Warning
GeneralThe Ironman Michigan triathlon will be taking place Sunday, September 20, 2026.The bike course takes place on M-22 and will have significant impact on local traffic. M-22 will be closed from 8:30 am to approximately 2 pm between the City of Frankfort and Esch Road.To avoid road closures, arriving campers should not arrive before the scheduled check-in time of 2 pm.To avoid road closures, departing campers should exit by 8:30 am via Deadstream Road, Platte Road, or M-22 northbound. Southbound M-22 will be closed.
About Platte River Campground
Number of accommodations: 171
Campground Amenities
-
Beach Access -
Pet Friendly -
Potable Water -
Lake Access -
River Access -
Showers -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
171 Sites Available
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Site Details
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171 Sites Available
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Reviews (565)
What Guests Are Saying
Platte River Campground is praised for its spacious, well-kept sites and clean facilities, making it a favorite among campers. Visitors enjoyed the beautiful natural surroundings, easy access to hiking trails, and proximity to Lake Michigan, contributing to a peaceful and enjoyable experience. While some noted minor inconveniences, such as spotty cell service and layout issues, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, with many eager to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Platte River Campground is praised for its spacious, well-kept sites and clean facilities, making it a favorite among campers. Visitors enjoyed the beautiful natural surroundings, easy access to hiking trails, and proximity to Lake Michigan, contributing to a peaceful and enjoyable experience. While some noted minor inconveniences, such as spotty cell service and layout issues, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, with many eager to return.
Review Summary
Jeffrey M
VerifiedJuly 24, 2024 • Stayed at: A001, Loop: Walk-In
Lovely campground.
Lalith S
VerifiedJuly 24, 2024 • Stayed at: G003, Loop: Group Sites
great place to camp, we camped with kids and in-laws, will come back again.....
Kaitlyn D
VerifiedJuly 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 401, Loop: Loop 4
Quite campground, beautiful walk to lake MI, clean! Highly recommend
Gregory K
VerifiedJuly 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 214, Loop: Loop 2
We had a great stay at this campground. Our site was one of the more private ones of which there seemed to be quite a few. It was beautiful there with lots of birds and trees. The bathrooms were nice and cleaned regularly. The loop we were in was nearly silent at night and in the early morning. I almost felt bad getting up and making coffee it was so quite and peaceful. The firewood was available but overpriced and not completely seasoned (I know because it was hard to get lit and then sizzled the whole time it burned) but it burned. The campground was near the Platte River and close to the beach. There was a trail to the beach from the campground which was nice and shaded. We had a very nice stay here.
Helen K
VerifiedJuly 21, 2024 • Stayed at: 432, Loop: Loop 4
There are so many things to do. Kayaking, rock hunting, Frankfort and Glen Arbor. Many hiking tails and Glen Lake picnic area.
There are so many things to do the we didn't have time to do them all.
Diana B
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 209, Loop: Loop 2
Platte River is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. Ever since COVID hit the US and suddenly everyone thought "Let's RV!", this campground has now become one of the most difficult campgrounds in which to get a reservation. Magazine Articles and Bloggers have showcased Platte River Campground and The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area and this information has stimulated and driven an interest in this beautiful area of Northern Michigan. If you plan to camp at Platte River, plan a long enough stay to be able to enjoy the entire area. It takes at least one day just to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Park Passes are required. For the younger visitors (or those young at heart), stop at the Phillip A Hart Visitor's Center in Empire or the Ranger Station at the Platte River Campground to obtain a "Junior Ranger" Activity booklet and . This is a great way for the entire family to learn about every point of interest stop on the Sleeping Bear Dunes self-guided tour. Completed booklets can be turned in to the Ranger's Station at the campground or the Visitor's Center and "Junior Rangers" receive a badge of completion. Riverside Canoe Trips or The Trading Post both offer float trips or kayaks and tubing down the Platte River to the terminus at Lake Michigan. Riverside Canoe has a nice camp store and offers a wide assortment of paddling gear and tourist related items at fairly reasonable prices. Other local must see and do's are: Point Betsie Lighthouse and Crystal Gardens both off south M-22. The historic town of Frankfort with both Beach and Pier. Elberta Bluffs for hang-gliding and "soaring" in a glider at the Frankfort airfield. Eateries: Cherry Hut in Beulah for cherry pie and cherry chicken salad, The Manitou for an upscale dining experience on M-22. Gwen Frostic Prints and The Alpaca Farm off River Road between Benzonia and Frankfort following the Betsie River. Charter Fishing in Betsie Bay. Farmer Markets, etc. Have Fun
John W
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 425, Loop: Loop 4
Our site was great for tent camping. It had a huge pad large enough for our tent, picnic table, fire ring/grill and our chairs. It was also near the restroom/showers and water. There are trees affording some privacy between sites. There were a few mosquitoes but less than expected this time of year.
