National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a National Lakeshore in Michigan. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 8 campgrounds and 3 visitor centers; entrance fees start at $15.

Michigan National Lakeshore America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 9:51 AM EDT · NPS Data API

A bright sun begins to set into Lake Michigan — Lake Michigan overlook sun · Photo: NPS Photo (via nps.gov)

About the park

“Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake.”

— National Park Service, nps.gov/slbe

Active alerts

Closures

Campgrounds

Visitor centers

Current alerts and closures

1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.

Information

Fall Hunting Seasons

Michigan has many designated hunting seasons for different animals. Several of these hunting seasons overlap and begin mid-September. Hunting is permitted within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in accordance with Michigan state laws and regulations. Hunting is not permitted within 450 feet of popular sites within the park, which are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium. Wearing brightly colored clothing is recommended for visitors.

Posted or updated Sep 13, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they're part of a commercial tour group or not.

Entrance fees
Fee	Cost	Details
Commercial Entrance - Sedan	$25	Sedan 1-6 Person Capacity $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)
Commercial Entrance - Van	$40	Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus	$40	Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach	$100	Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle	$25	Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day. Buy online
Entrance - Motorcycle	$20	Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person	$15	If you enter the park on a bicycle or on foot and are at least 16 years old, you need your own entrance pass. Buy online

Park passes
Pass	Cost	Buy
Annual Entrance - Park	$45	Recreation.gov

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.

Things to do

Bikers on a paved trail curving left into wooded area — Photo: NPS credit

Biking in the Lakeshore

Where can you bike in the Lakeshore? On public roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail but not on any other park trails.

Year-round Pets allowed

Biking

A paved road winds through plant covered sand dunes. — Photo: NPS

Explore Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Enjoy spectacular views of Glen Lake, undulating sand dunes, and breathtaking views of the grandest of all dunes, with shimmering Lake Michigan as the backdrop. Wind through cool forests of sugar maple and beech trees.

1-4 Hours Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Clear, shallow river reflects the sky as it winds through light green grasses — Photo: NPS credit

Float the Platte and Crystal Rivers

Canoe, kayak, or float these calm rivers. Rent equipment near either launch site if you don’t have your own. Great for kids!

2-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Paddling

See all 7 things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes →

Activities the NPS lists for Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingCampingBackcountry CampingGroup CampingFishingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramTubingSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnowshoeingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Operating hours

The Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours, however, please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Day	Hours
Monday	All Day
Tuesday	All Day
Wednesday	All Day
Thursday	All Day
Friday	All Day
Saturday	All Day
Sunday	All Day

Weather: Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F. Rain and sun are equally common.

Contact and directions

Phone: 2313264700
Email: [email protected]
Address: 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630
Coordinates: 44.9284, -86.0271· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Campgrounds

Campground	Total sites	Reservable	First-come	RVs	Fee	Reserve
Bay Campground - South Manitou Island	28	3	25	No	$10	Recreation.gov
D. H. Day Campground	87	88	0	Yes, up to 35 ft	$10	Recreation.gov
D. H. Day Campground Group Campground	4	4	0	No	$40	Recreation.gov
Platte River Campground	179	179	0	Yes, up to 40 ft	$31	Recreation.gov
Popple Campground - South Manitou Island	7	0	7	No	$10	—
Village Campground - North Manitou Island	8	0	8	No	$10	—
Weather Station Campground - South Manitou Island	23	3	20	No	$10	Recreation.gov
White Pine Backcountry Campground	6	6	0	No	$13	Recreation.gov

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

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More parks in Michigan

Isle Royale National Park Keweenaw National Historical Park North Country National Scenic Trail Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore River Raisin National Battlefield Park All in Michigan

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm
Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.