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Platte River, Michigan Campground Photos, Directions & Reservations

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Platte River Campground Photos

Platte River Campground Photos
Platte River Campground Photos
Platte River Campground Photos
Platte River Campground Photos
Platte River Campground Photos
Platte River Campground Photos
Platte River Campground Photos
Platte River Campground Photos

Overview

Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. This year-round facility is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It is within walking distance of the Platte River and a short walk or drive away from the Lake Michigan shore. Hikers can access many of the area’s day use and backpacking trails just north of the campground.
Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90s during the day and 50s to 70s at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs in the 20s to 30s and lows in the 10s and 20s; snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

Facilities

This facility is well-maintained, well-organized and offers a wide variety of sites, including back-in and pull-through sites with electric hookups for RVs, non-electric sites, walk-to sites, group sites (hike-in, tent-only) and a nearby backcountry campground. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Each loop has restrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Hot showers are also available. The group sites allow no more than 25 people per site; pets and RVs are not permitted in them.

Natural Features

The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles away from the beaches of Lake Michigan. Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape.

Recreation

Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Electric
  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Tent Only Nonelectric
  • Rv Nonelectric
  • Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
  • Walk To
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Day Use Area
  • Visitor Center
  • Picnicking
  • Camping
  • Amphitheater
  • Birding
  • Canoeing
  • Biking
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Photography
  • Paddling
  • Ranger Station
  • Swimming
  • Water Access
  • Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

  • Accessible Campsites
  • Accessible Drinking Water
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Showers
  • Accessible Sites
  • Beach Access
  • Campfire Rings
  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Educational Programs
  • Electric Hookups
  • Firewood Vender
  • Fish Cleaning Stations
  • Flush Toilets
  • Lake Access
  • Non-Potable Water
  • Paved Parking
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Picnic Tables
  • River Access
  • Showers
  • Tent Pads
  • Water Spigot
  • Wireless Internet
  • Fire Pit
  • Picnic Table
  • Electricity Hookup
  • Tent Pad
  • Accessibility
  • Accessible Occupant Message
  • Electricity
  • Generator Free
  • Food Storage Locker

Directions and Contact Information

From the east (Traverse City): Take State Highway M-72 west to Empire. Turn south on State Highway M-22. Proceed 10 miles and turn right on Lake Michigan Road. Follow the signs to Platte River Campground.

From the south (US-31/M-115): At the junction of U.S. Route 31 and M-115, continue north for seven miles. Turn left on Platte Road. Proceed five miles and turn right on M-22. Proceed one mile and turn left on Lake Michigan Road. Follow the signs to Platte River Campground.

Need to Know

Beginning March 1, 2023, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has transitioned to all cashless payments at its staffed locations.

SAFETY –

Please notifiy a Ranger or Campground Host if you encounter any problems. 

In case of Emergency, DIAL 911

ENTRANCE FEE –

A National Park Service entrance pass for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is required for each vehicle:  

$25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee (1-7 days).

$45 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Annual pass (if camping more than 7 days).

Information about other National Park Service pass options can be found at www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

We are not part of the Michigan State Park & Recreation System, our fees are separate from the Michigan Recreation Passport.

RESERVATIONS –

All campsites are available by reservation from May 1 through October 15. Regular sites may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date.  

Group campsites may be reserved up to 1 year in advance of your arrival date.

Campers must notify the campground at 231-326-4700 ext 5029 if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check-in time or their reservation will be cancelled; cancellations will be charged the first night’s camping fee plus a $20 no show fee.

CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS/PERMIT CONDITIONS- 

  1. Campers must check-in at the campground office immediately upon arrival.
  2. Campers must notivy the campground at 231-326-4700 ext 5029 if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check-in time or their reservation will be cancelled; they will be charged the first night’s camping fee plus a $20 no show fee.
  3. Check-in time is 2 PM. Check-out time is 12 noon.
  4. Camping is permitted ONLY in designated areas, on the established tent pads, and parking pads. All vehicles and trailers must remain on asphalt and off gravel or vegetation.
  5. No more than six (6) people will be permitted on a site and only one truck camper, camper trailer, or motor-home will be permitted on each site.
  6. Quiet hours are 10 PM – 6 AM. Noise levels must be controlled at all times to avoid disturbing other campers.
  7. Generator use is prohibited at Platte River Campground.
  8. Camping is limited to 14 TOTAL days per designated campground between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
  9. ACTIVE BEAR AREA: Store food, drinks, ice chests/coolers (empty or full), toiletries/hygiene products, trash/recyclables, and all scented items in a sealed hard sided vehicle, RV, or food storage locker day and night. Never feed wildlife.
  10. To prevent and slow the spread of forest pests and diseases, YOU MAY ONLY BURN NPS APPROVED FIREWOOD. Firewood may be purchased between the entrances of Loops 2 & 3.
  11. Confine all fires to the fire ring and burn ONLY dead, down, and detatched firewood, charcoal, or manufactured logs. Fires must be completely extinguished with water before leaving a campsite. Do not leave fires unattended.
  12. It is unlawful to cut, destroy, damage, or remove ANY standing tree, shrub or plant, or possess any green vegetation within the park, including flowers. Do not injure trees with nails or by hanging hot lanterns on or against the trunk.
  13. Bicycles are to be used on roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail only and are prohibited in walk-in and group campsites. Roller blades, skates, skateboards, scooters, and similar devices are prohibited in the campground.
  14. Wheeled devices, including wheelbarrows, wagons, carts,and trailers are prohibited on foot trails. Do not create short-cuts.
  15. Pets must be on a six-foot (6’1.8 M) leash, under restraint, or caged at all times. Do not leave pets unattended and tied to an object. Pet owners are responsible for the cleanup of all excrement. Pets are NOT allowed in group camp areas. Pet owners must not allow a pet to make unreasonable noise.
  16. Containers must be kept under drains and emptied only at the dump station.
  17. The washing of dishes, hands, hair, or brushing teeth, etc. at outdoor water faucets is prohibited. Washing vehicles at the dump station is prohibited.
  18. Unless registered for a group or walk-in site, parking in those areas is prohibited. Overflow parking is available at the Platte Picnic Area located at Lake Michigan Road and M-22.

Violations of regulations/permit conditions may result in permit suspension, revocation and/or issuance of a citation by law enforcement.

Firewood from areas outside of this facility must be from a Lakeshore approved firewood vendor. 

A list of Lakeshore approved vendors is available at http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/firewood.htm. 

Firewood is also available for purchase in the campground, or visitors may collect dead, down and detatched fire wood within the park boundaries.

BEACHES –

The park has pebble beaches rather than pure sand; water shoes are recommended. 

There are no lifeguards on duty at any of the park beaches; swim at your own risk.

Poison ivy is abundant throughout the Lakeshore.

Tent pads and campsite driveways are kept clear of poison ivy, however there may be poison ivy lining the boundary of the campsite.

Ticks are common throughout the Lakeshore & are often found in tall grass and shrubs.

To learn how to avoid and remove ticks, please visit www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/index.html 

No fireworks allowed.

Location Map

Latitude : 44° 42′ 46.0001″ N
Longitude: 86° 7′ 4.0001″ W

Mailing Address

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
9922 FRONT STREET

Phone Number

For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

Additional Information

Michigan State Tourism
Michigan State Road Conditions
National Weather Service Local Weather

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