Camping.com

RV Road Trip

RV Road Trip

RV Camping | Road Trip Ideas

Hit the Road and Camp America!

More...
RV Stuff

RV Stuff

Top RV camping trips and Tips

Top Trip & RV Camping Tips

More...
Family Camping Fun

Family Camping Fun

Family Camping Fun | Hot Spots

Camping tips and trip ideas for the whole family

More...
Camping Gems

Camping Gems

Camping Trip | Hidden Treasures

Find hidden treasures for camping and RV road trips

More...
Camp Cuisine

Camp Cuisine

Recipes | RV & Campsite Cooking

Recipes for Camping and RV Cooking

More...
Camp Styles

Camp Styles

Tips | For the Way You Camp

Tips and Trip Ideas for Every Type of Camper or RVer

More...

Camping Gem | Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore

Share/Save/Bookmark

Michigan Camping | Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore


Michigan's Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful year-round destination. Located in the lower peninsula  of Michigan, this National Lakeshore has plenty of history and amazing recreation destination. Throughout the year visitors will find fun recreation and fascinating attractions.

Visitors to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore will find 35 miles of Lake Michigan beaches. In addition the area protects rivers, lakes, sandy beaches, islands and much more. The region's unique geological characteristics were formed by the passage of glaciers through the region millions of years ago. Today, visitors will see sand dunes, clear waters, hills, valleys and much more.

The Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes are a great year-round destination. During the spring, summer and fall visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, hiking and more. In the winter the hiking trails are covered in snow and become excellent destinations for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and more.

One of the first characteristics of this National Lakeshore are the miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy walking along these beaches and may even find a Petoskey Stone, which are the fossils of coral that lived in the waters covering the region millions of years ago. the sandy beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing and more.

Visitors to the dunes can also enjoy plenty of hiking opportunities. There are over 100 miles of hiking trails within the lakeshore, including hiking on the dunes and through the Beech-Maple forest. Along these hiking trails there are many scenic overlooks to enjoy, including Pyramid Point. Visitors can hike along the dunes on the Cottonwood Trail and on the Dune Climb. The popular Dune Climb allows visitors to traverse the sandy dunes, see views of Glen Lake, or can continue on through the dunes for a longer hike to see Lake Michigan.

Travelers can also take the scenic drive through the park. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers great views of the park for all visitors. It is a seven mile drive, which passes through the Beech-Maple forest, as well as the sand dunes. While driving this path, travelers will catch views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan.

In addition to the recreational opportunities, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore has plenty of attractions. Visitors can explore the village of Glen Haven, which has been restored to its condition in 1900. Within the town there is a Blacksmith Shop, the Cannery Boathouse, which has displays of boats used on the Great Lakes. The Glen Haven General Store is a great attraction with items that were available during the 1900s. Other attractions include the Glen Haven Maritime Museum and more.

Visitors can also take some time to visit North and South Manitou Islands. South Manitou Island is a great destination. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse, which has amazing views of the island. The island also has hiking trails through historic farmsteads, visit the historic schoolhouse and even the wreck of the Francisco Morazan.

Throughout the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore visitors will find a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. The dunes provide a great hike and views. Along the miles of lakeshore there are plenty of places to swim and walk and enjoy much more. In addition, there are many historic attractions to enjoy and much more. This year-round destination will have something for everyone to enjoy.
You are here: Home Articles and Info Camping Gems Camping Gem | Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore