Weather Station Campground - South Manitou Island

About

Weather Station Campground occupies a scenic location on the southern bluffs of South Manitou Island within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The campground is reached via a 1.3-mile wooded trail past the island's historic lighthouse. The 20 individual campsites are well secluded from each other in a forested setting, each accommodating up to 4 people or 2 tents. Three group sites can host 7-20 campers. This is true backcountry camping. There is no potable water on the island, so campers must bring water filtration equipment or pack in at least 2 liters per person. Vault toilets are the only facilities available. A communal metal fire ring provides the only sanctioned location for campfires, using down and dead wood only. Firewood cannot be transported to the island. South Manitou Island offers exceptional hiking opportunities including the Giant Cedars grove, Lake Florence, the shipwreck Morazan, and panoramic views of Manitou Passage. Emergency response can take hours to days depending on weather, so campers should be self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness conditions.

Directions

South Manitou Island is located in Lake Michigan about 16 miles west of Leland, Michigan. In 2026, the regular Manitou Island Transit ferry is not operating due to construction. Access is limited to private boats (must anchor offshore and use smaller vessels to reach shore) or charter service through Manitou Passage LLC at (231) 218-5853. When regular service resumes, the ferry departs from Fishtown Dock in Leland, which is 27 miles north of Empire on M-22.