Popple Campground

About this site

Popple Campground is the most remote and secluded of the three campgrounds on South Manitou Island, located approximately 3.5 miles from the ferry dock at the northern tip of the island. The campground features 7 individual first-come, first-served sites positioned near the beach, offering campers a true wilderness experience within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Access to the island requires taking the Manitou Island Transit ferry from Leland, Michigan, or arriving by private boat with proper authorization. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for backcountry conditions. No potable water is available, so water filtration equipment is essential. Vault toilets are provided year-round, but there are no showers or other amenities. Each site has access to communal metal fire rings, and campers may only use down and dead wood for fires. A camping permit and park entrance pass are required, and permits must be purchased before boarding the ferry at the Leland dock. Sites are limited to 4 persons and 2 tents per site. Pets, bicycles, and all wheeled vehicles are prohibited on the island trails and in the campgrounds.

Amenities & access

Contact

• +1 (231) 326-4700
• https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Location

45.046326, -86.115505