campground, where summer days bask in temperatures between 70-90°F, perfect for exploring sun-warmed dunes and refreshing lake swims. As darkness falls, temperatures dip to a comfortable 50-70°F, ideal for stargazing around the campfire. Winter transforms the island into a frozen wonderland, with snow blanketing the landscape from late November through March and temperatures plunging below freezing—a time when only the most intrepid souls venture to this remote paradise.

ElevationNestled at the gentle elevation near Lake Michigan's shoreline, Popple Campground offers level terrain that makes setting up camp a breeze while keeping you close to the rhythmic pulse of the waves.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to a landscape that seems lifted from a dream—rolling sand dunes cascade toward pebble-strewn beaches where Lake Michigan's turquoise waters stretch to infinity. Behind your campsite, ancient white cedar forests stand sentinel, their gnarled trunks bearing witness to over 500 years of island history. This glacially-carved wonderland offers endless exploration, from wind-sculpted dune peaks to hidden coves where smooth stones tell their own geological tales.

Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the geological marvel of South Manitou Island, a jewel within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This extraordinary landscape showcases nature's artistry through windswept sand dunes, beaches adorned with glacier-polished pebbles, and groves of ancient white cedar trees that have defied time for half a millennium. Every step reveals new evidence of the glacial forces that shaped this unique ecosystem, creating a natural playground where geological history comes alive beneath your feet.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in timing not specified
campers should arrive at the dock and register before hiking to the campground.

Check-out

Check-out timing not specified
departure aligns with ferry schedules.

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

Site layoutSites are individually spaced along sandy soils near the beach. No loops or sections specified.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served individual sites available at Popple Campground. Limited availability due to remote location and popularity during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations for individual sites are permitted until midnight before scheduled arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations or no-shows incur additional penalties, including forfeiting first-night fees.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails around South Manitou Island, including a 10-mile perimeter trail through pebble beaches and forested areas. Trails lead to features like old-growth cedar forests and unique sand dune formations.

SwimmingCampers can access nearby beaches for swimming. The beaches are primarily pebble, and water shoes are recommended.

Wildlife viewingThe remote and natural setting offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife native to the island.

Beach activitiesCampers can enjoy beachcombing along the pebble beaches. These areas provide a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison ivy is prevalent on trails. Chipmunks are frequent visitors to campsites, making proper food storage essential. Remote location requires preparedness for weather changes and ferry delays.

Active AlertsDock access for private boats and potable water unavailable in 2025 due to construction funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.

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.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in fire rings using dead wood. Imported firewood is prohibited due to pest concerns.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated; general park rules apply.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are accessible through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ranger stations in Empire, MI. No medical facilities or emergency services on the island.

Trash & RecyclingNo dedicated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are advised to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Water FeaturesLocated near Lake Michigan on South Manitou Island. Requires water filtration for drinking.

Camp HostNo campground host information provided. Rangers may offer assistance at the island dock.

Weather at Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

Reviews

4.6

7 reviews

Top-Rated

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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