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

Camping fees at D.H. Day Group Campground range from $20/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 Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

D.H. Day Group 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 Group Campground before I book?

Yes! D.H. Day Group Campground has 15 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 Group Campground?

D.H. Day Group 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 Group Campground?

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

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

D.H. Day Group Campground has 4 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 Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at D.H. Day Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

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

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

D.H. Day Group Campground

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

Fire policies at D.H. Day Group Campground: Fires and Firewood. Confine all fires to the fire ring and burn ONLY dead, down and detached wood, or charcoal. - Do not leave fires unattended. Fires must be completely extinguished with water before leaving a campsite. - Firewood is available for purchase in the main campground (near campsite 81) , or visitors may collect dead, down and detached firewood within the park boundaries. - Firewood from areas outside of this facility must be from a lakeshore approved firewood vendo r--visit the Fire. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.44

237 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsGreat for Groups

Featured in:Group Camping Beach Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

614 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

614 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

D.H. Day Group Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

231-326-4700

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

D.H. Day Group Campground

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

Nearby places

Empire (approximately 2.1 miles, 5 minutes drive), Glen Arbor (approximately 4.1 miles, 10 minutes drive).

Weather at D.H. Day Group Campground

Current alerts(8)

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.
D.H. Day GROUP Campground is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from D.H. Day Campground. Before setting up camp, ALL CAMPERS MUST STOP AND CHECK-IN at D.H. Day Campground, 8000 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636.
Do NOT burn trash or garbage in fire rings. ALL trash & garbage MUST be disposed of in provided trash cans.
Entrance Fees. 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 Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, sun-drenched days and the best access to Lake Michigan for swimming, boating, and dune climbing — average highs are typically in the mid-70s to low-80s °F (24–28 °C) with cool nights in the mid-50s to mid-60s °F (12–18 °C). Water temperatures peak in late July–August, making paddling, beach time, and group camp activities most enjoyable, and many ranger programs and visitor services are running. Expect the highest crowds on holiday weekends and plan well ahead (reserve Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Warmest weather and best lake access; peak season June–Aug with busy conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 27 to November 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts May 15 and closes October 15 each year. Reservations are not available from November 23 to April 27.

About D.H. Day Group Campground

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 Group Campground is designed exclusively for group tent camping, catering to parties of 7 to 25 people. The facility does not accommodate RVs, trailers, or individual campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, sun-drenched days and the best access to Lake Michigan for swimming, boating, and dune climbing — average highs are typically in the mid-70s to low-80s °F (24–28 °C) with cool nights in the mid-50s to mid-60s °F (12–18 °C). Water temperatures peak in late July–August, making paddling, beach time, and group camp activities most enjoyable, and many ranger programs and visitor services are running. Expect the highest crowds on holiday weekends and plan well ahead (reserve Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation614 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive perched dunes rise above Lake Michigan's blue water, the result of thousands of years of wind and glacial movement. The surrounding landscape includes glacially carved valleys, wetlands, streams, and dense northern hardwood forests. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds visit camp regularly. The beach near Glen Haven is rocky rather than sandy. Watch for poison ivy around the campsites, a frequent complaint in reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground. The focus is exclusively on group tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were mentioned for the group campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites require a minimum of 7 people and can accommodate up to 25 people.

Groups

Group sites accommodate 7 to 25 people and are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Tent pads are gravel-based, and parking is restricted to designated areas to protect vegetation.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via phone.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible vault toilets and group sites but does not provide detailed information on other accessibility features.

Site SizeCampsites accommodate groups of 7 to 25 people. Individual tent pads are approximately 15x15 feet, and gravel has been laid down on site surfaces.

PrivacyThe campground is open with sparse vegetation, which provides limited privacy. Some users noted that campsites are closely spaced, making it possible to hear neighbors.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from poison ivy and close to water features for convenience and scenic views.

Best CampsitesGroup site 4 gets positive reviews for cleanliness and proximity to attractions like the Dune Climb and Glen Haven beach.

Need help booking D.H. Day Group Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

D.H. Day Group Campground is a tent-only facility located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The campground provides essential amenities aimed at group campers, including picnic tables and campfire rings. Seasonal drinking water is available during the reservation period, but water is shut off from October through April. Access to the campground is via a dirt road. Vault toilets are present and are described as relatively clean by user reviews. The campground lacks key amenities like showers and electricity hookups, making it a rustic choice for camping. Firewood can be purchased at the main campground, and visitors may also collect dead, down, and detached firewood within the park boundaries.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

D.H. Day Group Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities suitable for group campers. Activities focus on exploring the natural environment and include boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Glen Haven beach offers swimming and beachcombing, although no lifeguards are stationed. The proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Crystal River adds to the diverse recreational options.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this facility; only vault toilets are provided.

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 PolicyFires and Firewood. Confine all fires to the fire ring and burn ONLY dead, down and detached wood, or charcoal. - Do not leave fires unattended. Fires must be completely extinguished with water before leaving a campsite. - Firewood is available for purchase in the main campground (near campsite 81) , or visitors may collect dead, down and detached firewood within the park boundaries. - Firewood from areas outside of this facility must be from a lakeshore approved firewood vendo r--visit the Fire

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

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans and recycling facilities are provided throughout the campground. Visitors are encouraged to dispose of garbage responsibly and avoid burning trash in the fire rings.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

237 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews for D.H. Day Group Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic location, proximity to attractions, and opportunities for recreation. Common concerns include the prevalence of poison ivy around campsites and the lack of showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 237 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 237 reviews.

Site G001Loved
Group Site G001 was frequently praised for its spaciousness and cleanliness.
G003Loved
Other group sites, such as G003 and G004, were highlighted for their good location and maintenance.

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the campground for its beautiful surroundings, including stunning views of Lake Michigan and easy access to the Dune Climb and Glen Haven beach. The clean vault toilets and...

Based on 237 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequently cited issues include the abundance of poison ivy, which some campers found overwhelming, and the lack of privacy between closely spaced sites. Others noted the absence of showers...

Based on 237 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water shoes for the rocky beach areas and being prepared for poison ivy near the campsites. A thicker tent pad is advised due to gravel surfaces. Early booking is essential...

Based on 237 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during the summer months, especially from June to August. Fall is noted as a quieter time, ideal for enjoying the scenery without the crowds. Poison ivy...

Based on 237 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We were so close we could hear the waves at night in our tent." "The beach here is fantastic! Love that it’s dog friendly with a nice boardwalk so close to the campground!" "Poison ivy is...

Based on 237 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are prohibited at the group sites, and there were no reviews specifically addressing pet experiences.

Based on 237 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're organizing a group outing and want proximity to Sleeping Bear's beaches and iconic dunes.

Skip if

You need individual or family sites, or you're sensitive to poison ivy and prefer more spacious layouts.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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.