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 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

Fees: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of entrance fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park. All visitors must have an entrance pass (separate from camping fees). The park also honors Federal Recreational Lands America the Beautiful passes (e.g., Resident Annual, Non-Resident Annual, Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade, Golden Age).

For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

Current U.S. Citizen/Resident Vehicle Fees:

• $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee (1-7 days).

• $45 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore annual pass (if camping more than 7 days).

Current Non - U.S Citizen/Resident Vehicle Fees:

• $25 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee (1-7 days).

• $250 America the Beautiful Non-Resident annual pass.

The Michigan Recreation Passport is not valid for entry at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is a federally managed site.

NOTE: Effective March 1, 2023, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore accepts card payment only at staffed locations (no cash or checks).

Managed by a US federal agency. Data source: ridb.recreation.gov.