South Manitou Group Campground

South Manitou Group Campground offers a true island wilderness experience, blending rustic camping with breathtaking Lake Michigan vistas and rich historical intrigue. This unique destination demands self-sufficiency, rewarding adventurers with unparalleled solitude and pristine natural beauty.

Accessible only by ferry, the campground features six group sites split between Bay and Weather Station areas, each accommodating 9-20 campers. Sites are well-secluded, providing a genuine backcountry feel despite being within hiking distance of the island's historic lighthouse and abandoned farmsteads. Fire rings and basic pit toilets are available, but campers must pack in all supplies and drinking water.

Located on South Manitou Island within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the campground is a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Leland, Michigan. The island's diverse ecosystem encompasses sandy beaches, towering dunes, and old-growth cedar forests. Hikers can explore 10 miles of shoreline, discover shipwrecks visible from the beach, or climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding Manitou Passage.