The conversion to a 100% reservation system for campsites is still underway at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore), though its start has been delayed just a bit.
Superintendent Scott Tucker announced early a year ago that the National Lakeshore would be making all campsites in both D. H. Day and Platte River Campgrounds reservable through Recreation.gov. The move will address the overnight lines that crowd the campground entrances each night in the summer. Campground visitors have been informed all year that the advance reservation system would be in place this fall to reserve for next summer. The park has just learned that the contractor overseeing Recreation.gov is still working to add the National Lakeshore campsites to their reservation system, and will have to delay the original November target by a month or two.
Superintendent Scott Tucker announced nearly a year ago that the National Lakeshore would be making all campsites in both D. H. Day and Platte River Campgrounds reservable through Recreation.gov. The move will address the overnight lines that crowd the campground entrances each night in the summer. Campground visitors have been informed all year that the advance reservation system would be in place this fall to reserve for next summer. The park has just learned that the contractor overseeing Recreation.gov is still working to add the National Lakeshore campsites to their reservation system, and will have to delay the original November “go-live" target by a month or two.
Currently, two-thirds of the campsites at Platte River Campground were reservable through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance of arrival dates during the busy season between May 1 and October 15. The National Lakeshore is adding the remaining campsites at Platte River Campground and all of the campsites at D. H. Day Campground to this system starting in 2019. Although the actual “go-live" date for making reservations remains uncertain, the system will be in place well in advance of the May 1 start for reservable camping dates. Campers interested in making reservations should check the National Lakeshore website (www.nps.gov/slbe) often for up-to-date information. Campers should also note the system will accept reservations right up to the day-of-camping, so the opportunity to obtain last minute campsites will still be available, and without having to wait in line overnight in your car!
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
