Platte River Campground

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

Walk-in sites were well located and spread out from one another + areas where campers/trailers are allowed allowing one to listen to the sounds of the outdoors.

All facilities were well maintained.

Only disappointment is finding all the ADA sites occupied by able bodied individuals and family's with no handicapped person in site. I believe the price foe ADA Sites should be doubled and if a Handicapped placard or Access pass is presented the price goes back to normal for the site and pass presented. These are the best sites in the park, but they were put in to comply with the ADA and not for the general public. I am disappointed the NPS just plays lip service to the ADA. Being physically disabled and seeing other physically disabled individuals having to make the long walk to the restrooms using a walker or other mobility device is disgusting. You can't occupy an ADA parking space at the local store without paying a fine so paying double for the ADA sites could be considered a fine for the inconsiderate entitled people. It has been several years since I have been able to get an ADA Site for me and my wife. Hopefully the NPS will look into making the ADA Sites available for the people they were installed for in the first place.

This was a quick, late-night to early-morning stopover. It seemed crowded and the sites are close together, but at least there is shrubbery between each site. Seemed nice.

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.

Very spacious, private sites. Very clean campground and quiet. Loved it!

An excellently run, well-maintained campground that we regularly return to. Thanks!

The new pavement is absolutely awful. It's like a meat grinder when you fall on it.... something needs to be done about it.

Bathrooms and shower were not as clean as we have experienced before.

Staff was very polite, and the campground host helped us with a trailer issue.

This is my favorite campground. I have been coming there for 35 years. Just when I think I've seen all the sites, I find a new one. This year, I watched a mama snapping turtle play her eggs and then bravely fight the waves to swim out into Lake Michigan. Such a testimony to the power of nature and motherhood! Inspiring!

This campground offers large campsites. It feels private though the shower facilities are not too far away. I kayaked both the Platte and Crystal Rivers. I love coming to the Sleeping Bear region.