D.H. Day Campground
federal · EMPIRE, MI
- dump station< 0.1 mi
- fuel station2.0 mi

NPS · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
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 4th Sunday in November. Reservations are required May 15 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. Nearby Attractions To the East and North: 1.5 miles - Village of Glen Arbor - the Crystal River winds through on its way to Lake Michigan 5.7 miles - Port Onieda Historic District can be found 5.7 miles to the North. 20 miles - The Harbor Town of Leland serves as the gateway to both North and South Manitou Islands . To the West and South: 0.7 miles - Alligator Hill Trail 0.8 miles - 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). 2.0 miles - The Dune Climb and Dune Center bookstore . 4.2 miles - Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the location of the Lake Michigan Overlook 7.5 miles - Village of Empire Contact Info For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information. Charges & Cancellations
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- < 0.1 mi
dump station
Dump station
- 2.0 mi
fuel station
Glen Arbor Quick Stop
- 1.5 mi
grocery
Anderson's Glen Arbor Market IGA
- < 0.1 mi
potable water
Potable water
- 0.5 mi
trailhead
Alligator Hill Trail
- 0.3 mi
attraction
Viewpoint
- 1.6 mi
recreation site
Boat launch
Contact & access
- SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE · EMPIRE, MI 49630
- 231-326-4700 ext 5035
- nps.gov
Reservations & demand
May weekends are typically reserved about 64 days ahead.
Based on 333 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability. Opens Recreation.gov for live dates.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/11/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.

