Campground · MI
White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits
MI · Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits is generally easy to book. Across the 5 months we have reservation data for, difficulty peaks in August (3/10) and eases to its lowest in May (2/10). The heat strip below breaks down every month — pick one for its full odds, lead-time chart, and easier nearby alternatives.
Booking difficulty by month
Midweek tip: in the busiest month (August), arrivals are lightest on Wednesday — shift your dates to improve your odds.
When reservations open
Booking window
Reservations open on a rolling 6-month window at 7:00 AM America/New York.
For example, sites for April 15, 2027 become bookable on October 15, 2026. Set a reminder a few minutes before release for the best shot.
Standard Recreation.gov 6-month rolling window: sites become bookable 6 months before arrival at 7:00 AM ET.
Sites & amenities
Activities: BACKPACKING, BIRDING, CAMPING, HIKING, FISHING, PHOTOGRAPHY, PICNICKING, SWIMMING, STAR GAZING, WATER ACCESS, WILDLIFE VIEWING
How much does it cost to camp at White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits?
Camping Use Fee: The camping fee is $13 per campsite per night. Entrance Fee: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of entrance fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park (by private vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, boat or on foot). All visitors must pay an entrance fee (separate from camping fees). The park also honors valid America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands annual or lifetime passes (also known as an interagency pass, e.g., Senior, 4th Grade, Military, etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page. Current Vehicle Fees:. $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore vehicle entrance fee (1-7 days).
Fee details as listed on Recreation.gov. Rates and passes change by season, so confirm the current price on Recreation.gov before you book.