D.H. Day Campground

4.49

967 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping

Quick Facts

630 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Open from April 27 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

630 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Open from April 27 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

D.H. Day Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $20 per night for all site types, regardless of peak or off-season. Additional costs include a $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes entrance fee (valid...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 967 reviews

218 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationlake

Some mention

reservation

"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."

Read all reviews

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

Driving directionsFrom Empire, MI: Drive north on M-22 for 2 miles to the intersection of M-109. Turn left onto M-109, continue for another 5.3 miles passing the Scenic Drive, Dune Climb, and entrance to D.H. Day Group Campground. The entrance to the campground will be on your left. From Glen Arbor, MI: Drive west on M-109 for 1.4 miles. The entrance to the campground will be on your right.

The campground is accessible via M-109, a paved, well-maintained road. The entrance is easy to locate and accessible year-round, weather permitting. Seasonal closures may affect access during harsh weather conditions.

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)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies can be found at Anderson's Market in Glen Arbor (1.5 miles). Fuel is available in Glen Arbor and Empire. Nearby Glen Haven offers additional basic supplies and a bookstore.

Best Time to Camp at D.H. Day Campground

Summer transforms the campground into a sun-dappled paradise, with daytime temperatures climbing into the balmy 70s and 90s before cooling to a perfect 50-70°F for evening campfires and stargazing. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in brilliant colors while crisp air invigorates morning hikes. Spring brings renewal and cooler temperatures ideal for peaceful exploration. When winter's snow blankets the landscape, the campground rests, preparing for another season of memories.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm beach weather and peak activity; busy and crowded during summer peak season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MI

Quieter visits and striking foliage; reviewers highlight fall as a top season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from late April; cooler weather and variable conditions, fewer services early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed after the last Sunday in November; limited winter access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15 is considered peak season.. 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.
Current Alerts: No current alerts beyond regular seasonal closures. Poison ivy and ticks are recurring concerns.

About D.H. Day Campground

Nestled within the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, D.H. Day Campground beckons adventurers with 81 wooded sites that blend rustic charm with natural splendor. Just a leisurely stroll from Lake Michigan's pristine shores, this beloved campground serves as your gateway to one of Michigan's most treasured landscapes, where towering dunes meet crystal-clear waters and ancient forests whisper stories of the past.

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

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby historic village of Glen Haven, where a lovingly preserved general store and maritime museum tell tales of Great Lakes shipping and frontier life. Your camping experience connects you to centuries of human history, from Native American heritage to the logging era that shaped this region. Adventure along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail or wind through the famous Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, each turn revealing stories etched into the landscape.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the campground into a sun-dappled paradise, with daytime temperatures climbing into the balmy 70s and 90s before cooling to a perfect 50-70°F for evening campfires and stargazing. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in brilliant colors while crisp air invigorates morning hikes. Spring brings renewal and cooler temperatures ideal for peaceful exploration. When winter's snow blankets the landscape, the campground rests, preparing for another season of memories.

ElevationSet within the gently rolling terrain where ancient glaciers sculpted a masterpiece of dunes, forests, and shoreline, the campground rests in nature's embrace at the intersection of woodland and water, offering varied topography perfect for exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of northern hardwood and conifer forests, where sunlight filters through a canopy of maple, beech, and pine. The landscape unfolds like a living painting - from windswept dunes shaped by millennia to tranquil meadows dotted with wildflowers, mysterious wetlands teeming with life, and crystalline streams that meander toward Lake Michigan. Each campsite is cocooned in lush greenery, offering privacy and connection to this diverse ecosystem.

Geological RegionExperience the raw power of geological time at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where massive glaciers carved this wonderland thousands of years ago. Today, their legacy lives on in towering sand dunes that shift with the winds, dense forests of hardwood and evergreen that have reclaimed the land, pristine wetlands that harbor diverse wildlife, and babbling streams that have carved their own stories into the earth.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is from 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out at 12:00 noon.

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

Site layoutCampsites are organized into loops and sections. Sites are staggered with varying degrees of privacy. Some are closer to roads while others are more secluded.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityDuring off-season (October 16 to November 23), sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before check-in, but late cancellations (within 24 hours) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingThe Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail runs through the campground, offering 20+ miles of multi-use trails. Nearby attractions like the Dune Climb and Alligator Hill Trail provide additional hiking options.

FishingThe shoreline near the campground allows for fishing activities, though specific details about types of fish or fishing quality were not provided.

SwimmingThe campground is within walking distance of a Lake Michigan beach, offering opportunities for swimming. The beach features clear, cold water and pebbly areas, which may require water shoes.

BikingThe Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail provides excellent biking opportunities and passes through the campground. The trail connects to nearby attractions like Glen Arbor and the Dune Climb.

BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are possible along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and songbirds are common around the campground. Bear sightings are possible, and food storage regulations are enforced.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison ivy is prevalent and encroaches on campsites. The campground is an active bear area requiring strict food storage guidelines.

Active AlertsNo current alerts beyond regular seasonal closures. Poison ivy and ticks are recurring concerns.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only within designated fire rings. Firewood from approved vendors is required to prevent pest infestation.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Munson Medical Center in Traverse City (approximately 40 minutes), Glen Arbor Fire Department (1.5 miles), and Sleeping Bear Dunes ranger station nearby.

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

Water FeaturesLocated within walking distance of Lake Michigan. Nearby Crystal River and Platte River offer additional water-based recreational opportunities.

Camp HostHosts are available throughout the season and provide assistance and guidance. Some reviews praise their friendliness and helpfulness.

Weather at D.H. Day Campground

Reviews

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

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

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

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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