RV campground · Michigan
Platte River Campground
- Sites
- 179
- RV max length
- 40 ft
- Season
- April – November
Sites
179
RV Max
40 ft
Hookups
None
Dump Station
Yes
Price
$28/night
Season
April – November
Platte River Campground is the largest campground within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, voted "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America. Located where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan, it offers access to towering sand dunes, crystal-clear freshwater, and dense forests.
What to Expect: The campground sits among hardwood and pine forests, a short walk from both the Platte River and Lake Michigan. The river is shallow and warm in summer — perfect for tubing and wading with kids.
Dune Climb: The famous Dune Climb (3.5 miles to Lake Michigan overlook) is a 10-minute drive from camp. The 450-foot bluff offers panoramic views of North and South Manitou Islands.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: This 7.4-mile one-way loop features 12 stops with dramatic overlooks of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan.
Tips for RVers: Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. No hookups, but the dump station is centrally located. Generators permitted 8 AM-8 PM. The campground fills every weekend from late June through August.
Amenities
Best Time to Visit
Book 6 months ahead on Recreation.gov. Weekdays in September are the quiet window — water still warm, crowds gone, fall colors starting.
Planning notes
Tube the Platte River — it's lazy, warm, and ends right at the lake. Rent tubes in Honor.
Do the Dune Climb early morning before it gets hot. Bring way more water than you think.
Your next step
Getting to Platte River Campground.
This site takes rigs up to 40 ft, which is a question about the vehicle rather than the pad. The nearest pickup point for a rented one is Traverse City.
Tell us when you want to drive Michigan.
Nothing in Michigan is bookable today. Dated requests are what we take to owners, so give us the window you actually want — you get one email the day a rig covers it, and nothing else.