North Manitou Island, Michigan Solo August 3-6, 2013

**Reyno2ac** · 08-16-2013, 12:59

This is definitely on my list of trips to take. I'm hoping to get out there in September for a quick weekend with some friends.

**OneClick** · 08-16-2013, 14:57

wow these sure would be quick weekends...am I looking at the ferry schedule correctly? friday - sunday? you basically have one day, with some time hiking to camp and to the boat Friday and Sunday. Hmmm, may be doing a Wednesday-Sunday trip

**Wolverine** · 08-16-2013, 17:59

Well that certainly looked like another "Dave Epic Adventure". I have to laugh at what Dave said about what people will bring to the island. I've seen more lawn furniture on the boat ride than at my Family Reunion. I love hammock camping on this island because there are so many great hanging spots that you wouldn't or couldn't set up a tent at. When I got to the spot near the cemetery it looked like Deer Camp without the guns, seriously heavy duty camping supplies. I could do without the 1/2 hour ranger speech, but I understand why it's done. The main things I would tell some one is, don't swim in Manitou lake, know what poison Ivy is, and tick check often "oh" and tick check some more.

**michigandave** · 08-19-2013, 05:33

Originally Posted by Wolverine

Well that certainly looked like another "Dave Epic Adventure". I have to laugh at what Dave said about what people will bring to the island. I've seen more lawn furniture on the boat ride than at my Family Reunion. I love hammock camping on this island because there are so many great hanging spots that you wouldn't or couldn't set up a tent at. When I got to the spot near the cemetery it looked like Deer Camp without the guns, seriously heavy duty camping supplies. I could do without the 1/2 hour ranger speech, but I understand why it's done. The main things I would tell some one is, don't swim in Manitou lake, know what poison Ivy is, and tick check often "oh" and tick check some more.

Glad everyone enjoyed the post. I know I'll be making a return trip next year.
Watching how everyone else packed always has great entertainment value. When the Ranger did the orientation, he neglected to mention Manitou and swimmers itch. I actually brought it up to him when he asked if anyone had questions, then he talked about it and mentioned a few outbreaks this summer. Lot's of people had no idea what SI is...2 years ago I got that and poison ivy. This year, nothing...no Manitou swimming and long pants on the trail saved me from the ivy. Never saw a tick either, but tick check is mandatory.

**TheFarmerCamper** · 08-19-2013, 06:29

Beautiful report. I did an overnight hike there about seven years ago when I was still a tent camper. Such a magical place.

**sr1355** · 08-19-2013, 06:39

Dave, Thanks for sharing, looks like you had a good time...

**michigandave** · 08-19-2013, 08:14

Originally Posted by markr6

wow these sure would be quick weekends...am I looking at the ferry schedule correctly? friday - sunday? you basically have one day, with some time hiking to camp and to the boat Friday and Sunday. Hmmm, may be doing a Wednesday-Sunday trip

Yep, Friday to Sunday would be a tease. Go for the Wednesday-Sunday plan to fully immerse yourself on the Manitou experience

**OneClick** · 08-19-2013, 14:33

The $10 fee for pass to get into Sleeping Bear Dunes and park car - is this per day or duration of your visit? And do you pay when entering just like state parks?

**michigandave** · 08-19-2013, 15:02

Originally Posted by markr6

The $10 fee for pass to get into Sleeping Bear Dunes and park car - is this per day or duration of your visit? And do you pay when entering just like state parks?

Here's info from the Park Service:
Park Entrance Pass - $10.00 per private vehicle
Valid for 7 days from date of issue.
For entry into all areas of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $20.00
Valid for 12 months from month of issue. (great deal if going more than twice a year)

Backcountry Camping for 1-4 persons: Unlimited Sites. $5.00/night.

Note, Manitou transit charges $8 in parking fees. It's about a 10 minute walk from the dock, but they do have a shuttle running too. I was solo, so all the fees were on me. You do all your paperwork & permits at Manitou Transit in Leland. Once you hit the island, the Ranger looks at your permit and you give him your general itinerary. Words of advice: move fast, get in line early to avoid the rush, and be ready to go and have a plan in place when they give you the ok to head out.