We're planning on going there next May - like early May.There are 2 CGs - One has electric and the other doesn't. The one without electric is the one closest to the main dunes and the other one is about 23 minutes away from there.We've never been there so we want to pick the correct place to camp. We can do the one without electric if it won't be too cold. We'd rather not drive once we are parked.Anyone with experience... Which one would you pick and why?

You'll be missing out if you park and don't drive anywhere. The park is very large.Here is the map. Look at the 'Dune Climb' - that's the major dunes and it would be a long hike. Also, the 'Scenic Drive' is a must.May can be cold there. DHDay is a nice 'dry' campground but we love Platte River C.G. (mainly because we volunteered there for 9 seasons along with 3 season on South Manitou Island giving lighthouse tours). It's a very special place for us.The whole peninsula is gorgeous with neat little towns to poke around. You have to drive to experience it.https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/upload/SLBEmap2015park_web.pdfhttps://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm

It could be quite cold yet in May, so I would choose the one with electric.

Early May will probably still be cold especially with the wind from the west coming over Lake Michigan. Probably going to need to drive to get to the different parts of the park. The Pierce Stocking drive is nice. It is a loop through the different dune stages with nice overlooks and stops for walks out into the dunes.

I just looked at your photos - very nice! I see you have a travel trailer. Why not take it on the trip?

Sleeping Bear Dunes | Good Sam Community

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Nov 06, 2018
Here are temps this past May for Honor, Michigan (where Platte River campground is). Brrrr! Granted, each May will be different... you know how weather is. Can you move your trip to the first two weeks of June at least?

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/honor-mi/49640/month/2211144?monyr=5/01/2018

Explore this national lakeshore's web site for lots of good information, especially under the 'Things To Do' tab:

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
2PawsRiver
Explorer
Nov 06, 2018
You should have a great time there...….Right across the street is Riverside Boats and Canoes for a canoe trip on the Platte, either the tame stretch between the livery and the lake or the wild upper river.

The Cherry Bowl Drive Inn is just a few miles away....Traverse City is not too far and has a lot of places to go and see.....there is a pretty good Zip Line just east of Traverse City.
steveh27
Explorer
Nov 07, 2018
You will have a great time. The cooler weather is great and should keep down mosquitos and black flies.
RetiredBob
Explorer
Nov 07, 2018
Yes, during cold weather, Platte River campground is the right choice, even though you have to drive to Lake Michigan and all of the other parts of SBNL. However, in nice weather, DH Day is our all-time favorite campground. Right on Lake Michigan, beautiful campsites. Close to most of the action--Glen Haven, Coast Guard Station, Glen Arbor, etc.--all a short bike ride away on the brand-new bike path that runs through the park. Starting in January, reservations will be possible, which may or may not be a good thing.
loggenrock
Explorer
Nov 08, 2018
We were there late this past summer. Actually stayed outside the Park (Timberline CG, Benzonia.) maybe about 20-30 min. drive. Nice area - but need a car to really tour and see it.

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