
178
Total Campsites
Campground
171
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
11
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND
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 90 degrees F (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10° to 25° C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20° to 30° F (-7° to -1° C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7° C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March. 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 (40 km) 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. Facilities 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 (40 km) 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. Natural Features The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles (3.2 km) 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. The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet (122 m) above the lake. With 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented. contact_info For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information. Charges & Cancellations
- 178 total campsites listed.
- 171 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 11 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard electric (90).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND special
Platte River Campground is a nature lover's basecamp in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, nestled in the forested lowlands of Michigan's lower peninsula near the town of Honor. Here, the dune-sculpted shores of Lake Michigan, winding rivers, and dense northern hardwood forests converge to create one of the Midwest's most diverse outdoor playgrounds. With 178 spacious sites set among towering beech, maple, and pine trees, Platte River offers a genuine woodland camping experience. The campground operates year-round, a rarity for national lakeshore facilities, making it appealing to winter snowshoers and cross-country skiers as well as summer beachgoers. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with modern restrooms and a campground store available during peak season. The Platte River itself is a major draw. Its gentle current is perfect for tubing and kayaking, and the river mouth at Lake Michigan creates a shallow, warm-water swimming area ideal for families with young children. The famous Sleeping Bear Dunes — towering sand bluffs rising 400 feet above the lake — are a short drive north, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive delivers jaw-dropping overlooks of the Manitou Islands and the shimmering expanse of Lake Michigan. Reserve well ahead for summer weekends, as this campground draws loyal visitors from across the Great Lakes region. Fall color season in late September and October is spectacular and far less crowded, with golden canopies arching over every trail and campsite.
Campsite Inventory
178 sites to choose from
STANDARD ELECTRIC
90
Reservable
5
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
50
Reservable
1
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
25
Reservable
2
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
1
Accessible
GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC
5
Reservable
1
Accessible
RV NONELECTRIC
1
Reservable
1
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE SITES
Accessible Sites
Accessibility
Accessibility, Yes
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
02:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
120, 15, 20, 25
Driveway surface
N/A, Paved
ELECTRIC HOOKUPS
Electric Hookups
ELECTRICITY
Electricity
Electricity Hookup
30/50, N/A
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Fire Pit
Fire Pit, Yes
Generator Free
Generator Free, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
231-326-4700
Getting There
From the east (Traverse City): Take State Highway M-72 west to Empire. Turn south on State Highway M-22. Proceed 10 miles 16 km) (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 (11 km). Turn left on Platte Road. Proceed five miles and turn right on M-22. Proceed one mile (1.6 km) and turn left on Lake Michigan Road. Follow the signs to Platte River Campground. PHYSICAL CAMPGROUND ADDRESS: 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI, 49640
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND?
PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (90), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (50), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (25), MANAGEMENT (7).
Where is PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND located?
PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND is in Michigan near Honor. Coordinates: 44.7128, -86.1178.
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