D.H. Day Campground ⛺️ Campsite

D.H. Day Campground

Campsite · Empire, Michigan

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D.H. Day Campground, Campsite in Empire, Michigan
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About this stopover

National Park Service campground, 87 sites

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, 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


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Location

📍 SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, ATTN: D.H. DAY CAMPGROUND 9922 FRONT STREET, Empire, Michigan, 49630, United States
🔗 Campsites
🧭 44.897278, -86.020564
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Data source: Recreation.gov View on the source site Information last updated 1 September 2026

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