How much does camping cost at D.H. Day Campground?

Camping fees at D.H. Day Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is D.H. Day Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

D.H. Day Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at D.H. Day Campground before I book?

Yes! D.H. Day Campground has 24 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit D.H. Day Campground?

D.H. Day Campground is open April 27 to November 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at D.H. Day Campground?

D.H. Day Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does D.H. Day Campground have?

D.H. Day Campground has 81 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at D.H. Day Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at D.H. Day Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at D.H. Day Campground?

D.H. Day Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at D.H. Day Campground?

Popular activities at D.H. Day Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

D.H. Day Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at D.H. Day Campground?

Fire policies at D.H. Day Campground: CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS: Updated January 2025 BE A GOOD CAMPER. PLEASE OBEY THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS. - Campers must check in at the campground office upon arrival. Change sites only with approval of the park ranger at the campground office. - Campers must notify the campground if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check in time. Phone : 231-326-4700, ext. 5045. If they do not, their reservation will be cancelled and they will be charged the first night's camping fee plus an additional . Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

967 reviews

8010 W. Harbor Hwy. (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Top 8% in MIFall

B-Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping

Quick Facts

630 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Open from April 27 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

630 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Open from April 27 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

D.H. Day Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent Only: $10.00; Tent or RV: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

231-326-4700 ext 5035sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

8010 W. Harbor Hwy. (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636

D.H. Day Campground

8010 W. Harbor Hwy. (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Nearby places

Glen Arbor (1.5 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Empire (7.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Leland (approx. 30 minutes), Traverse City (approx. 40 minutes)

Weather at D.H. Day Campground

Current alerts(3)

Beach Safety. The park has pebble beaches rather than pure sand. Water shoes are recommended. There are no lifeguards on duty at any of the park beaches--swim at your own risk. Beach fires are only allowed between the water and the first dune.
Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy is abundant at the campground and throughout the lakeshore. Tent pads and campsite driveways are kept clear of poison ivy. However there may be poison ivy lining the boundary of the campsite. Ticks.
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.

Best Time to Camp at D.H. Day Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at D.H. Day — brilliant hardwood foliage, cooler air, and far fewer crowds make dune hikes, forest trails, and shoreline photography exceptional. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F; early fall still offers mild lake temperatures for paddling and beach walks. Trails and scenic overlooks are at their peak for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, and after Labor Day visitor numbers drop significantly allowing更 Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in MI

Fall highlighted as best season: brilliant foliage, cooler air, far fewer crowds and excellent photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 27 to November 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 27 through the last Sunday in November. Reservable from May 1 to October 15. First-come, first-serve applies outside reservable dates.

About D.H. Day Campground

D.H. Day Campground sits within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, offering National Park Service tent, RV, and primitive sites close to Lake Michigan shoreline and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The large campground provides rustic camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, serving as a base for exploring dune landscapes and hardwood forests. Ranger programs run seasonally, and the campground enforces a strict no-show policy during peak months.

D.H. Day Campground is a rustic camping facility tailored for tent camping and RVs without hookups. It also offers designated group camping areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at D.H. Day — brilliant hardwood foliage, cooler air, and far fewer crowds make dune hikes, forest trails, and shoreline photography exceptional. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F; early fall still offers mild lake temperatures for paddling and beach walks. Trails and scenic overlooks are at their peak for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, and after Labor Day visitor numbers drop significantly allowing更 Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation630 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested area at 630 feet elevation, surrounded by northern hardwoods and conifers that provide varying levels of shade. Lake Michigan's shoreline lies within walking distance, though the beach is rocky rather than sandy. Beyond the immediate campground, the national lakeshore features massive sand dunes shaped by glacial activity, dense hardwood and evergreen forests, wetlands, and streams. The surrounding landscape shifts from dune formations to forested terrain to lakeshore, all accessible from the campground's location near Glen Arbor.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis is a rustic campground with no hotel-style lodges or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led interpretive programs and evening talks are held at the outdoor amphitheater within the campground. Topics include local history and nature education.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights allowed per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people allowed per site.

Groups

Group camping sites are available but must be reserved. Specific information about the capacity or vehicle limits for these sites was not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via its contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and campsites are available. The campground is near the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which is suitable for biking and walking.

Site SizeThe campsites include tent pads measuring approximately 15x15 feet, as noted by user reviews.

PrivacyCampsites vary in privacy. Some users noted that sites feel clustered and close together, while others appreciated the wooded surroundings that provide some seclusion.

