Sleeping Bear Dunes is a family favorite and the best thing about it is that it’s right on the California / Oregon Coast. We had heard that this area was “off the beaten path” for rock climbing and other adventure seekers, but we were thrilled to discover that was true! What a great location! There are over 60 routes to climb, so if you’re the adventurous type, you can start right away. It’s also not far from Grants Pass or the famous Mount Shasta ski resort.
The first time we went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we didn’t think we’d like it. But we did, and we loved it! My wife, on the other hand, said that she thought it was one of the nicest spots she’d ever been to. That’s because it’s so close to the beautiful Canadian/American border. It’s also very close to the famous Napa Valley wine country and the beautiful Yountville wineries.
One of our favorite things about camping at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is that it’s so close to all the wonderful things we love about this area. If you take a drive up the eastern rim of the lake, you’ll see amazing cliffs with waterfalls and amazing mountains. There are beautiful lakes, rivers, mountains, forests and all kinds of wildlife. You can go hiking, boating, fishing, cycling, swimming, etc. And, since it’s so close to so many great things, you can easily spend a couple of days at the campground without getting bored! That’s why it’s a really good idea to take your sleeping bear dunes camping trip during the summer when the weather’s warm and rainy.
You might be surprised to know that there is a difference between the North American version of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and the Canadian version. In the North American version, you get to camp only in the forest. The people who run the park call it an ecological preserve because you don’t get to mingle with the big cats or other wildlife. But, if you want to experience true moose and bear viewing, you’ll find the best places to do it in Canada. It’s called the Sleeping Bear Dunes camping park because it was where the last North American moose herd stopped over a century ago.
When it comes time to choose a campsite, you need to check out the camping grounds in the U.S. and in Canada first. Then, you’ll want to check out the sites available at the two Canadian parks, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the Yountville campground. For example, at the U.S. site, you can hike in the woods, go through a cave, view a mountain waterfall, and even fish. You can even take a boat ride along the Yountville River and have a picnic at one of its many overlooks. On the other Canadian Parks, you’ll enjoy boating on the Great Glen River, hiking in beautiful forests, taking a helicopter tour of the park, fishing in several of its streams, and lounging in your camp-fire chair on a blaring late evening.
As for places to stay in Canada, there are numerous options. You can stay at one of the many hotels dotting the main dune climb in Sleeping Bear, which includes Royal Gramma’s Hotel and the Adirondack Campsite. These campgrounds provide modern amenities like running hot and cold water, electricity hookups, and showers. If you prefer, you can stay at one of the many hotels dotting the camping areas of Sleeping Bear, which include the Grand Casino Hotel, The Ramada Inn and the Grantville Inn, and the Outlet Mall. These campgrounds also offer modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, modern beds, and toilets with running water.
Another great place to stay is at one of the many sleeping accommodations around Sleeping Bear, such as at the Lake Campground. Here you’ll find comfortable cabins, bathrooms, and a variety of services, such as swimming, boating, hiking, and canoeing. At the Lake Campground, you’ll even find a dumpsite for your equipment and other camping items. For those who like to do a little bit of farming in the outdoors, the Sleeping Bear Dunes Campgrounds offers some great fields for you to practice your farming skills and take some field trips to see some of the native plants and flowers.
As for things to bring along when camping in Canada, you’ll need to include plenty of batteries for your lights, a first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, rainwear, a tent or rucksack for camping, a campsite map, a portable stove, or chimney, and cooking supplies, like firewood. Although all these items are allowed in camping in Canada, bear in mind that in most campgrounds, electrical and gas lines are not allowed. The good news is that, as long as your stay in the National Park is only for a few nights, all these supplies will be provided. If you’re worried about security at the campground, then you should bring some Canadian cash or credit card to purchase your food and beverages. In addition, you may want to bring along your cell phone, as well as an emergency radio to call out in case of an emergency. Finally, don’t forget to bring your camera!