Proposed Fee Changes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) is requesting public comment as the park considers an increase to entrance and camping fees beginning in January 2016. The current entrance fees and first come - first served camping fees have been in place since 2004 with only a slight increase in fees for reservable campsites which occurred in 2006. The National Lakeshore is one of only 131 of the 401 National Park Service (NPS) sites that charge entrance fees and were recently authorized by NPS Director Jon Jarvis to consider fee increases based upon a new fee structure.

The proposed entrance fee rates are based on a national fee rate schedule that was due to be implemented back in 2009, but was postponed by the NPS due to the national economic downturn that occurred at about the same time. The camping fees are derived through comparability reviews conducted by the National Lakeshore looking at other camping facilities/opportunities in the local area. The proposed fee schedule has been simplified, making it easier to understand. In addition, the cost for hot showers at Platte River Campground has been combined into the nightly camping fee.


The National Lakeshore is seeking feedback about the proposed fee schedule.

Please click "Open for Comment" to review the proposed fee schedule and provide your input.

Contact Information

Merrith Baughman
Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services
231-326-4725