White Pine Backcountry Campground

3.60

17 reviews

9922 Front Street

Quick Facts

620 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Specific seasonality...

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

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Specific seasonality...

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

White Pine Backcountry Campground

$0.00 - $500.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are not explicitly mentioned for this campground, but user reviews indicate potential high fines ($500) for camping without proper...

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

3.60

Mixed Reviews

Based on 17 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

beachsites

"User reviews reflect a mixed sentiment, with appreciation for the natural beauty and secluded setting but concerns about access challenges and unclear GPS markings."

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Campground Map

9922 Front Street

White Pine Backcountry Campground

9922 Front Street

Driving directionsLocated about 2 miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22.

Access requires hiking approximately 2 miles on a trail from the Trail's End Road trailhead. Roads to the trailhead are generally accessible but involve navigating dirt paths, which may be less suitable during inclement weather.

Nearby places

Empire (approx. 2 miles), Glen Arbor (approx. 10 miles), Traverse City (approx. 30 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Empire (approx. 2 miles)

larger shopping options in Traverse City, MI.

Best Time to Camp at White Pine Backcountry Campground

Summer unfolds here with gentle warmth and refreshing lake breezes, creating perfect conditions for backcountry exploration. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise. Winter arrives with authority, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow from late November through March, turning the trails into a wonderland for snowshoers and cross-country skiers seeking solitude.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers gentle warmth and lake breezes; reviewers report good conditions and lower crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Autumn foliage cited; scenic trails remain appealing though access and weather may vary.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring is usable but roads and muddy conditions can affect access and comfort.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

No winter facilities; access likely limited in winter and roads may be impassable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly defined but summer months are likely peak due to favorable weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Specific seasonality for White Pine Backcountry Campground is not outlined, although general park conditions suggest access may be weather-dependent.
Current Alerts: No specific alerts for White Pine Backcountry Campground, but general park alerts include road closures and construction.

About White Pine Backcountry Campground

Venture two miles along the winding Platte Plains hiking trail from Trail's End Road, and you'll discover White Pine Backcountry Campground—a hidden sanctuary where six intimate campsites nestle among towering evergreens. This rustic retreat strips camping down to its essence, offering adventurers a true wilderness experience without well water, though the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan beckon just a short walk away for those willing to treat their own supply.

White Pine Backcountry Campground is a primitive camping facility ideal for hikers and those seeking a basic camping experience.

Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests within the storied boundaries of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where ancient Ojibwe legends merge with centuries of maritime history. This protected landscape honors both its indigenous heritage and the pioneering conservation efforts that preserved these magnificent dunes and forests for future generations. Every trail tells a story, from Native American pathways to logging roads that once echoed with the sounds of Michigan's timber era.

Weather and SeasonsSummer unfolds here with gentle warmth and refreshing lake breezes, creating perfect conditions for backcountry exploration. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise. Winter arrives with authority, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow from late November through March, turning the trails into a wonderland for snowshoers and cross-country skiers seeking solitude.

ElevationWhile specific elevation markers remain nature's secret, White Pine sits within the dramatically varied terrain of Sleeping Bear Dunes, where ancient glaciers sculpted a landscape of rolling hills, steep bluffs, and gentle valleys. The campground's position offers hikers the chance to experience this topographical diversity, from forest floor to scenic overlooks that reveal the true majesty of Michigan's coastline.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient glaciers left their artistic signature across every vista. Dense forests of white pine, maple, and beech create a verdant canopy overhead, while glimpses of Lake Michigan's sapphire waters peek through the trees. The nearby shoreline reveals nature's sculpture garden—smoothed pebble beaches and windswept dunes that shift and change with each season, creating an ever-evolving backdrop for your wilderness adventure.

Geological RegionWhite Pine Campground occupies a front-row seat in one of North America's most fascinating geological theaters. Here in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the raw power of Ice Age glaciers is written across the landscape in towering sand dunes, mysterious perched lakes, and beaches adorned with colorful Petoskey stones. This dynamic environment continues to evolve as winds and waves reshape the massive dunes, some reaching heights of 450 feet above Lake Michigan's surface.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group camping facilities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix individual sites spread out in a secluded backcountry setting.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityOperates on a first-come, first-served basis; user reviews indicate availability even on busy weekends.

Cancellation PolicyUser reviews suggest adherence to regulations to avoid fines; no formal cancellation policy detailed.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for this backcountry campground.

Site SizeCampsites are standard backcountry sizes, designed for tents.

PrivacySites are described as being tucked away with some seclusion; privacy levels are not fully detailed.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the Lake Michigan shore for easier water access; avoid reliance on GPS alone for navigation.

Activities you can enjoy

White Pine Backcountry Campground provides opportunities for hiking and enjoying the proximity to Lake Michigan. Reviewers highlight the scenic trails and nearby beach access.

HikingThe campground is situated along the Platte Plains hiking trail, offering a 2-mile hike to the site and additional trails for exploration. A reviewer described the hike to the campground as 'really nice and tucked away.'

Beach activitiesThe campground is located approximately 1/2 mile from Lake Michigan, which reviewers highlight as a 'private beach.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews note potential vehicle hazards on roads leading to the trailhead; poison ivy and ticks are common in the area.

Active AlertsNo specific alerts for White Pine Backcountry Campground, but general park alerts include road closures and construction.

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 permitted but must be confined to designated pits; park regulations apply.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are expected to be observed at night based on user reviews.

Emergency ServicesSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ranger station located in Empire, MI; nearest hospital in Traverse City, MI.

Trash & RecyclingNo explicit mention of trash and recycling facilities; campers should plan to pack out what they pack in.

Water FeaturesApproximately half a mile from Lake Michigan, ideal for swimming and obtaining untreated water.

Camp HostNo host information is available.

Weather at White Pine Backcountry Campground

Reviews

3.6

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

White Pine Backcountry Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reflect a mixed sentiment, with appreciation for the natural beauty and secluded setting but concerns about access challenges and unclear GPS markings.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the campground's 'beautiful campsites with an amazing beach close by.' Another user noted the short hike and serene setting as highlights.

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include difficulties accessing the site, such as roads being hard to navigate ('our SUV got stuck on the “road” into this place') and incorrect GPS markings leading to fines ('GPS...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend treating water from Lake Michigan before drinking and being respectful of quiet hours. One reviewer suggested, 'if you’re going to camp here, please be respectful of your fellow...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews indicate the campground is less crowded even during peak times like the 4th of July weekend. Seasonal conditions for road access may vary, impacting usability in winter or wet...

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campsite is really nice and tucked away with a really easy hike.' - Ruairi McGreevy 2. 'Beautiful campsites with an amazing beach close by.' - Rachel Gunnett 3. 'Our SUV got stuck on the...

Based on 17 reviews