The USA has a lot of sites that make you feel closer to nature, and the Platte River campground is one of them. Located near the Honor village in Michigan, Platte River campground is a popular camping site and local attraction where you can enjoy river sports, trekking, and other outdoor activities.
If you live in or near Michigan and are looking for a place to enjoy your weekend, the Platte River campground is the perfect spot.
Here’s a quick guide to how you can reach the campground area and the things you can do.
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Where is Platte River Campground Located?
Platte River campground Site – designated 20BZ16 – is an archaeological site situated along the Platte River. It’s located near Empire, Michigan, within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The site is in the southern district of the lakeshore, on the lower peninsula. The exact address of the site is 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor, MI 49640, USA.
How to Reach Platte River Campground
The site is located near Honor village in Michigan. Some cities near the village are Traverse City, Cadillac, Big Rapids, and Escanaba. If you’re in the US, you can easily reach these cities from any state in the country.
If there’s no direct connectivity from your city to these cities, try reaching Detroit first. From Detroit, you can reach Cadillac by road. From there, you can find a taxi or other local transport to Honor village. Once you reach Honor, you can find direct buses to Platte River Campground.
If you have your own vehicle, you can get to Lake Michigan by driving to Platte Point after you reach Honor. And, if you love hiking, you can reach the campground and reach Lake Michigan by hiking.
Why Should You Visit Platte River Campground?
Platte River Campground is one of the most popular camping sites in Michigan and nearby states. It’s located by Lake Michigan and allows you to camp near the lake, sleeping bear dunes, and national lakeshore.
If you’re fond of hiking, trekking, camping, or just spending some time close to nature, the Platte river campground can be an excellent place for you to visit. The site runs up to 160 meters deep and extends 300 meters along the Platte River’s north bank.
In addition to being a popular camping site, Platte river campground has an amazing history that dates back to 130 A.D. Evidence suggests that the campground underwent sporadic use during the Middle and Late Woodland period (A.D. 130-1269). During the 19th and 20th centuries, the community of Edgewater came into existence on the shore of Platte Lake.
The community logged the area, after which Michigan State turned the area into a campground. Over the years, archeologists have discovered numerous artifacts that confirm the long history of the site.
Platte River Campground: Main Attractions and Things to Do
The Platte River Campground is more than a camping spot. There’s a lot to do in the nearby areas, making it a perfect vacation spot for you and your family.
Let’s look at the top attractions and things to do in and around Platte River Campground.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
If you love going on long drives on roads covered with trees, the campground site has got you covered. You can take a gorgeous drive through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The road is in excellent condition, making it ideal for speedsters who prefer pressing the throttle a bit harder. And it’s paired with amazing scenery and weather.
Riverside Canoe Trips
One of the best things to do not only near the campground site but in the entire village of Honor is riverside canoe trips. You can choose from several river experiences and explore the woodlands and dunes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Offshore. If exploring the area on the road isn’t your thing, riverside canoe trips allow you to do the same thing afloat.
Old Indian Trail
If you prefer walking, the Old Indian Trail is a great spot for you. The trail gets you to the end of the dune. Don’t forget to climb the dune to enjoy the breathtaking views of the area. The train is long and peaceful and is an ideal spot for trekking.
Tubing Platte River
Tubing is a popular activity you’ll find in almost every river, and the Platte River is no different. You can enjoy tubing activities in the river under the sun with your friends and family. You can also pay a $30 rescue fee in case any accident takes place.
Campsites with Electricity
Platte River campground has two types of campsites – with electricity and without electricity. When people hear about camping, they often think of spending days in a tent without any mobile phone or electricity. But it’s 2021, and electricity has become a necessity. If you want to get an authentic camping experience but also want electricity, you can make a reservation for campground loops with electricity.
Hot Water Showers
If you’ve had a stressful or tiring day, a hot water shower is probably all you need. The campground has hot water showers where you can take a bath and get relaxed. If hot showers aren’t your thing, the site has cold showers as well.
Crystal Lake
Last but not least, Crystal Lake is one of the major attractions near Platte Lake campground. It offers mesmerizing sunset views, along with a peaceful and tranquil aura. If you’re here with your loved one, Crystal Lake could be a great place to spend some quality time together. The Manitou is a restaurant located near Crystal Lake where you can get something to eat and drink.
Conclusion
Platte River campground is one of the best places to visit in Michigan if you like being around nature. In addition to camping, it allows you to take long rides, enjoy water sports, walk on the trails, and enjoy mesmerizing views from the dunes. From kids to adults, a campground is a place for everyone. So, this weekend, head to the campground site with your family and spend some memorable time.
