7
Total Campsites
Campground
7
Reservable Sites
Check by phone
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits
Overview White Pine Backcountry Campground is a primitive camp located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is located approximately two miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22. This year-round campground has six campsites, two shared fire rings, pit toilet, and two shared animal resistant food storage lockers. Plan to pack your water into the campsite, as there is no well in the campground. Summer temperatures range from 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 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. Facilities 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. Natural Features The campground is within wilderness. Designated Wilderness areas are the most protected public lands in America. They are managed with restraint to preserve characteristics of wilderness and solitude. The Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness, within the boundaries of the Lakeshore, is over 30,000 acres. The beaches of Lake Michigan are about 1/2 mile (0.80 km) walk from camp. Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs, and splended examples of glacially formed landscape. The most prominent features in the park, and those for which it is named, are 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. Within 65 miles (105 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline and numberous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented.
- 7 total campsites listed.
- Most common site type: unknown (6).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits special
For those who want to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore beyond the crowded overlooks and busy beaches, White Pine Backcountry Campground offers a quieter path into the park's wilder southern district. Located inland among dense forests of white pine, beech, and maple, this primitive campground trades lake views for deep woods solitude and the kind of stillness that settles in once the day-trippers head home. Seven backcountry sites are available by permit only, and each requires a hike in, so pack light and plan accordingly. There are no water hookups, no electricity, and no drive-up convenience. What you get instead is the rich scent of pine needles underfoot, birdsong from warblers passing through on migration, and nights so dark the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. The southern district's trail network connects to longer routes through the lakeshore, and a short drive puts you at the famous Dune Climb or the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Late spring through early fall is prime season, with September and October delivering stunning fall color in the hardwood canopy. Permits must be obtained in advance through Recreation.gov, and they tend to go quickly for summer weekends, so booking early is essential. If you crave the spirit of Sleeping Bear without the crowds, White Pine is your campground.
Campsite Inventory
7 sites to choose from
Unknown
6
Reservable
0
Accessible
HIKE TO
1
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
02:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Hike In Distance to Site
1.5 miles
Max guests
4
Pets allowed
No
Proximity to Water
Lakefront
Shade
Yes
Site Access
Hike In
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. To Trails End Road: Drive 6 miles to Trails End Road - turn right Drive 1 mile to the trailhead To Platte Plains Ski Trail Parking: Drive 6.5 miles - the trailhead parking area will be on the right To Peterson Road: Drive 9.5 miles to Peterson Road - turn right Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead unloading zone on the right ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FROM THE SOUTH (US-31 / M-115): At the junction of US-31 and M-115, continue north for seven miles. Turn left onto Platte Road. Proceed five miles and turn right onto M-22. To Peterson Road: Drive 1.5 miles to Peterson Road - turn left Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead unloading zone on the right To Platte Plains Ski Trail Parking: Drive 4.5 miles - the trailhead parking area will be on the left To Trails End Road: Drive 5 miles to Trails End Road turn left Drive 1 mile to the trailhead
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits.
How do reservations work for White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits?
Reservation availability for White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits?
White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits currently lists Unknown (6), HIKE TO (1).
Where is White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits located?
White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits is in Michigan near EMPIRE. Coordinates: 44.7379, -86.0857.
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