How much does camping cost at South Manitou Group Campground?

Camping fees at South Manitou Group Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Manitou Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

South Manitou Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Manitou Group Campground before I book?

Yes! South Manitou Group Campground has 9 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 South Manitou Group Campground?

South Manitou Group Campground is open May 22 to September 12. 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 South Manitou Group Campground?

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

How many campsites does South Manitou Group Campground have?

South Manitou Group Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at South Manitou Group Campground?

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

What amenities are available at South Manitou Group Campground?

South Manitou Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Manitou Group Campground?

Popular activities at South Manitou Group Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

South Manitou Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at South Manitou Group Campground?

Fire policies at South Manitou Group Campground: The transportation of firewood to North and South Manitou Islands is strictly prohibited. This is pursuant to the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine. Campers may collect dead and down wood for personal use during their visit. Unused wood must remain on the island.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.53

23 reviews

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, 9922 FRONT STREET

Great for GroupsSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

571 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

571 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Official Website

Get Directions

South Manitou Group Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

231-326-4700

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, 9922 FRONT STREET

South Manitou Group Campground

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, 9922 FRONT STREET

Weather at South Manitou Group Campground

Current alerts(14)

A maximum of 10 tents is allowed per site.
Bay, Weather Station and Popple campgrounds have individual campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis on the island; the island is open to camping year-round, but there are no off-season services available.
Be prepared for diverse weather conditions that may cause ferry delays.
Campers must bring their own toilet paper.

Best Time to Camp at South Manitou Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full island services — daytime highs are commonly 70–90°F with evenings cooling into the 50s–70s — making swimming, beachcombing, and long hikes over dunes and cedar forests most enjoyable. Boat access and ranger/ferry services are fully operating, and group tent camping is at its peak usefulness for social backcountry trips. Expect higher visitation on summer weekends and plan travel/arrival early because sites are limited and popular. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: reliable ferry service, ranger operations and warm daytime weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, to September 12, 2025. First come, first served dates from June 20-21, 2025.

About South Manitou Group Campground

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.

The campground offers tent-only backcountry group camping with no other accommodation types.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full island services — daytime highs are commonly 70–90°F with evenings cooling into the 50s–70s — making swimming, beachcombing, and long hikes over dunes and cedar forests most enjoyable. Boat access and ranger/ferry services are fully operating, and group tent camping is at its peak usefulness for social backcountry trips. Expect higher visitation on summer weekends and plan travel/arrival early because sites are limited and popular. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation571 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe island's foundation is tilted limestone from prehistoric seas, now buried under glacial deposits that created rolling sandy soils and dune formations. Pebble beaches line the Lake Michigan shoreline. Ancient white cedar forests dominate the interior, with some trees over 500 years old, their roots gripping limestone while their canopies record centuries of Great Lakes weather. The campground sits at 571 feet elevation. Reviewers mention "spectacular vistas" and note you'll need water shoes for the pebble beaches.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; this is a tent-only backcountry camping area.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can take motorized tours to learn about the island’s history and visit the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit between Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Groups of 9 to 20 people.

Groups

Group sites are restricted to parties of 9-20 people and allow for up to 10 tents per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by contacting the Manitou Island Transit ferry service at (231) 256-9061.

AccessibilityThe campground is only accessible by ferry or private boat. Campers must backpack gear into the sites, with distances ranging from less than a mile to 1.3 miles depending on the campground. No specific accessibility features are mentioned for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeGroup sites accommodate 9-20 people and allow for up to 10 tents per site.

PrivacyGroup sites are described as "secluded and set apart from one another.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesBay Campground is better for beach access; Weather Station Campground offers bluff views. Choose Bay for proximity to the ferry and Village area water access.

Need help booking South Manitou Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The campground does not offer electricity. Drinking water is available only in the Village area on South Manitou Island. Wooden pit toilets are provided, however campers must bring their own toilet paper.

Potable water

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

South Manitou Group Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Campers can enjoy hiking, beachcombing, swimming, and exploring historical and natural features of the island. Highlights include the South Manitou Island Lighthouse, the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon, unique sand dune formations, and old-growth cedar forests.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; wooden pit toilets are provided, and campers must bring their own toilet paper.

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.

Fire PolicyThe transportation of firewood to North and South Manitou Islands is strictly prohibited. This is pursuant to the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine. Campers may collect dead and down wood for personal use during their visit. Unused wood must remain on the island.

Trash & RecyclingNo on-site trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers need to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not mentioned.

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

3.5

23 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User experiences are mixed. Positive reviews frequently mention the island’s natural beauty, unique features like the lighthouse and shipwreck, and the sense of seclusion at the group campsites. Negative reviews highlight logistical challenges, including the need to backpack all gear and hike long distances, as well as dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of toilet facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

"Really beautiful place to camp"; "secluded and tucked away from other campsites"; "so many spectacular vistas"; "Kyle, our park ranger, made our trip to the island such a lovely adventure."

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

"Port a potty’s are the worst I’ve ever seen"; "no transportation to the island"; "had to hike miles for water"; "bugs were really bad at times."

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site WG003 (Weather Station Group Sites) was praised for being quiet and spacious. Site BG002 (Bay Group Sites) received mixed reviews due to ferry-related issues.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack light for long hikes; bring bug spray, candles, and nets for bugs; wear water shoes for pebble beaches; make ferry reservations in advance.

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight warm weather and clear skies, but also note challenges with bugs. Winter usability is limited due to snow and cold conditions.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The port a potty’s are the worst I’ve ever seen. Once I closed the door I almost puked." "Be prepared to hike for miles for water & to see attractions." "Kyle, our park ranger, made our trip to the...

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, though the need to backpack gear and hike significant distances suggests limited accessibility.

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the campground, and no related reviews were noted.

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You're organizing a group backcountry trip and want island seclusion with Lake Michigan scenery.

Skip if

You need drive-up access, individual sites, or facilities beyond vault toilets and water.

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

South Manitou Group Campground

About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Context for the broader area surrounding South Manitou Group Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.

Directions

From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire on your right. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington and then north to Manistee. You can follow either US-31 or M-22 from north of Manistee. From the north (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), take I-75 to Grayling and follow M-72 to Traverse City or take US-31 south