Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates7 total sites
Tent Sites
7 sites
About White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits
Number of accommodations: 7
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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7 Sites Available
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Reviews (15)
What Guests Are Saying
White Pine Backcountry Campground offers well-maintained trails and clean, spacious sites, making it a lovely backcountry destination near Lake Michigan. Campers appreciate the serene atmosphere, quiet surroundings, and proximity to a private beach, with amenities like fire pits and bear lockers enhancing the experience. However, visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes and potential issues with the pit toilet, as well as the need for more detailed information about the campground online.
What Guests Are Saying
White Pine Backcountry Campground offers well-maintained trails and clean, spacious sites, making it a lovely backcountry destination near Lake Michigan. Campers appreciate the serene atmosphere, quiet surroundings, and proximity to a private beach, with amenities like fire pits and bear lockers enhancing the experience. However, visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes and potential issues with the pit toilet, as well as the need for more detailed information about the campground online.
Review Summary
Emerick D
VerifiedJune 1, 2026 • Stayed at: White Pine Campground, Loop: White Pine
Hidden gem!
Jonathan D
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 • Stayed at: White Pine Campground, Loop: White Pine
Excellent easy introduction to backpacking for a newbie. Really close to an amazing beach on Lake Michigan. Be aware that the mosquitos are thick!
Mary J
VerifiedAugust 15, 2026 • Stayed at: White Pine Campground, Loop: White Pine
Lovely backcountry campground with 6 individual sites, 2 community fire pits, 2 food storage lockers and an outhouse (no water pump). Its located between 2 ridges so not a lot of breeze during a humid Aug stay with the mosquitoes. Two diff paths about 1/3 mile long take you to a 4 mile strech of Lake MI shoreline all to yourselves. Amazing!
Nolan L
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 • Stayed at: White Pine Campground, Loop: White Pine
Very clean sites. Beautiful walk to the beach and very minimal bugs. All campers were quiet and respectful. Awesome experience
Andrew F
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 • Stayed at: White Pine Campground, Loop: White Pine
Well maintained trails and campsite.
Location White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits
Address:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI, 49630
United States
FROM THE EAST (Traverse City): Take State Highway M-72 west to Empire. Turn south on State Highway M-22.
- To Trails End Road: Drive 6 miles to Trails End Road - turn right
Drive 1 mile to the trailhead
- To Platte Plains Ski Trail Parking: Drive 6.5 miles - the trailhead parking area will be on the right
- To Peterson Road: Drive 9.5 miles to Peterson Road - turn right
Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead unloading zone on the right
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FROM THE SOUTH (US-31 / M-115): At the junction of US-31 and M-115, continue north for seven miles. Turn left onto Platte Road. Proceed five miles and turn right onto M-22.
- To Peterson Road: Drive 1.5 miles to Peterson Road - turn left
Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead unloading zone on the right
- To Platte Plains Ski Trail Parking: Drive 4.5 miles - the trailhead parking area will be on the left
- To Trails End Road: Drive 5 miles to Trails End Road turn left
Drive 1 mile to the trailhead
Elevation: 183 feet
7 mi drive to downtown Empire (about 13 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
General
- Entrance Fees - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of entrance fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park. All visitors must have an entrance pass (separate from camping fees). The park also honors Federal Recreational Lands interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, military, 4th grade, Golden Age). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page. The Michigan Recreation Passport is not valid for entry at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is a federally managed site.
- 1. This is a required permit area. Print your permit and have it in your possession during your stay. 3. A maximum of two tents and four people are permitted at each backcountry campsite. To minimize impact to natural resources, set up your tent in the cleared area of your campsite. Do not set up your tent on vegetation. 4. Camp only in one of the six designated campsites. Sites are not assigned in advance. Campers choose from the unoccupied sites upon arrival. Each site has a numbered post at its entrance. 5. Use a backpack-style stove for cooking or use the community fire rings provided. Only burn dead, down, and detached wood in the fire ring. Do not burn trash or leave aluminum, glass, or other non-burnable materials in the fire ring. Beach fires are restricted to bare beach sand between the water's edge and the first dune. Do not leave fires unattended. 6. Carry out all refuse. Please leave a clean, neat campsite for the next camper. 7. Pets are prohibited in White Pine Backcountry Campground. 8. Bicycles, wheeled devices, wheelbarrows, wagons, carts, and trailers are prohibited on the Platte Plains trail and the White Pine Backcountry Campground. Do not create short-cuts. 9. Keep all food, drinks, coolers, toiletries, hygiene products, trash, recyclables, and scented items stored in the provided food storage lockers when not in use. Do not feed the wildlife.
- Violation of terms may result in permit suspension, revocation and/or issuance of a citation by law enforcement.
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Last updated: September 9, 2026