Total Campsites81 campsites

Recommended SitesFor better privacy, choose sites in wooded areas away from generator loops. Sites closer to Lake Michigan or Heritage Trail offer scenic vistas.

Best CampsitesSite 57 gets consistent praise for lake proximity and privacy. Site 61 offers access to both sunrise and sunset views from the beach. Reviewers note these sites provide better seclusion than others in the campground.

Need help booking D.H. Day Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

D.H. Day Campground offers a rustic camping experience in the northern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 81 spacious, wooded campsites are complemented by shared water spigots and vault toilets. Free hot showers are available 17 miles south at Platte River Campground. Each site provides a parking area, large picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Firewood can be purchased from a self-serve vending trailer on-site. The campground is a short walk from the Lake Michigan shoreline and is surrounded by northern hardwood and conifer forests.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at D.H. Day Campground

D.H. Day Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing. Its proximity to Lake Michigan allows for beach activities and water sports. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail runs through the campground, connecting campers to 20+ miles of biking and hiking routes. Historical attractions and scenic drives are also nearby.

Hiking5.0/5Top 2% in Michigan

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail runs through campground; easy access to Dune Climb and Empire Bluff trails.

Biking4.0/5Top 11% in Michigan

Fishing3.0/5

Boating3.0/5

Kayak/canoe and general boating possible along Lake Michigan shoreline; no formal launch or marina noted.

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayak/canoe activity possible along Lake Michigan shoreline; specifics on facilities or launches lacking.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Dune climbs, Lake Michigan vistas and brilliant fall foliage make this a top photography spot.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are present.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available to mitigate bear risks. Campers are required to store food and scented items securely.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCAMPGROUND REGULATIONS: Updated January 2025 BE A GOOD CAMPER. PLEASE OBEY THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS. - Campers must check in at the campground office upon arrival. Change sites only with approval of the park ranger at the campground office. - Campers must notify the campground if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check in time. Phone : 231-326-4700, ext. 5045. If they do not, their reservation will be cancelled and they will be charged the first night's camping fee plus an additional

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingThe campground features dumpsters and a few recycling bins distributed throughout the park.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

967 reviews

Recommended

D.H. Day Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

D.H. Day Campground is highly praised for its scenic location, proximity to Lake Michigan, and access to recreational activities. However, issues such as poison ivy, crowded sites, and the absence of flush toilets or showers are commonly mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 967 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the campground's beautiful setting, clean facilities, and convenient location near Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Many appreciate the rustic...

Based on 967 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the prevalence of poison ivy, closely spaced campsites, and the lack of modern amenities such as flush toilets and showers. Some users also noted challenges with the...

Based on 967 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites near the beach (e.g., #64 and #57) are frequently praised for their location. Site #32 is noted for being in a flood-prone area. Campsites in the generator loop are better for RVs, while...

Based on 967 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water shoes for the rocky beach, heavy-duty tent stakes, and a tarp for the gravel tent pads. Visiting during the off-season is suggested to avoid crowds.

Based on 967 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with crowded conditions and high competition for reservations. Fall offers quieter stays and stunning foliage, while spring provides cooler weather but may include more...

Based on 967 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault toilets are clean but smelly.' 2. 'The beach here is fantastic—love that it’s dog friendly.' 3. 'The sites are well-spaced, and you can hear the waves at night.' 4. 'Poison ivy is...

Based on 967 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users report that accessible campsites and vault toilets are available. The Heritage Trail is also noted as wheelchair-friendly, though detailed accessibility reviews are limited.

Based on 967 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, but owners are reminded to keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. The nearby beach is dog-friendly, which is highly appreciated by reviewers.

Based on 967 reviews

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D.H. Day Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent Only: $10.00; Tent or RV: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

231-326-4700 ext 5035sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov

Go if

You want walkable access to Lake Michigan, don't mind vault toilets and no showers, and can snag a good site like #64 or #57.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, showers, or guaranteed privacy, or you're wary of poison ivy and crowded sites in peak season.

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(237)

D.H. Day Group Campground

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, 9922 FRONT STREET, EMPIRE, MI 49630, USA

D.H. Day Group Campground sits within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, Michigan, operated by the National Park Service. This small group-only facility offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings in a wooded setting with Lake Michigan views and direct access to the Dune Climb and Glen Haven beach. The campground is seasonal and reserved exclusively for organized groups.

D.H. Day Campground

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