Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) is implementing a fee rate change to White Pine Backcountry Campground in 2024.
Beginning March 1, 2024, rates for the campsites will increase from $10 to $13. Reservations for these sites will be made available on Recreation. gov.
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act is the legislation that allows the collection of expanded amenity fees, including camping fees. The law allows Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to retain nearly 80% of fees collected in the park for use on projects that directly enhance the experience of park visitors and campers. Projects funded by recreation fees include trail and campground repairs and improvements, increased accessibility, and facility restoration.
A civic engagement period was held from Oct. 2 through Nov. 1, 2023, and comments were submitted on the proposed camping fee rates. Of the 64 responses received, 31% expressed direct support for the fee rate change, 23% opposed the rate increase, and 46% were neutral or did not specify whether they supported or opposed but provided suggestions or feedback.
