South Manitou Group Campground, Empire, MI

South Manitou Group Campground in Leelanau county is located about 29 miles from Traverse City, MI with an elevation of 579 feet. There are a total of 6 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to mid September. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. There is a fee of $30.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
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Campsite Reviews (13)

3.7 out of 5

5 star
62%
4 star
8%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
31%
@KimberlyB48851 · Camped on Aug 3, 2023 at Campsite #WG3
The group campground had plenty of room and was quiet and tucked away from the other campsites. We enjoyed our stay.
@NicholeC969 · Camped on Jun 29, 2021 at Campsite #BG2
Kyle, our park ranger, made our trip to the island such a lovely adventure!
@NicholeC878648 · Camped on Jun 29, 2021 at Campsite #BG2
Kyle, our park ranger, made our trip to the island such a lovely adventure!
@RyanS4713424 · Camped on Jun 14, 2021 at Campsite #BG1
We were a group and we camped at the Bay Campground. The sites were "Wilderness," but were well maintained, good location to the beach, and provided seclusion as well. The waters of Lake Michigan were clear, various shades of blue, and pristine. There is no electric, no running water, though potable water is less than a mile away. There are many activities on the island including fishing, hiking, swimming, exploring, seeing the active lighthouse to name a few. Beautiful and pristine.
@RyanS133 · Camped on Jun 14, 2021 at Campsite #BG1
We were a group and we camped at the Bay Campground. The sites were "Wilderness," but were well maintained, good location to the beach, and provided seclusion as well. The waters of Lake Michigan were clear, various shades of blue, and pristine. There is no electric, no running water, though potable water is less than a mile away. There are many activities on the island including fishing, hiking, swimming, exploring, seeing the active lighthouse to name a few. Beautiful and pristine.
@AnneB1726325 · Camped on Aug 21, 2020 at Campsite #BG2
We tried to get a refund but couldn't. No transportation to the island last summer. Very disappointed!
@AnneB245 · Camped on Aug 21, 2020 at Campsite #BG2
We tried to get a refund but couldn't. No transportation to the island last summer. Very disappointed!
@ericl593 · Camped on Jul 24, 2020 at Campsite #BG2
The only ferry to the island was closed for the season months ago. I never received a notice from recreation.gov. And I never received a refund. I even contacted recgov twice with no reply. Worst experience ever!
@EricL7685285 · Camped on Jul 24, 2020 at Campsite #BG2
The only ferry to the island was closed for the season months ago. I never received a notice from recreation.gov. And I never received a refund. I even contacted recgov twice with no reply. Worst experience ever!
@MattK8197071 · Camped on Sep 6, 2019 at Campsite #WG1
Super easy.
@MattK722 · Camped on Sep 6, 2019 at Campsite #WG1
Super easy.
@DavidG101 · Camped on Aug 23, 2019 at Campsite #BG1
Awesome!
@DavidG5648223 · Camped on Aug 23, 2019 at Campsite #BG1
Awesome!

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