Trip Overview
Experience the best of Northern Michigan on a 3-day base camping adventure with Crystalaire Adventures! This trip can be done as a stand-alone adventure or as an "add-on adventure" to extend a session at Camp Carvela or Camp Lookout.
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Together, our group of adventure-seekers will explore North Manitou Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or nearby hiking trails and historic sites, all while learning about the region's unique history and ecology. Get ready to sleep under the stars, learn new backcountry camping skills, and make new friends!
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*Note: returning campers may know this trip as our "South Manitou Island" adventure. Due to the closure of South Manitou Island for the 2026 summer season, we're shifting our adventures to North Manitou Island, pending confirmation of ferry service via Manitou Island Transit. If Manitou Island Transit cannot confirm ferry service, we'll instead relocate our adventure to one of many incredible nearby destinations — including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Dubonnet. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we await confirmation. We'll update this page and share information via email and social media as more it becomes available!
If you have questions, please give us a call at 231-299-0005 or email us at info@crystalaireadventures
Trip Type
Basecamping
Add-On Adventure
Group Size
10-12 Campers
2+ Guides
Ages
8-12
Years Old
Arrival/Departure
Crystalaire HQ
Traverse City, MI
Expedition Itinerary
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Day 1
Participants will meet at Moose Hall, aka "Crystalaire Adventures HQ," located at Camp Carvela.* Together, we'll pack up our gear and then travel by van to the trailhead of our camping destination. Once we arrive, we'll set up camp and celebrate the start of our trip with a welcome ceremony.
*Note: Campers joining this trip from Camp Lookout will be shuttled to Moose Hall via van by Project Foxwood staff.
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Day 2
In keeping with our choice-based learning and leadership philosophy, participants will collectively plan our trip itinerary. Together as a group, we'll choose which trails we hike, which sites we visit, and which activities we try, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects the unique interests and personalities of our group. With lots of unique hiking trails, miles of shoreline, and acres of ancient forest land to explore, we'll have an adventure to remember! Throughout it all, we'll learn about the land, each other, and ourselves.
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Day 3
On the final day of our trip, we'll break down our campsite, pack up our gear, and take the ferry back to the mainland. before driving home to Moose Lodge. Once back at the Lodge, we'll unload and clean our group gear and then say our final goodbyes to our new adventure buddies.
Camper pick-up will take place at Moose Hall between 2-4 PM.
Trip Highlights
Here's what you can look forward to on your 3-day adventure:
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Camper-led itinerary
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Small group size
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Beach backpacking
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Shipwreck sightings
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Dune climbing
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And more!
Register
Enrollment for our 2026 mini/add-on trips opens on November 10. Select your preferred trip date and then click "REGISTER" to complete your registration form.
Have questions? We'd love to chat! Please email us at info@crystalaireadventures for more information.