Bay Campground-South Manitou Island

For those of us in Michigan seeking a truly unique and immersive outdoor experience that feels miles away from the everyday, Bay Campground on South Manitou Island offers an unparalleled opportunity. As part of the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this primitive group campground provides a genuine escape into the wild beauty of Lake Michigan's island chain. It's an ideal destination for groups of adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs who are prepared for a rustic experience and eager to explore a cherished part of our state's natural heritage.

Bay Campground on South Manitou Island is known as a "nice place to camp on the island," praised for being "very central and easy for big groups." Unlike mainland campgrounds, reaching South Manitou Island is an adventure in itself, requiring a scenic ferry ride from Leland. Once on the island, campers are transported to a world of pristine beaches, historic landmarks, unique ecosystems, and challenging trails. While the camping here is primitive – meaning no showers or electric hookups at the campsites, and the pit toilets may be basic – it’s precisely this ruggedness that appeals to many. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's a "pretty campground near the lake," offering secluded sites with fire pits for that authentic camping feel. Be prepared for the island's wildlife, including famously persistent chipmunks, and remember to pack bug spray for the mosquitoes. The commitment to a low-impact camping philosophy helps preserve the island's fragile ecosystem, ensuring its beauty for generations of Michiganders to enjoy.

Bay Campground is uniquely located on South Manitou Island, a stunning island in Lake Michigan that is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The address listed, Grand Blvd, Leland, MI 49654, USA, refers to the ferry departure point from the mainland, as the campground itself is only accessible by boat. For Michiganders, this adds an exciting dimension to the camping trip – the journey becomes part of the adventure.

Access to South Manitou Island is exclusively via the Manitou Island Transit ferry service, which departs from Fishtown Dock in Leland, MI. The ferry ride itself is approximately 1.5 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes coastline. Reservations for the ferry are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and should be booked well in advance. Upon arrival at the island's village dock, campers must check in with a park ranger. It is crucial to understand that there is "no transportation to the campgrounds," meaning all camping gear and supplies, including water beyond what's available in the village, "must be packed in and out." Wheeled vehicles, including bicycles, carts, and wagons, are generally not permitted on the trails to the campgrounds.

Bay Campground is the closest campground to the village dock, approximately "less than a mile (1.6 km)" walk. This makes it a relatively accessible option for groups who are prepared for a short hike with their gear. The island's remote nature, coupled with its pristine condition, makes the journey worthwhile for those seeking a true wilderness experience within Michigan's cherished national park system.

Bay Campground on South Manitou Island offers a rustic and truly immersive camping experience tailored for groups. The services provided are designed to support a primitive, low-impact camping trip:

• Tent-Only Group Sites: The campground features three reservable group sites, accommodating groups of 9 to 20 people and up to 10 tents per site.
• Secluded Campsites: Sites are described as "well secluded" and "set apart from one another," offering a sense of privacy amidst the natural setting.
• Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit for open fires, allowing for traditional campfires (provided there are no burn bans). Firewood must be purchased on the island or collected from dead and down wood within the park.
• Vault Toilets: Wooden pit toilets (outhouses) are provided for restroom facilities. Campers are advised to bring their own toilet paper.
• Potable Water (Village Only): Critically, the only potable water on South Manitou Island is available in the village area behind the boathouse. Campers at Bay Campground "must carry, boil, or purify their water" for use at their campsite, as there are no water pumps at the campgrounds themselves. It is suggested that each hiker have the capacity to carry a minimum of 2 liters of drinking water.
• No Picnic Tables: Unlike many car campgrounds, individual group sites at Bay Campground do not include picnic tables.
• No Showers or Electric Hookups: Consistent with its primitive nature, there are no showers or electric hookups available at the campground.
• Food Storage Recommendations: Campers are strongly advised to store food in hard containers or hang it to "thwart chipmunks," which are known for trying to get into packs.

Bay Campground on South Manitou Island is rich in unique features and highlights that make it an extraordinary destination for Michigan campers seeking an authentic island wilderness experience:

• Island Wilderness Immersion: As a backcountry facility on an island within a National Lakeshore, it offers a profound sense of solitude, self-reliance, and exploration. The island is small with a fragile ecosystem, emphasizing low-impact camping.
• Close Walk to Lake Michigan Beach: The campground is "near the lake and about a mile from the ranger station," offering easy access to the "beautiful Lake Michigan beach" for swimming, beachcombing, and watching stunning sunsets.
• Abundant Hiking Opportunities: South Manitou Island boasts "beautiful hiking!" Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter via pebble beaches, explore unique sand dune formations, and venture into a grove of "old growth white cedars" that date back over 500 years (with one fallen tree showing 528 growth rings). The famous "Valley of the Giants" is a must-see.
• Historical Exploration: The island is steeped in history. Campers can take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse (during summer months), view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon just offshore, and learn about the island's past through motorized tours or by exploring historic farmsteads.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the island offers exceptional "skywatching" opportunities, allowing for clear views of the stars and Milky Way.
• Secluded & Pretty Sites: Reviews consistently mention the beauty of the campground and the secluded nature of the sites, providing privacy for groups.
• "Easy for Big Groups": The campground is specifically designed to accommodate larger groups, making it an excellent choice for shared adventures.
• Wildlife Viewing: The island is home to diverse flora and fauna, including a large white-tailed deer herd and various raptors. Be prepared for chipmunks and mosquitoes.

For information, permits, and reservations related to Bay Campground on South Manitou Island, contact the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Remember that access requires ferry transportation, which is handled separately.

• Address (Island Location): Grand Blvd, Leland, MI 49654, USA (This address points to the ferry departure location in Leland, not the physical campground on the island).
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Information: (231) 326-4700 ext 5010 (General park information and camping queries).
• Manitou Island Transit (Ferry Reservations): (231) 256-9061. Reservations are essential for ferry transport to the island.
• Camping Reservations (NPS): Group sites at Bay Campground are reservable through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations are required from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through mid-September.

It is crucial to book both your ferry passage and your campground site well in advance, as both can fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer season.

For us Michiganders, Bay Campground on South Manitou Island offers an unparalleled opportunity for a truly immersive and memorable outdoor adventure right within our own state. It's perfectly suited for locals who crave a "primitive camping" experience, are comfortable with self-sufficiency, and are eager to truly disconnect from the modern world. The requirement of a ferry journey and packing in all gear adds to the sense of adventure, making the destination feel genuinely remote and special.

This campground is an ideal choice for groups, whether it's a family reunion, a scout troop, or a gathering of friends, providing spacious and secluded sites that foster camaraderie. The island itself is a living museum and a natural playground. Michiganders can explore unique sand dunes, hike through ancient cedar forests, discover shipwrecks, and climb the historic lighthouse – all activities that highlight the incredible natural and cultural heritage of our state. The direct access to Lake Michigan's pristine beaches for swimming and relaxation further enhances the appeal.

While the basic facilities (like vault toilets and carrying in all water from the village) and the presence of island wildlife like chipmunks and mosquitoes require preparedness, these aspects are part of the authentic wilderness experience. Bay Campground on South Manitou Island is more than just a place to sleep; it's a gateway to an unforgettable Michigan adventure that combines physical challenge, natural beauty, and a deep appreciation for the unique landscapes we are fortunate to call home.

Bay Campground-South Manitou Island

Grand Blvd, Leland, MI 49654, USA