1. Refined Travel
  2. Parks Near Me
  3. Michigan
  4. Benzie County
  5. Honor
  6. Parks in Lake Michigan Road
  7. Platte River Campground

Platte River Campground

Platte River Campground 1Platte River Campground 2Platte River Campground 3Platte River Campground 4Platte River Campground 5Platte River Campground 6Platte River Campground 7Platte River Campground 8Platte River Campground 9Platte River Campground 10

Platte River Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (231) 326-4700

Address 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor, MI 49640, USA

Website https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/platterivercamp.htm

Hours

Platte River Campground Location & Map

MichiganBenzie CountyHonorLake Michigan Road

Platte River Campground About

Are you a Michigander seeking an unforgettable camping experience amidst some of our state's most iconic natural landscapes? Platte River Campground, nestled within the spectacular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Honor, MI, is a highly favored destination for good reason. Renowned for its beautiful sites, clean facilities, and unparalleled access to both the serene Platte River and the majestic Lake Michigan, this campground offers a truly immersive outdoor adventure. Whether you're an RVer looking for a level spot, a tent camper seeking privacy, or a family eager to explore breathtaking trails, Platte River Campground provides an ideal setting. This article will guide you through the features, services, and local suitability of what many consider their "top pick for Michigan camping."

Platte River Campground is celebrated as one of Michigan's premier camping destinations, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. Located within the world-renowned Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it provides campers with direct access to a diverse array of ecosystems, from lush forests to pristine freshwater beaches. The campground itself is described as "beautiful," with "sites that are fairly private" and a "beautiful" Platte River running nearby. This emphasis on natural surroundings ensures a peaceful and picturesque setting for your stay.

Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities, with reviews noting that "The bathrooms were clean" and "Showers and bathrooms are clean." This commitment to maintenance significantly enhances the comfort level for all campers. Furthermore, the campground's staff often receives high praise; "All the Rangers we encountered were super helpful and kind." While there was an isolated negative experience with a specific camp host, the overall sentiment points to a welcoming and supportive environment. Campers also appreciate the practicality of the sites, mentioning that "The pads for parking campers seem very level, ours was perfect!" and that "The sites are level and well maintained." The direct access to the Platte River for paddling and tubing, and a scenic "mile hike from the campground" to Lake Michigan, make it a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise. For many Michiganders, Platte River Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a cherished part of their outdoor tradition, often lauded as their "top pick for Michigan camping!"

Location and Accessibility

Platte River Campground is ideally situated at 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor, MI 49640, USA. This prime location places it directly within the southern district of the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, arguably one of Michigan's most stunning natural treasures. Its address on Lake Michigan Road signifies its close proximity to the grand freshwater sea.

For Michiganders, accessibility to Platte River Campground is excellent. The campground is easily reachable via well-maintained state highways, including M-22, a scenic coastal route that winds through charming lakeside towns, and US-31, a major north-south artery. This means whether you're coming from downstate Michigan or other parts of Northern Michigan, the drive is relatively straightforward. While the campground offers a sense of being immersed in nature, essential amenities are still within a reasonable driving distance. The village of Honor provides basic services, and larger towns like Empire or Beulah offer more extensive shopping and dining options. Traverse City, with its vibrant downtown, diverse restaurants, and cultural attractions, is typically about a 30-40 minute scenic drive away. This convenient balance of secluded natural beauty and access to local services makes Platte River Campground an ideal base for exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes region and the wider Northern Michigan area, allowing campers to fully embrace both wilderness adventures and charming town experiences.

Services Offered

  • Spacious Campsites: The campground offers a variety of sites, including those suitable for RVs and tents. RV pads are noted to be "very level," ensuring easy setup. Sites are generally "fairly private."

  • Electric Hookups: Many sites offer electric hookups (specific amp service may vary by site), providing power for RVs and electronic devices. Note that some sites might have fire rings/picnic tables "behind the camper" which is good for tents but may require longer cords for RVs.

  • Clean Restrooms and Showers: Consistently praised in reviews, the "bathrooms were clean" and "Showers and bathrooms are clean," indicating well-maintained and hygienic facilities for all campers.

  • Dump Station: A dump station is typically available at campgrounds of this size, allowing RVers to properly dispose of their wastewater.

  • Potable Water: Access to clean, potable water is available within the campground.

  • Recycling Facilities: While not explicitly stated, national park campgrounds often provide recycling options to promote environmental responsibility.

  • Ranger Assistance: Park Rangers are frequently on-site and are noted as being "super helpful and kind," offering assistance, guidance, and information about the park and campground.

Features / Highlights

  • Prime Location within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The campground's position within one of Michigan's most stunning national parks provides immediate access to iconic sand dunes, pristine beaches, and extensive trail systems. "The location is amazing, within the Sleeping Bear Dunes national park."

  • Direct Access to Platte River: The "beautiful Platte River" runs through or very near the campground, offering excellent opportunities for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. Many campers use this river as a gentle float experience ending at Lake Michigan.

  • Proximity to Lake Michigan Beach: An "amazing beach close by" on Lake Michigan is a significant draw. While it's "about a mile hike from the campground," the trail to it is described as "breathtaking," making the journey part of the experience.

  • Beautiful and Private Sites: Campers appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the sites, describing them as "beautiful" and "fairly private." The "level and well maintained" pads for campers also ensure a comfortable setup.

  • Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: The consistent praise for "clean bathrooms" and showers greatly enhances the camping experience, providing a high level of comfort and hygiene for a national park campground.

  • Helpful and Friendly Park Rangers: The positive interactions with "super helpful and kind" Rangers contribute significantly to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, providing valuable local knowledge and assistance.

