Village Campground - North Manitou Island

About

Village Campground is a small, primitive campground located on North Manitou Island within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The island sits in northern Lake Michigan and is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness, offering a remote backcountry experience far removed from mainland conveniences. The campground contains eight designated sites, each limited to two tents and four people. Facilities are minimal: two community fire rings serve the entire campground, and one vault toilet is available. Potable water is only accessible at the ranger station in the village area. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. Fires are permitted only in the designated community fire rings using dead and down wood. Access to the island requires a boat, as there is no bridge. When operating, the Manitou Island Transit Ferry departs from Leland, Michigan. All visitors must obtain a Backcountry Use Permit and carry a valid entrance pass for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Pets are prohibited in the campground. Emergency services response can take hours to days depending on weather conditions.

Directions

From Traverse City, Michigan, take M-22 to Suttons Bay. Go west on M-204 from Suttons Bay towards Leland. Turn north at the junction of M-22 and M-204 to Leland. When the ferry is operating, take Manitou Island Transit from Leland to North Manitou Island.