Camping and river floating go together like campfires and s’mores. But when you only have a few days to see all the beauty this region has to offer, a little planning goes a long way. This guide will show you how to map out your Sleeping Bear Dunes camping weekend, pack like a pro, and find the best local food and sunset spots along the way.
What is the best time to float the Platte River?
Timing is everything. To beat the rush, we recommend cooking a hearty, early breakfast at your campsite and arriving at Riverside Canoes before 11:00 AM. We open our doors at 8:00 AM every morning in the summer!
A typical float down the Lower Platte River takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether you are renting tubes, kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards, and what river route you choose.
The best time to float is before 11 am.
By launching in the morning, you will wrap up your river trip around midday. If you don’t want to spend the remainder of the afternoon lounging at the beach, you’ll have your entire afternoon free for hiking the dunes, exploring local towns, or relaxing back at your campsite.
If you would rather explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes first and cool off in the river in the afternoon, you can do that! Just keep in mind that our last Lower Platte trips depart exactly 3 hours before closing time.
Ask about unlimited time for all day fun!
If your ideal Sleeping Bear Dunes camping trip involves slowing down, you can easily turn your river trip into an all-day experience. Float down to the mouth of the Platte River, and spend the rest of the afternoon sunbathing and swimming along the Lake Michigan shoreline. We love seeing our guests maximize their time on the water. Just make sure to select our popular Unlimited Time option when booking!
How close is Riverside Canoes to my campsite?
No matter where you choose to pitch your tent or park up, navigating your way to Riverside Canoes is a breeze. Check out our maps to see how close these local campsites are to Riverside:
The North Route
Perfect for campers who want to stay right in the heart of the dunes or near Glen Arbor and Empire.
- Platte River Campground: 0.25 miles (Our next-door neighbor!)
- Empire Campground: 9 miles
- Indigo Bluffs: 14 miles
- DH Day Campground: 18 miles
The South Route
Perfect for campers who plan to set up camp near the beautiful beach towns of Frankfort and Benzonia.
- Timberline Campground: 10 miles
- Betsie River Campsite: 12 miles
- Wayfarer Lodgings: 15 miles
The East Route
Perfect for inland lake campers who want to stay closer to the buzz of Traverse City or Interlochen.
- Turtle Lake Campground: 15 miles
- Interlochen State Park: 20 miles
- Holiday Park Campground: 30 miles
What will I need to pack for my camp and river trip?
If you leave these essentials sitting on your campsite picnic table, don’t worry, we have everything you need at Riverside:
- Footwear: Water shoes or secure sandals. We have said it before, and we will say it again: avoid flip-flops!
- Sun & Bug Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and bug spray to keep you comfortable through the wooded stretches of the river.
- Camp-to-River Dry Bag: A high-quality dry bag is your best friend. Use it to keep your keys, clothes, phones, and wallets completely safe and dry while you float down the river.
- Hydration & Fuel: A cooler stocked with plenty of fresh water, refreshing drinks, and snacks for a perfect float. (Reminder: Please keep the river clean and safe!).
- Towels: Pack a set of dry clothes and towels to leave waiting inside your vehicle. Alternatively, if your dry bag is large enough, roll them up and bring them along with you.
- Park Pass: Don’t forget that all parking requires a park pass. Make sure to clearly display your Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore pass on your dashboard.
- Fishing Gear: Riverside also rents small boats! Grab your fishing gear and take one of our rental boats out to discover Platte Lake, Loon Lake, or other nearby lakes. Check out our Fishing Boats page to reserve yours!
What are the best places to eat near the Platte River?
Whether you step off the river just in time for lunch, or you spend hours swimming at the Lake Michigan shoreline and need a big dinner to top off the day, we know the perfect food and drink spots for you. Choose where to go based on your schedule and your campsite’s direction:
Lunch & Dinner dining near the Platte River
- The Grill at Riverside – You don’t have to leave to get an incredible meal. Stop by The Grill, right here at Riverside, for excellent burgers and fries. We are open all day during the summer, serve up ice cream, and even light up a campfire in the evening!
- The Cherry Hut (Beulah) – A Northern Michigan favorite right on US-31. Stop in for classic American fare, just make sure you save room for a slice of their famous cherry pie!
- Stormcloud Brewing Company (Frankfort) – Serving up award-winning Belgian-style craft beers, artisanal flat breads, and a great downtown patio atmosphere.
- Sweets Bar and Grill (Honor) – A welcoming local favorite sitting right on Main Street in Honor, serving up traditional pub comfort foods.
- St. Ambrose Cellars (Beulah) – Open from midday onwards. Stop by for their famous meads, ciders, and local wines to go along with wood-fired pizzas and burgers. Their large lawn area is perfect for hanging out with the whole crew.
- The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill (Benzonia) – Opens daily at 4:00 PM. The perfect place if you are craving authentic Mexican favorites and refreshing margaritas.
- Cabbage Shed (Elberta) – Opens for evening dining during the week & from midday on weekends. A waterfront restaurant full of charm, a unique local menu, and gorgeous deck views.
- L’Chayim Delicatessen (Beulah) – A fantastic deli option featuring delicious bagels, bakery items and sandwiches. Grab them to-go, and take a quick walk down to Beulah Beach to enjoy.
- Papanos Pizza (Beulah & Frankfort locations) – Call in an order right as you head off the water, grab a hot pizza to-go, and enjoy an easy dinner on the beach or back at your campsite.
- Empire Village Inn (Empire) — Open late afternoon with sandwiches, salads, pizzas and more. Located right on M-22.
Where is the best place to catch a sunset?
In Northern Michigan, summer sunsets linger long into the evening. If your camping crew still has the energy after a fun day on the water and a filling meal, make sure to catch the evening’s main event. Pick the perfect sunset spot on your route back to camp:
- Stay put! Watch the sunset from the mouth of the Platte River and enjoy panoramic views or the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
- Heading East? Go to Beulah Public Beach: If you are heading back toward Honor, Interlochen, or Traverse City, wrap up your night in downtown Beulah on Crystal Lake.
- Heading North? Go to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: If your campsite sits up toward Empire or Glen Arbor, drive up to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to overlook #9.. Perched high above the water on a sandy bluff, it’s a sunset view like no other.
- Heading South? Go to Frankfort Beach: If you finished up your afternoon with dinner or drinks in Frankfort or Elberta, walk the pier down to the lighthouse to catch the sunset.
Ready to Plan Your Sleeping Bear Dunes Camping Weekend?
No matter which route you choose or where you pitch your tent, a weekend spent outdoors with a Lower Platte River float is a trip you’ll never forget. We get super busy during our peak summer months, so don’t wait until you arrive at your campground to figure out the details. Give us a call at 231-325-5622 today to lock in the highlight of your Sleeping Bear Dunes getaway!