  • Ideal for Various Activities: The combination of the river, lake, and extensive trails makes the campground perfect for a wide range of activities including hiking, swimming, paddling, fishing, and scenic drives, ensuring there's "so much to see and do."

Promotions or Special Offers

Platte River Campground is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) as part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As such, it operates under federal fee structures and typically does not offer commercial promotions or discounts in the same way a private campground might. Reservations are generally made through Recreation.gov.

However, Michiganders should be aware of several passes that can influence the overall cost of their visit to federal lands:

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the National Lakeshore, which is separate from the camping fee. This fee is typically a per-vehicle fee or an individual fee. An annual park-specific pass is available and can be cost-effective for frequent visitors.

  • America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series: For frequent visitors to federal lands across the U.S., purchasing one of these passes (e.g., Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, Military Pass) can provide significant savings. These passes cover the entrance fee to national parks and other federal recreation sites, though they typically do not cover the camping fees themselves unless specifically noted for certain campgrounds.

Camping fees for Platte River Campground are determined by the National Park Service and are subject to change. It is crucial for prospective campers to check the official Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore website or Recreation.gov for the most current fee schedules, reservation policies, and any specific regulations regarding their stay. Planning ahead and securing reservations well in advance is highly recommended, especially during Michigan's popular summer and fall seasons.

Contact Information

For Michiganders planning a memorable camping trip to Platte River Campground, here is the essential contact information for inquiries and assistance:

Address: 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor, MI 49640, USA

Phone: (231) 326-4700 (This is the main phone number for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Headquarters)

Mobile Phone: +1 231-326-4700 (Same as the main number, indicating a direct line for the park)

When contacting the park, you can inquire about campground specifics, availability (though reservations are primarily via Recreation.gov), park rules, trail conditions, and general information about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. For making actual reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official Recreation.gov website, as this is the primary platform for booking campsites at federal parks. Planning your trip well in advance, especially for popular seasons in Michigan, is crucial due to high demand. Utilizing these official channels will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit to Platte River Campground.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Michigan residents, Platte River Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in one of our state's most cherished natural treasures. Its location directly within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides instant access to iconic dunes, pristine forests, and the stunning waters of Lake Michigan and the Platte River. This proximity to such diverse and breathtaking natural beauty makes it a top pick for those seeking an authentic Michigan outdoor adventure.

Campers consistently praise the "beautiful, fairly private" sites and the "level and well maintained" pads, ensuring a comfortable and easy setup for RVs and tents alike. The "clean bathrooms" and showers are a significant draw, providing essential comforts that enhance the overall experience. The positive interactions with "super helpful and kind" Park Rangers further contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment, making guests feel valued and informed.

The unique opportunity to tube or kayak down the "beautiful Platte River" directly from the campground, culminating in a serene float to Lake Michigan, is a cherished local experience. The "breathtaking" mile-long hike to the Lake Michigan beach adds another layer of adventure and reward. Despite an isolated negative experience with a specific camp host, the overwhelming sentiment positions Platte River Campground as a top choice. For Michiganders, this campground represents the very best of what our state has to offer: stunning scenery, diverse recreational opportunities, and a comfortable base from which to create lasting memories in the heart of Northern Michigan's natural splendor. It is, unequivocally, a place where locals can truly appreciate and enjoy their own magnificent backyard.

Customer Reviews

4.0
543 reviews
c
courtney chandler
Apr 30, 2025

We camped during the off season. The campground is beautiful, sites are fairly private. There is so much to see and the Platte River is beautiful. All the Rangers we encountered were super helpful and kind. The bathrooms were clean. Lake Michigan is about a mile hike from the campground. The pads for parking campers seem very level, ours was perfect! Only two complaints. A LOT of the sites have the fire ring and picnic table on a pad that is behind the camper. But, for tents this won't matter. Then, on our last night at the park, the new camp host arrived. He was quite rude and starting shoving his political beliefs in my husband's face amongst other things. Some guy from Iowa. Hopefully there's a different host when we return!

H
H T
May 09, 2025

We love this campground! The sites are level and well maintained. Showers and bathrooms are clean. The location is amazing, within the Sleeping Bear Dunes national park. The trail to the beach is breathtaking! Our top pick for Michigan camping! This is site 312

J
Jack Glazko
Jan 10, 2025

Winter camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes is definitely doable. The Platte River campground is beautiful and pretty empty except for the ranger. The campground has better space between the sites than the State of Michigan Campgrounds, by far. And a heated and modern bathroom, even in January, and even some electric equipped campsites. It's about a 1 mile walk/ski to the Lake Michigan shoreline from here via a trail that starts at campground loop 2. And plenty of other hiking from the campgrounds. If you would rather drive, or are in for a 2.5 mile walk, you can take the paved road to the end. There is a township park there (fee for parking in warmer months) and the views are beautiful. No trouble getting to the park - the main roads are cleared quickly, even with lake effect snow. I was impressed enough that we've scheduled a campsite for summer. Looks like it's totally amazing then, and the number of reservations really shows that. Note: those big dunes in the park (see pics) are north of here several miles. So you will likely want to drive or bike to that.

L
Lawrence Pareene
May 04, 2025

One of the nicer NPS campgrounds, all sites are paved and generally level. The showers are nice and hot, clean bathrooms, trash available and potable water. Many hikes in the park with a couple right from the campground.

C
Carter Alan
Oct 01, 2024

Nice campgrounds. Very wooded and close to plenty of water for fishing and kayaking. Lake Michigan is a quarter mile hike away, and the Platte River has float trips close by. There are several walk-in tent sites that are accessible by trail. But these campsites are basic with only a firepit and tent pad. Clean bathrooms are a short walk and come with hot water, cleaning station, and showers. Definitely worth a visit