Village Campground - North Manitou Island

4.62

23 reviews

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

620 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The North Manitou Is...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

620 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The North Manitou Is...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Village Campground - North Manitou Island

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use Fee varies by location and activity. Reservation service fees are $8 if made online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in person....

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

(231) 326-4700sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 23 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikinglake

"User reviews highlight the serenity and natural beauty of the Village Campground. The campground is appreciated for its proximity to the ranger station and the ease of access to North Manitou Island’s trails and attractions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630, USA

Village Campground - North 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 ferry from Leland to North Manitou Island.

The campground requires ferry access from Leland to North Manitou Island. Personal boat docking is not available, and private boaters must anchor offshore and come ashore in smaller vessels.

Nearby supplies

Potable water is unavailable in the village during 2025

campers must bring treated water or treat natural sources. Camping supplies are best procured before arriving on North Manitou Island.

Best Time to Camp at Village Campground - North Manitou Island

The journey to this island paradise begins with an adventure across Lake Michigan's waters, which can challenge visitors with rolling waves that add to the expedition's excitement. Late spring through early autumn unveils the island at its finest, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms the landscape into a windswept wonderland blanketed in snow, though harsh conditions make it suitable only for the most intrepid cold-weather enthusiasts. The island's exposed location means breezes are constant companions, keeping summer temperatures comfortable while reminding visitors of nature's powerful presence.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Warmer months are noted as most enjoyable; trails, lake access and calm conditions favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers solitude and scenic hikes; island access and weather are still reasonable for many visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Late spring likely usable but ferry/weather can be variable; reviews emphasize warmer months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter access is harsh and island facilities/operations are limited or closed.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The North Manitou Island village and dock are closed for the 2025 season for construction. Potable water is not available during this closure.
Current Alerts: North Manitou Island village and dock are closed for the 2025 season due to construction. Potable water is not available during this period.

About Village Campground - North Manitou Island

Escape to the pristine wilderness of North Manitou Island, where The Village Campground offers an intimate retreat with just eight secluded, first-come, first-served campsites. This hidden gem provides the perfect balance of rustic simplicity and natural beauty, featuring shared fire rings for evening gatherings, basic facilities, and easy access to untouched beaches. Here, you'll discover the rare luxury of true solitude, making it the perfect destination for adventurers seeking an authentic, crowd-free camping experience on one of Lake Michigan's most unspoiled islands.

The Village Campground offers primitive camping with first-come, first-served tent sites. RVs, group camping, and glamping accommodations are not supported.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore an island steeped in Michigan's logging heritage. The Village Campground sits amidst echoes of the past, where turn-of-the-century logging operations once thrived and historic cottages still stand as silent witnesses to bygone eras. While these preserved structures remain closed to protect their integrity, their weathered facades tell stories of island life from over a century ago, adding layers of historical intrigue to your camping adventure. Every trail might lead you past remnants of the island's industrious past, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and human history.

Weather and SeasonsThe journey to this island paradise begins with an adventure across Lake Michigan's waters, which can challenge visitors with rolling waves that add to the expedition's excitement. Late spring through early autumn unveils the island at its finest, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms the landscape into a windswept wonderland blanketed in snow, though harsh conditions make it suitable only for the most intrepid cold-weather enthusiasts. The island's exposed location means breezes are constant companions, keeping summer temperatures comfortable while reminding visitors of nature's powerful presence.

ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle elevations characteristic of North Manitou Island's rolling terrain, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape without challenging climbs.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of natural wonders where dense forests give way to stunning Lake Michigan vistas. Ancient apple trees, remnants of former settlements, dot the landscape with unexpected charm, their gnarled branches telling stories of seasons past. The island's diverse ecosystems create an ever-changing canvas of colors and textures, from the deep greens of old-growth forests to the brilliant blues of the Great Lake stretching to the horizon. Beach access reveals pristine shorelines where driftwood sculptures and smooth stones create natural art galleries, while inland trails wind through cathedral-like forests that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor.

Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, North Manitou Island showcases the dramatic geological history of the Great Lakes region. The island's forests grow atop ancient glacial deposits, while its shores reveal the ongoing sculpture work of Lake Michigan's waves. This protected wilderness offers campers a front-row seat to the natural processes that have shaped Michigan's coastline for millennia, from the towering dunes visible across the water to the island's own varied terrain carved by ice, wind, and water over countless generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable for first-come, first-served sites.

Check-out

Not applicable for first-come, first-served sites.

Stay Limit

Two tents and four people per site limit. No duration limit provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two tents and four people per site.

Groups

No group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutEight campsites are fairly well spaced out with different feels at each site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable as the Village Campground is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityVillage Campground is first-come, first-served only.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations may incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees if canceled after 12:00 AM local time the day before the reservation start date. No reservations allowed for Village Campground as it is first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThe campground is a short hike (approximately 0.5 miles) from the ranger check-in building, which may make it accessible for those who do not wish to hike far. Specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were not mentioned.

Site SizeThe sites are described as well-spaced, each offering a distinct feel.

PrivacySites offer some privacy due to spacing, but complete solitude would require hiking further into the island.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 8 for maximum seclusion. Site 1 for proximity to amenities.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground serves as a starting point for exploring North Manitou Island’s trails, historic sites, and natural attractions. Activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and day trips to Lake Manitou. The island is known for its peaceful and remote setting, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.

HikingMultiple trails are available, ranging from well-maintained to rugged. Reviewers noted the historical significance of the island, with references to historic cottages from logging days. Lake Manitou is a highly recommended destination for day hikes.

FishingThe lake in the center of the island provides excellent fishing opportunities, including smallmouth bass and perch.

Wildlife viewingThe island offers significant opportunities for wildlife observation in its natural, untouched setting.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotable water is unavailable during 2025, requiring campers to bring water or treat natural sources. Boat rides to the island can be rough; sensitive individuals may need motion sickness medication.

Active AlertsNorth Manitou Island village and dock are closed for the 2025 season due to construction. Potable water is not available during this period.

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

Fire PolicyFires are only permitted in the two communal fire rings shared among the eight campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmpire, MI (nearest population center) has emergency services. Specific details regarding the closest hospital or police station are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned. Campers are advised to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Lake Michigan and proximity to Lake Manitou, a recommended hiking destination.

Weather at Village Campground - North Manitou Island

Reviews

4.6

23 reviews

Top-Rated

Village Campground - North Manitou Island is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the serenity and natural beauty of the Village Campground. The campground is appreciated for its proximity to the ranger station and the ease of access to North Manitou Island’s trails and attractions.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the campground’s quiet environment, accessibility, and proximity to hiking trails. Many appreciated the historical aspects of the island and the ease of access to Lake Manitou.

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water on-site and basic amenities like showers were common complaints. Some users noted that solitude seekers might prefer hiking further into the island for camping.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to visit Lake Manitou and bring their own water or water treatment options. Early arrival is recommended to secure one of the eight campsites.

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is likely more accessible and enjoyable during the warmer months, as winter conditions on the island are harsh and may restrict access.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The village campground is an easy half-mile hike from the ranger check-in building. There are 8 sites, fairly well spaced out. Site 1 is closest to the village, and 8 the furthest away.' - James...

Based on 23 reviews