North and South Manitou Islands offer camping choices for novice to pro campers. Since you are camping on islands, the Manitou Island Transit serves campers with ferry transportation. Reservations are recommended, and you can make them by calling 231-256-9061.

South Manitou Island

South Manitou permits camping at three locations: the Bay, Weather Station and Popple Campgrounds. The island is small with a fragile ecosystem and low impact camping is the rule. At all locations food should be stored in hard containers to thwart the Northern Miniature Tiger (aka the chipmunk!). There is no transportation to the campgrounds so all camping gear and supplies must be packed in and out. Large group sites are available only by reservation from the Park Service.

Head over to Camping on South Manitou Island at the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore for reservations & more details.

North Manitou Island

Camping on North Manitou Island offers solitude and a wild beauty and nights listening to lapping waves.

The small Village Campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.

Camping is allowed in the wilderness area, but open fires are prohibited. Use gas or alcohol stoves in the wilderness.

Check out North Manitou Island Camping for more details.