South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Campers must take a 1.5-hour ferry or boat ride to reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock.
Can you go to Manitou Island?
Getting there Access to North and South Manitou Islands is by private boat or by passenger ferry service run by Manitou Island Transit (231-256-9061). The ferry service operates from the Fishtown Dock located in Leland, MI.
Does anyone live on Manitou Island?
It has a land area of 57.876 km2 (22.346 sq mi) and has no population. The smaller South Manitou Island lies to its southwest.
Is North or South Manitou Island better?
The smaller South Manitou is a friendlier day-trip destination. Only posers go there. The TRULY RUGGED go to North Manitou for its “primitive camping” experience.
Are there bears on South Manitou Island?
There are no bears on South Manitou Island but should take precautions to protect your food from chipmunks and other small animals.
Are there bathrooms on South Manitou Island?
We dock in the village on South Manitou. This is where the ranger station is located. There are restrooms in the village with running water and a drinking fountain/pump. There are NO showers.
Are there bears on Manitou Island Michigan?
There have also been nests in the Sleeping Bear Point area and near the Southern boundary of the park. In addition, they breed on North Manitou Island.
Are there bears on Manitou island Michigan?
Are there bears on North Manitou Island?
The Manitou Islands have no bears on them unlike most of Northern Michigan.
Can you kayak to South Manitou Island?
We’ve just paddled our loaded sea kayaks across eight miles of open water on Lake Michigan, crossing from the mainland beach of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the twin South and North Manitou Islands. Get the Manitou Islands Sea Kayaking GoGuide!
Is there cell service on South Manitou Island?
There is limited cell coverage on the Manitou Islands. Do not rely on your cell phone for emergency communication while in the Lakeshore.
Are there cars on Manitou island?
ALTHOUGH CARS DO NOT GO TO THE ISLAND, THIS IS HOW THE NATIONAL PARK CHARGES. THE COST IS $25.00 PER GROUP OR WHOEVER RODE TOGETHER. ANNUAL PASSES ARE $45.00 GOOD FOR ONE FULL YEAR IN SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL PARK.
What is North Manitou Island known for?
The Manitou Islands are a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Most of the entire area is available for hiking, camping and exploration. The 15,000 acres of North Manitou Island are managed as a wilderness area, with the exception of the village.
Is there a ferry to South Manitou Island?
Manitou Island Transit provides regular ferry service to both islands for campers and day trips to South Manitou, which had the only natural harbor along the Michigan shore for 200 miles. No results in this area. Try moving the map or selecting a different category filter to find more results.
What is the difference between North and South Manitou Island?
The 15,000 acres of North Manitou Island are managed as a wilderness area, with the exception of the village. Manitou Island Transit provides regular ferry service to both islands for campers and day trips to South Manitou, which had the only natural harbor along the Michigan shore for 200 miles. No results in this area.
