Entrance Fees
Park Entrance Pass — $10.00 per private vehicle
Valid for 7 days from date of issue.
For entry into all areas of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Annual Park Entrance Pass — $20.00
Valid for 12 months from month of issue.
For entry into all areas of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
When purchased at an Automated Pay Station, please exchange the receipt for the Annual Park Pass card at any staffed fee collection station.
Per Person Fee — $5.00 per person
Valid for 7 days from date of issue.
For individuals 16 years of age or older who enter the park by foot, bicycle, motorcycle (per rider), or as part of an organized group (each member) not involved in a commercial tour.
For entry into all areas of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Click here to download a copy of the 2009 Fee Schedule. (pdf file, 20 kb)
Passes are good for entry into all areas of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Passes are non-transferable and generally non-refundable. Show the pass to rangers at entrance stations at the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive or place your pass on your vehicle dashboard if you park within the Lakeshore. If you park outside the Lakeshore boundary (see park map) and enter the Lakeshore on foot, carry your pass with you.
PLEASE NOTE - FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PARK PASS MAY RESULT IN A FINE.
Where Can I Purchase a Pass?
You can purchase your park pass at any of the following fee collection locations:
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Empire, MI - Year-round
- Platte River Campground Office - March to November
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Entrance Station - April to November
- Dune Climb Entrance Station - May to October
- D. H. Day Campground Office - May to October
- Leland Boat Dock during the summer 8:30-10:00 AM
- North Bar Lake Self-Pay Fee Canister - April to November
- Esch Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister - April to November
- Peterson Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister - April to November
- 669 Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister - April to November
- 651 Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister - April to November
Automated Pay Stations are available to purchase Lakeshore Passes after hours in the following places:
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Empire, MI - Year-round
- Platte River Point - Year-round
- D. H. Day Campground Office - Camping fees can also be purchased here in the Spring and Fall seasons.
America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Starting January 1, 2007 the Golden Age, Golden Eagle, and Golden Access Passes were replaced with a new series of interagency passes called the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
All Golden Age and Golden Access Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Golden Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for the new plastic passes.
Click Here for a list of "Frequently Asked Questions" about the new Interagency Pass Program.
America the Beautiful
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Annual Pass - Cost $80
This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a full year from month of purchase. The Annual Pass admits the pass holder(s) and passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per-person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass is non-transferable and does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. The Annual Pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet here.
America the Beautiful
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Senior Pass - Cost $10
This is a lifetime pass for U.S.citizens and permanent residents age 62 and over. The pass provides access to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per-person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The Senior Pass provides a 50 % discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some areas where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 % price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. The Senior Pass can only be obtained in person at the park.
America the Beautiful
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Access Pass - Free
This is a lifetime pass for U.S.citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income; or a document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per-person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The Access Pass provides a 50 % discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some areas where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 % price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. The Access Pass can only be obtained in person at the park.
America the Beautiful
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Volunteer Pass - Free
Volunteers who acquire 500 service hours on a cumulative basis are eligible for this pass. It provides access to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a full year from month of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per-person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. Contact Lisa Myers at 231-326-5134 to learn about volunteer opportunities in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or click here for more information.
Commercial Tour Vehicles
| Vehicle | Passengers | Fee |
| Sedan | 1-6 | $25.00 + $5.00 per person |
| Van | 7-15 | $40.00 |
| Mini-bus | 16-25 | $40.00 |
| Motorcoach | 26+ | $100.00 |
School Groups An Academic Fee Waiver is available for educational groups that apply prior to their visit to the park.
