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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Laws & Policies
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The following regulations are published in the 2008 Superintendent's Compendium (pdf file, 969 kb), which is available in pdf format by clicking the link. Regulations specific to various areas or activities have been included in the web pages describing those activities. Click on the topic of interest and you will go directly to those regulations or browse through the entire set. Closures and Public Use Limits Permits Resource Protection, Public Use and Recreation Vehicles and Traffic Safety Special Regulations
General Public Use All public use in any area closed by the Superintendent and identified with an official sign as closed is prohibited. Park campgrounds, or sections of park campgrounds may be closed, when there is limited maintenance staff, low visitation, lack of funds to allow for re-vegetation and recovery, or weather. In addition, areas may be temporarily closed for a variety of reasons including site restoration, protection of at risk endangered or threatened animal and plant species, and protection of fragile cultural and historic sites. Entry into any posted nesting area located anywhere in the park is prohibited from May 1 through September 15, or as posted. Entry into the Empire Park Maintenance area is limited to NPS employees, FAA and/or Air Force employees and their authorized agents, and delivery and service personnel for the above listed agencies. Only authorized personnel are allowed to fire weapons on the Park Firearms Range. Ground blinds may be built with natural dead or downed material, but must be dismantled within seven days after the close of the hunting season. When dismantling ground blinds the area must be returned to its natural setting. The dragging of boards, sleds, or other platforms loaded with equipment or supplies, is prohibited on non-snow covered trails.
Boating Restrictions The following lakes and streams are closed to use of all (electric or gasoline-powered) motorized vessels in accordance with National Park Service wilderness management policies and/or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore management policies: Benzie County -
Bass Lake
Deer Lake
Otter Lake
Otter Creek
Round Lake Leelanau County -
Florence Lake (SouthManitouIsland)
Hidden Lake
Lake Manitou (North Manitou Island)
Narada Lake
North Bar Lake
Shalda Creek
Shell Lake
Tamarack Lake (North Manitou Island)
Tucker Lake The following non-wilderness interior lakes, streams and rivers, are designated as No Wake zones for all motorized vessels. Benzie County -
Loon Lake
Platte River Leelanau County -
Bass Lake
Crystal River
School Lake The temporary mooring of private boats to National Park Service docks located on the Manitou Islands is limited to thirty minutes from May 1st through November 20th. The temporary mooring of private boats to the Platte River Picnic Area boardwalk, and to the Loon Lake dock is limited to one hour. Climbing upon, or the mooring of vessels to the shipwreck Francisco Morazan is prohibited.
Personal Watercraft Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is closed to personal watercraft activity, which include the following areas: The waters of Lake Michigan within ¼ mile of the shoreline surrounding both North and SouthManitouIslands. The waters of Lake Michigan within ¼ mile of the mainland. All inland lakes within the National Lakeshore. The waters from the mid-point of the body of water to the National Park Service property on Bass Lake, Crystal River, Shalda Creek, Platte River, Loon Lake, and Otter Creek. The waters of Little Glen Lake between the closure buoys and the shoreline at the NPS picnic area.
Dunes The use of skis, skiboards, sleds, toboggans, saucer sleds, inflatable tubes or similar equipment on sand dunes is prohibited except at the Dune Climb when it is covered by snow and within the designated area. However, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all snow-covered trails and/or dunes of the Lakeshore. For the protection of fragile dune vegetation such as dune grass, activities other than walking, such as beach fires, sports and games or sunbathing, are prohibited on vegetated areas of sand dunes. Entry into any posted closed or rehabilitation area located anywhere in the park is prohibited. The following areas are closed to entry and visitor use for the protection and rehabilitation of fragile dune grasses and sand dune formations:
Glass beverage and food containers All glass containers are prohibited at any lake, river, stream and associated shoreline, and any beach or dune area used for sunbathing, swimming, wading, or climbing including the Dune Climb.
Hunting The following Park facilities are closed to hunting, which includes a 450 foot (137 meter) safety zone. The safety zone is defined as the area beginning at the edge or exterior boundary of any road, site or development and extending outward for 450 feet (137 meters). - PlatteRiver Campground - D.H. Day Campground - White Pine Backcountry campsites - Valley View Backcountry campsites - Group Campground near Dune Climb - Village Campground on North Manitou - Weather Station, Bay and Popple - Campgrounds on South Manitou - Village area on North Manitou - Village area on South Manitou - Dune Climb - Duneside Accessible Trail - Stocking Scenic Drive, when open to traffic - GlenLake Picnic Area - GoodHarbor Picnic Area
Vehicles The Stocking Scenic Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic each year when there is limited maintenance staff, visitation, and/or lack of funds. It will also be closed when weather conditions make travel hazardous for motor vehicles. Bus idling is prohibited except while loading or unloading passengers anywhere in the park.
