White Pine Backcountry Campground

About

This camp has 6 sites and is located about 2 miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22 and is about 1/2 mile from the Lake Michigan shore where you can obtain fresh water. There is no well water at White Pine, so if you use water from Lake Michigan, it must be treated before drinking it.

Campsites

Reservations

A backcountry permit and park pass are required to camp at White Pine Backcountry Campground. For reservations, visit www.recreation.gov and search “White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits” or call 1-877-444-6777. There is a fee of $13 per night for each campsite permit. Sites are available year-round and can be made seven days in advance of your arrival date. Park pass information is available at https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/fees.htm.

Directions

From the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, head south on M-22. Trails End Rd:  Drive 6 mi to Trails End Rd - turn right  Drive 1 mi to trailhead Platte Plains Ski Trail Parking:  Drive 6.5 mi - the trailhead parking area on the right Peterson Rd:  Drive 9.5 mi to Peterson Rd - turn right Drive 1.5 mi to the trailhead unloading zone on the right 

Weather

Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in northern lower Michigan. You want to come equipped for any condition that may present itself as lake-borne weather patterns can change quickly. The well-advised visitor dresses in layers, prepared for a variety of conditions. Summer days have highs ranging from upper 70's to 90's with lows typically in the 50's to 70's. Winter days have highs ranging from 20's to 30's and lows in the 10's to 20's. Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

Accessibility