About 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,
How to Get There
From Empire, MI: Drive north on M-22 for 2 miles (3.2 km) to the intersection of M-109, turn left onto M-109, continue for another 5.3 miles (8.5 km) past the Scenic Drive, Dune Climb & entrance to the D.H. Day Group Campground. The entrance to this campground will be on your left. From Glen Arbor, MI: Drive west on M-109 for 1.4 miles (2.2 km), the entrance to this campground will be on your right. Physical Address: 8000 W. Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to D.H. Day Campground
Heading to D.H. Day Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for D.H. Day Campground?
No central reservation system listed for D.H. Day Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/259242) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to D.H. Day Campground?
From Empire, MI: Drive north on M-22 for 2 miles (3.2 km) to the intersection of M-109, turn left onto M-109, continue for another 5.3 miles (8.5 km) past the Scenic Drive, Dune Climb & entrance to the D.H. Day Group Campground. The entrance to this campground will be on your left. From Glen Arbor, MI: Drive west on M-109 for 1.4 miles (2.2 km), the entrance to this campground will be on your righ…
How do I contact D.H. Day Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 231-326-4700 ext 5035 or email: sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