Wilderness As outlined in the 1979 General Management Plan, proposed in the 1981 Wilderness Recommendation, and authorized by Congress in the Act of October 22, 1982, 96 Stat. 1724, 16 U.S.C.460x-15., the areas identified on the mainland, North and South Manitou Islands shall be administered so as to maintain their wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Therefore, in accordance with the Sleeping Bear Dunes Act and the Wilderness Act and subject to existing State, County, township and private rights, the use of mechanized equipment, motor vehicles, motor boats, wheeled devices and the landing of aircraft in the proposed wilderness areas is prohibited (except as necessary to meet minimum National Park Service administrative requirements and/or emergency situations). Exception: During the North Manitou Island Deer Management Hunt, one or two-wheeled hand carts no wider than 28 inches, with wheel diameters no larger than 26 inches, may be used to transport gear and harvested deer. Maps showing the proposed wilderness areas of the park are available at Park Headquarters in Empire, Michigan.
The following activities originating and/or terminating within the park boundary require a written permit: Special Use Permits Deer hunt - North Manitou – 36 CFR 2.2 Research specimen collection -36 CFR 2.5 Camping/Backcountry use - 36 CFR 2.10 Recreation User Fee – 36 CFR 2.23 Soliciting -36 CFR 2.37 Special events* - 36 CFR 2.50 *includes flying of radio-controlled gliders. Public assembly – 36 CFR 2.51 Sale of printed material – 36 CFR 2.52 Hang gliding – 36 CFR 7.80
Commercial Permits Load, weight, and size limits (house movers) - 36 CFR 4.11 Commercial activities – 36 CFR 5.1- 5.14 Business operations – 36 CFR 5.3 Commercial vehicles – 36 CFR 5.6 Construction of bldg./facility – 36 CFR 5.7 Engaging in any of the above activities without a permit is prohibited.
The resources of the Lakeshore are to remain unimpaired for future generations. There are a few exceptions with restrictions listed below. Firewood Ash trees in Michigan are currently under attack by the emerald ash borer (EAB), which could remove this tree from our forests. One infestation is as close as 2.5 miles away in Benzie County. The state has quarantined that area, as well as others, to help prevent the spread of this insect. It is illegal to transport wood from quarantined areas, and the Lakeshore is going one step further by prohibiting ANY ash firewood in the park. If you have brought firewood to the park, please do the following to prevent the spread of forest pests: - Should ash firewood be brought to the Lakeshore, it must be immediately burned on site.
- Do NOT unload the firewood onto the ground at your campsite.
- Place the wood directly from your vehicle into the fire so that any insects cannot spread along the ground.
- Do not brush sawdust and pieces of bark to the ground, but carefully place them into the fire. These pieces can harbor invading insects.
- Burn your wood completely.
- Do not leave unburned firewood at your campsite or beach fire site.
- Ask a ranger or campground host to help you identify ash firewood if you are unsure.
Down and dead wood, including driftwood, is designated for collection for fuel in campgrounds, beach fires, and at backcountry campsites except that wood found in all dune "ghost forest" areas is to be left undisturbed. Only dead and down wood, from within the cleared portion of road rights-of-way, may be removed for use outside the Park.
Gathering and use of fruits, berries, nuts, or unoccupied mussel shells The following may be gathered for personal use and consumption, limited to the listed daily maximum quantities. Item Daily Quantity Allowed/Person U.S. Measure/Metric Eq. Apples one bu./35 liters Asparagus one gal./4 liters Blackberries one gal./4 liters Black walnuts one gal./4 liters Blueberries one gal./4 liters Chokecherries one gal./4 liters Elderberries one gal./4 liters Serviceberries one gal./4 liters Mushrooms (edible,any species) one gal./4 liters Pears one bu./35 liters Plums one gal./4 liters Raspberries one gal./4 liters Rhubarb one gal./4 liters Rose hips one gal./4 liters Sand cherries one gal./4 liters Peaches one gal./4 liters Strawberries one gal./4 liters Grapes one gal./4 liters The collection of wildflowers is prohibited.
Hunting The baiting of deer on North Manitou Island is prohibited. The following Park facilities are closed to hunting, which includes a 450 foot (137 meter) safety zone. The safety zone is defined as the area beginning at the edge or exterior boundary of any road, site or development and extending outward for 450 feet (137 meters). - Platte River Campground - D.H. Day Campground - White Pine Backcountry campsites - Valley View Backcountry campsites - Group Campground near Dune Climb - Village Campground on North Manitou - Weather Station, Bay and Popple - Campgrounds on South Manitou - Village area on North Manitou - Village area on South Manitou - Dune Climb - Duneside Accessible Trail - Stocking Scenic Drive (when open to traffic) - Glen Lake Picnic Area - Good Harbor Picnic Area
Fishing Fishing in the park is allowed in accordance with applicable Federal and state laws and regulations, with the following special condition: Section 2.3(d)(8)- Fishing from docks. Fishing is permitted from the public docks on theManitouIslandsproviding it does not interfere with the safe and orderly landing of vessels or the safe and orderly management of other authorized activities.
