D.H. Day Campground

Overview

D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan.

This rustic campground is one of the most popular in Northern Michigan and is open (weather permitting) from April 27 through the last Sunday in November. Reservations are required May 1 through October 15. Campsites are within walking distance of the Lake Michigan shoreline and a short drive to many popular features in the park. Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25° to 32° C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10° to 25° C) at night.

Recreation

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's rustic D.H. Day Campground is beautifully wooded.

Campers can swim, canoe, kayak, fish and relax along the shoreline of the campground.

The multi-use Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail passes through the campground opening up 20+ miles (32 km) of biking and hiking.

There are canoe and bicycle rentals nearby in the village of Glen Arbor. The historic village of Glen Haven is a short 15-minute walk away.

Multiple hiking trails, the Dune Climb, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are just a short drive away.

D.H. Day Campground is the perfect launching point for a fun-filled stay at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Facilities

With 81 beautifully wooded campsites, shared water spigots, and vault toilets, D.H. Day provides a more rustic camping experience.

Free hot showers are available at Platte River Campground, located 17 miles (27 km) south along highway M-22.

Each campsite has a parking area, large picnic table, fire ring and tent pad. Firewood is also sold in the campgound at a self-pay station.

Natural Features

D.H. Day Campground lies in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near the historic village of Glen Haven. The spacious wooded campsites are no more than a 5-minute walk to the Lake Michigan beach. Features include northern hardwood and conifer forests, old farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs, and splendid examples of glacially formed landscapes. The beautiful, perched sand dunes, for which the parked is named, are just a few minutes' drive from the campground.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Village of Glen Arbor (1.5 miles East).

The Alligator Hill Trail is less than a mile away.

To the West visitors will find the Historic Village of Glen Haven & the General Store bookstore (0.8 miles ), the Maritime Museum (1.1 miles), and the Sleeping Bear Point Trail (1.4 miles).

The Dune Climb (2 miles) and Dune Center bookstore are a short drive to the south.

4.2 miles to the south is the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, where the Lake Michigan Overlook is located .

Village of Empire (7.5 miles South).

The Crystal River winds its way to Lake Michigan just a few short miles to the north.

The Port Onieda Historic District can be found 5.7 miles to the North.

The Harbor Town of Leland is 20 miles north of the Lakeshore & is the gateway to both North and South Manitou Islands.

Charges & Cancellations

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges an entrance fee for each vehicle (apart from camping fees). You may pay the entrance fee upon arrival at a staffed location or purchase in advance. The park also honors America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes* (also known as an interagency pass, e.g., Senior, 4th Grade, Military, etc.), For more information and fee rates visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

NOTE: Effective March 1, 2023, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore only accepts card payment (no cash or checks).

*Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore does not honor the Michigan Recreation Passport which only covers entrance fees for Michigan State Parks.