Danelle D
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 142, Loop: Loop 1
The best campground in Michigan in my opinion. Bathrooms & showers are always clean, staff is very friendly, campsites are big & not close together. I’ve been camping here since the 70’s & will continue to return every year!
Henry M
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 119, Loop: Loop 1
The road resurfacing is very bad. Its rough and BB sized pits stick to shoes and are in tents and trailers. It is the worst.
Julie S
VerifiedJuly 16, 2024 • Stayed at: D003, Loop: Walk-In
Platte River has been our favorite place to camp for over 40 years. We first camped at Platte River when it was a state park in 1980, and have been camping there for every year since. We camped when first married, with our kids for 20+ years, and now as empty nesters. We always camp in the walk-in sites and love having our own site, listening to the sounds of nature, and the clean bathrooms. Thank you for helping us create lifelong memories.
Location Platte River Campground
Address:
5685 Lake Michigan Road
Honor, MI, 49640
United States
From the east (Traverse City): Take State Highway M-72 west to Empire. Turn south on State Highway M-22. Proceed 10 miles 16 km) (and turn right on Lake Michigan Road. Follow the signs to Platte River Campground.
From the south (US-31/M-115): At the junction of U.S. Route 31 and M-115, continue north for seven miles (11 km). Turn left on Platte Road. Proceed five miles and turn right on M-22. Proceed one mile (1.6 km) and turn left on Lake Michigan Road. Follow the signs to Platte River Campground.
PHYSICAL CAMPGROUND ADDRESS: 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI, 49640
Latitude & Longitude: 44.7128 / -86.1178
Elevation: 184 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| 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 America the Beautiful (e.g., Resident Annual, Non-Resident 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. |
| General |
Permit Conditions:1. Campers must check-in at the campground office immediately upon arrival.2. Campers must notify the campground at 231-326-4700 ext. 5029 if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check-in time or their reservation will be cancelled; they will be charged the first night's camping fee plus a $20 no show fee.3. Check-in time is 2 pm Check-out time is noon.4. Camping is permitted only in designated areas, on the established tent pads, and paved parking pads. All vehicles, wheeled camping units, and trailers must remain on pavement and off gravel or vegetation.5. No more than six (6) people and only one wheeled camping unit will be permitted on each site.6. Quiet hours are 10 pm - 6 am. Noise levels must be controlled at all times.7. Generator use is prohibited at Platte River Campground.8. ACTIVE BEAR AREA: Store food, drinks, ice chests/coolers (empty or full), toiletries, trash/recyclables, food prep tools and all scented items in a sealed hard sided vehicle or food storage locker day and night. Never feed wildlife.9. To prevent and slow the spread of forest pests and diseases, you may only burn NPS approved firewood. Firewood may be purchased between the entrances of Loops 2 and 3.10. Confine all fires to the fire ring and burn only dead, down, and detached wood, manufactured logs, or charcoal. Fires must be completely extinguished with water. Do not leave fires unattended. Do not burn trash.11. The use of burning torches, commonly referred to tiki or bug torches, is prohibited.12. It is unlawful to cut, destroy, or damage any standing tree, shrub or plant, or possess any green vegetation within the park, including flowers. Do not injure trees with nails or by hanging hot lanterns on or against the trunk.13. Wheeled devices, including bicycles, wheelbarrows, wagons, and trailers are prohibited on foot trails. These items are also prohibited in walk-in and group campsites.14. Pets must be on a six-foot leash under restraint or caged at all times. Do not leave pets unattended. Pet owners are responsible for all cleanup. Pets are prohibited in group camp areas.15. Containers must be kept under drains and emptied only at the dump station.16. The washing of dishes, hands, hair, or brushing teeth, etc. at outdoor water faucets is prohibited. Washing vehicles at the dump station is prohibited.17. Camping is limited to 14 TOTAL days per designated campground between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.18. Unless registered for a group or walk-in site, parking in those areas is prohibited. Overflow parking is available at Platte River Picnic Area located at Lake Michigan Road and M-22. |
| General |
Violation of terms may result in permit suspension, revocation and/or issuance of a citation by law enforcement. |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralThe Ironman Michigan triathlon will be taking place Sunday, September 20, 2026.The bike course takes place on M-22 and will have significant impact on local traffic. M-22 will be closed from 8:30 am to approximately 2 pm between the City of Frankfort and Esch Road.To avoid road closures, arriving campers should not arrive before the scheduled check-in time of 2 pm.To avoid road closures, departing campers should exit by 8:30 am via Deadstream Road, Platte Road, or M-22 northbound. Southbound M-22 will be closed.
