Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmst
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $25 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25Commercial Entrance - Van: $40Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $40Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25
- HoursThe Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours, however, please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 2313264700 · sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov
From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire on your right. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you swim here?
Yes — swimming is available at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.
Yes Can you camp at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Nearby sites
USFWSmidwest / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