Camping Camping is allowed only at designated locations on the mainland and on South Manitou Island. North Manitou provides for wilderness camping. Permits are required for all camping; size of groups is limited as listed below. Section 2.10 - Camping and food storage A campsite must be occupied by the individual registered for the campsite on the date(s) of occupancy. After registering for a campsite, campers may not change sites without notifying campground rangers. There is a camping limit of 14 total calendar days from Friday of the Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Benches and picnic tables are not to be moved out of the campsite, or to/from community fire ring areas. Campground size/use limits are as follows: Mainland Campgrounds D.H. Day and Platte River Campground campers must register upon arrival. Campers wishing to extend their stay must re-register before 8:00 p.m. of the day before the camping permit expires. Checkout time is 12:00 noon. D.H. Day No more than six campers may occupy a site. Only one truck camper or one camp-trailer or one motor home, and up to two tents are allowed on each site. No more than two passenger vehicles, OR four motorcycles are allowed per site. Generator use is permitted in the D.H. Day Campground sites 1-31, and is only allowed between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM at those sites. Platte River Not more than six persons will be permitted on each site. Only one truck camper or one camper trailer or one motor home will be permitted on each site and must stay on paved surfaces. Tents must stay inside pads. Generator use is prohibited in the Platte River Campground. Group Sites: Limited to 7 – 25 people per site. Tent camping only White Pine: 2 tents/site No more than 4 people per site Valley View: 2 tents/site No more than 4 people per site South Manitou Island South Manitou campers must vacate their campsite on the day of their departure by 11:30 A.M., to allow incoming campers optimum campsite selection. Bay, Weather Station & Popple: 2 tents/site No more than 4 people per site. Bay and Weather Station Group Sites: Limited to 5 - 20 persons/site, and a max. of 10 tents/site *Groups in excess of 20 may not register for two sites in the same campground on South Manitou Island. North Manitou Island On North Manitou island, camping is allowed island-wide, using wilderness camping techniques which include: using a compact gas/alcohol cooking stove, pack out all trash, no tent trenching, and other minimum impact methods. Village Campground: 2 tents/site No more than 4 people per site Backcountry: 2 tents/permit No more than 4 people per permit Group back-country camping on NMI limited to 10 persons per permit. On North Manitou Island, camping is prohibited at the following locations: - In the 27 acre (11 hectare) village
- Within 300 feet (90 meters) of water resources (lakes, ponds and streams).
- Within 300 feet(90 meters) of Lake Michigan high water mark, other campsites, and buildings, including historic farm structures.
- Camping is prohibited on any trail.
All campers must properly store all food and garbage in a manner that prevents access by animals.
Fires Campground grills - individual and community type grills installed expressly for open fires. Any mainland public Lake Michigan beach area between the edge of the water and the toe of the first dune. All open fires on the ManitouIslands must be contained in a fire ring or grill installed by the National Park Service for this purpose. On South Manitou these are located in the campgrounds and in the Bay area, on the beach. On North Manitou these are located in the Village campground. Picnic sites - fire ring or grill. Wood burning stoves are prohibited, except inside tents or shelters during the North Manitou deer hunt. Hanging lanterns on or against trees is prohibited. The use of kerosene, gas-fueled or alcohol-fueled lanterns or stoves, candles or other such devices are prohibited on the porch of, and within the D.H. Day Campground Log Cabin. Extinguishing Fires All fires must be extinguished with water -- NOT BURIED.
Sanitation and refuse Disposal of human waste Disposal of human waste where a pit toilet is not provided or available must be buried at least 6 inches under ground and covered with earth.
Pets PET REGULATIONS HAVE CHANGED
PLEASE SEE BELOW Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore welcomes you and your pets to enjoy the park together. Like most outdoor activities within a National Park area, there are some rules and regulations that apply to having a pet with you. These have been established for the safety and enjoyment of both visitors and pets alike. Violation of these rules and regulations could result in receiving a federal Violation Notice (ticket) which includes a fine and a possible appearance in federal court. Trained assistance dogs accompanying impaired persons are permitted throughout the Lakeshore. Pets are generally permitted within the Lakeshore except in certain limited areas designated as "no-pet" areas. These areas can be identified by a "No Pets" sign and by referencing the map. A small percentage of the park has been closed to pets for the protection of wildlife and to ensure the enjoyment of all park visitors. Click here to download a copy of the Pet Owner's Guide (pdf file, 329 kb) Pets are allowed on the following Beach Areas - Between the trail from Platte River Campground to Lake Michigan and the trail from the Peterson Beach parking lot.
