D.H. Day Campground

 

D.H. Day Campground is located within the Leelanau District of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area administered by the National Park Service.

The campground is located 7.5 miles north of Empire and 1.5 miles west of Glen Arbor on M-109 at 8000 W. Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636.

Note that the D.H. Day Group Campground is located at a different location. It is just north of the Dune Climb on M-109 then turn west on Harwood Rd. Parties camping at D.H. Day Group Campground must check in at the main D.H. Day Campground & pay their park entrance fee before setting up camp.


ENTRANCE FEE: A park pass is required for all vehicles using the campground, including those who are visiting campers. The pass must be displayed in the vehicle dashboard.

SAFETY: Please notify a ranger or campground host if you encounter any problems. In case of emergency, DIAL 911.

Make a Reservation

Regular sites may be reserved up to 6 months in advance for May 1 to October 15.
To make a reservation, you can scroll to the reservation tab below, use the reservation system directly on the D.H. Day Campground page of recreation.gov, or call 1-877-444-6777.

If all campsites have been reserved, you can visit the local chamber of commerce websites for information for nearby camping and lodging options.

 
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Basic Information

Accessibility Information
 

Amenities

The Campground Office is staffed daily May 1 - October 15. Hours are posted next to the office door. Throughout the season, campground hosts are on site and available 24/7, current host on duty is posted on the office door. During spring and fall, the ranger station is typically closed.

Potable water and a sanitation (dump) station is available at the entrance. Water spigots are also located throughout the campground with several serving each loop. No showers, flush toilets, or RV hook ups are available at D.H. Day Campground.

Campground Regulations

BE A GOOD CAMPER. PLEASE OBEY THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS.

  1. Campers must check in at the campground office upon arrival. Change sites only with approval of the park ranger at the campground office.
  2. Campers must notify the campground at 231-326-4700, ext. 5045 if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check in time. If they do not, their reservation will be cancelled and they will be charged the first night's camping fee plus an additional $20 no-show fee.
  3. Check-out time is 12:00 noon.
  4. Camping is permitted ONLY in designated areas, on the established tent pads, and parking pads. All vehicles and trailers must remain on roadway surfaces and off vegetation.
  5. No more than six (6) people will be permitted on a site.
  6. LIMIT TWO (2) VEHICLES permitted on a site: only one may be a truck camper, camper trailer, boat trailer, or motor-home.
  7. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. Noise levels must be controlled at all times to avoid disturbing other campers.
  8. Generator use is allowed only in campsites 1-31. Generators may be used from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.
  9. Camping is limited to 14 TOTAL DAYS per designated campground between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Camping equipment may not remain on a site for more than 14 days, even if used by a different person or group.
  10. ACTIVE BEAR AREA: Store food, drinks, ice chests/coolers, toiletries, trash/recyclables, and all scented items in a sealed vehicle, RV, or food storage locker day and night. Never feed wildlife.
  11. To prevent and slow the spread of forest pests and diseases, YOU MAY ONLY BURN NPS APPROVED FIREWOOD. A list of approved vendors is available.
  12. Confine all fires to the fire ring and burn ONLY dead, down and detached wood or charcoal. Fires must be completely extinguished with water before leaving a campsite. Do not leave fires unattended.
  13. It is unlawful to cut, destroy, damage or remove ANY standing tree, shrub or plant, or possess any green vegetation within the park, including flowers. Do not injure trees with nails or by hanging hot lanterns on or against the trunk.
  14. Bicycles are to be used on roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail only and are prohibited in walk-in and group campsites. Roller blades, skates, skateboards, scooters, and similar devices are prohibited in the campground.
  15. Wheeled devices, including wheelbarrows, wagons, carts & trailers are prohibited on foot trails. Do not create short-cuts.
  16. Pets must be on a six-foot (6 ft./1.8 m) leash at all times. Do not leave pets unattended and tied to an object. Pet owners are responsible for the cleanup of all excrement.
  17. Containers must be kept under drains and emptied only at the dump station.
  18. The washing of dishes, hands, hair, or brushing teeth, etc. at outdoor water faucets is prohibited. Washing vehicles at the dump station is prohibited.
  19. Do NOT burn trash/garbage in fire rings. ALL trash/garbage must be disposed of in provided dumpsters.
  20. Beach fires are only allowed between the water and the first dune. No fires are permitted in dune grass. Never leave fires unattended and extinguish them with water only. NEVER BURY A BEACH FIRE WITH SAND.

Failures to follow these regulations may result in removal from the campground.

D.H. Day Campground Map

 
Map of the roads, campsites, and facilities in the DH Day Campground
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Last updated: December 22, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

Phone:

231 326-4700

Contact Us