- From the Esch Road beach access north to the Lakeshore boundary south of Empire.
- From the Lakeshore boundary north of Empire to just south of the North Bar Lake stream outlet.
- From the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven to the Lakeshore boundary west of Glen Arbor.
- From the Lakeshore boundary north of The Homestead Resort around Pyramid Point to the County Road 669 beach access.
- And from the County Road 651 beach access to the northern boundary of the National Lakeshore.
No Pet Areas - The dune section of the Dune Climb.
- White Pine and Valley View backcountry campsites.
- All Group campsites.
- Little Glen Lake Picnic Area.
- North and South Manitou Island (all pets, including hunting dogs). Trained aid dogs accompanying the blind or hearing impaired are permitted.
- Any other areas where "NO PETS" signs are posted after a determination by the Superintendent that a specific conflict exists requiring such a closure.
Pets are prohibited at the following designated cross-country ski trails during the periods of December 1 through March 31: | Trail # | Trail Name | | 1 | Old Indian | | 2 | Platte Plains Trail System (including Bass Lake, Otter Creek, and Lasso Loop Trails) | | 4 | Windy Moraine | | 5 | Shauger Hill | | 10 | Alligator Hill | | 11 | Bay View | | 13 | Good Harbor Bay | Rule and Regulations - Pets must be controlled on a 6-foot or less leash at all times.
- Pets cannot be left unattended or tied to an object.
- Pet owners may not allow a pet to make noise that is unreasonable.
- Pet excrement is the owner's responsibility and must be disposed of in trash receptacles.
- Pets cannot be allowed to disturb or harass wildlife.
- Hunting dogs are not considered pets when used in conjunction with authorized hunting activities during the mainland firearms seasons set by the State of Michigan. Training of hunting dogs in the park is prohibited.
Pet Safety Suggestions - Always remember that your pet needs water as much as you do, especially when active for for long periods of time.
- Be conscious of the possible temperature extremes which your pet may be exposed to here in Northern Michigan such as extremely hot sand in summer and the frigid cold water during winter.
- Don't assume that your pet is physically able to negotiate the same terrain that you can.
- Do not leave your pet unattended in your vehicle.
- In the same way you may carry needed medicine or first aid supplies for yourself, don't forget the possible needs of your pet.
- It is important for both the safety of your pet and the park's wildlife that you do not allow the two to interact.
During hunting season, it is recommended that park visitors wear blaze orange for their safety. It is equally important that your pet wears blaze orange as well.
Horse and pack animals At Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore the Alligator Hill Trail system is the only area designated for use by horses.
Smoking Smoking is prohibited in all National Park Service buildings open to the public, including offices, workspace, storage areas, and other facilities. Smoking is prohibited in all historic structures, including those used as quarters.
Public Assemblies The following are designated as free speech and printed material distribution areas within the National Lakeshore. They are delineated as follows; Dune Climb Permittee(s) may circulate between the curb of the parking lot and the toe of the dune. All visitor contacts are to be at least 50 feet from any building and the Duneside Trail. GlenLake Picnic Area Permittee(s) may circulate between the curb of the parking lot and the water's edge. All visitor contacts are to be at least 50 feet from any building. NPS South Parking Lot at end ofLake Michigan Road Permittee(s) may circulate within the edge of the curb of the parking lot. All visitor contacts are to be at least 50 feet from any building.
Swimming Between Lake Michigan Road launch ramp and the down stream limit of dredged area at the mouth of the River while boat channel dredge is on site. From public docks on the Manitou Islands. Diving from the shipwreck Francisco Morazan is prohibited.
Off-Road Driving Vehicle use of any type is only permitted on maintained roadways in the park. Track-laying motor vehicles may be used to remove excess buildings from park land, only after a plan has been submitted and approved by the Superintendent.
Speed limits All roads in the park are posted with speed limits, or applicable State speed limits apply to non-posted roads. The speed limit on the Stocking Scenic Drive is 20 mph, and it is posted.
Bicycles Bicycles may be operated only on established roads. The Stocking Scenic Drive bicycle route will follow the right edge of the roadway surface delineated by white striping.
Powerless flight Powerless flight activity requires a permit (reference section 1.6), and it will be allowed from the following designated areas: Empire Bluff
Pyramid Point
Stocking Scenic Drive (Lake Michigan Overlook)
Dune Climb (Between November 1 and March 31 only) Powerless flight activity is only approved for hang gliding, paragliding and powerless radio controlled model aircraft. Hot air ballooning is prohibited.
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