D.H. Day Group Campground campground
EMPIRE, Michigan

D.H. Day Group Campground

Check by phone
4 campsites
Open in maps

4

Total Campsites

Campground

4

Reservable Sites

Check by phone

1

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About D.H. Day Group Campground

Overview D.H. Day Group Campground is a tent-only facility located in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, about one mile (1.6 km) north of the Dune Climb, where visitors can walk over miles of sand dunes. This year-round campground has four sites which accommodate groups of 7 to 25 people. Recreation D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park's beaches. The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake. Facilities D.H. Day Group is a hub for water activities. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, with restrictions, and there is a boat ramp about six miles away by which boaters can access Lake Michigan. Campers can also rent canoes and kayaks in the town of Glen Harbor to float the nearby Crystal River. The beach at Glen Haven, which is popular for beachcombing and swimming, is about one mile away from the campground. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park's beaches. The facility is also close to the Dune Climb, where visitors can climb on sand dunes over 200 feet high, walk more than 1.5 miles on the dunes to Lake Michigan and catch a great view of Glen Lake. Natural Features The campground is open with sparse vegetation. Contrary to the park's name, bears are rarely sighted here, yet other wildlife such as birds, deer and wild turkey may be seen. Although the Lake Michigan shore is long and narrow, it has northern hardwood and conifer forests, abandoned farm meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams, bogs and splendid examples of a glacially formed landscape. The most prominent features in the park, for which it was named, are the perched sand dunes above Lake Michigan. The overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs are about 400 feet above the lake. With 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is wonderfully water-oriented. contact_info For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information. Nearby Attractions The historic area of Glen Haven, which features a working blacksmith shop, a 1920s-era general store and Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum, is within a short drive of the campground. Charges & Cancellations

  • 4 total campsites listed.
  • 1 accessible campsite listed.
  • Most common site type: group tent only area nonelectric (4).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
D.H. Day Group Campground photo 2
D.H. Day Group Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes D.H. Day Group Campground special

D.H. Day Group Campground places you in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Great Lakes region. Located about a mile north of the famous Dune Climb near the village of Glen Haven in Empire, Michigan, this tent-only group campground is ideally positioned for exploring towering sand dunes, dense beech-maple forests, and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The campground is nestled in a wooded setting that provides welcome shade during warm summer days, while the lakeshore and open dunes are just a short walk or drive away. The Dune Climb, where visitors scramble up a steep wall of sand for panoramic views of Glen Lake and the surrounding countryside, is the signature attraction and practically in your backyard. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers breathtaking overlooks, and the Sleeping Bear Point Trail winds through ghost forests of sand-buried trees to a remote stretch of beach. As a group campground, D.H. Day is designed for larger parties, including scout troops, family gatherings, and outdoor clubs. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance for the busy summer season. The tent-only policy keeps the atmosphere grounded and peaceful. The best time to visit is June through September, when Lake Michigan warms to swimmable temperatures and the long summer evenings are pure magic. Fall color season in October is also spectacular, with hardwood forests blazing against the blue lake backdrop.

Campsite Inventory

4 sites to choose from

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC

4total sites

4

Reservable

1

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

DRINKING WATER (PEAK SEASON)

Drinking Water (peak season)

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

Max guests

25

Minimum guests

7

PICNIC TABLES

Picnic Tables

Pets allowed

No

Picnic Table

Yes

Shade

Yes

Site Access

Drive-In

VAULT TOILETS

Vault Toilets

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Check by phone

Phone

231-326-4700

Getting There

From Traverse City, Michigan take M-72 west to Empire. Proceed 2.1 miles (3.4 km) north of Empire on M-22. Go 4.1 miles (6.6 km) north on M-109 to West Harwood Road. Take a left on West Harwood Road and continue all the way to the end of the road to D.H. Day Group Campground. Reservation holders MUST check-in and pay entrance fees at D.H. Day Group Campground 8000 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to D.H. Day Group Campground.

How do reservations work for D.H. Day Group Campground?

Reservation availability for D.H. Day Group Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at D.H. Day Group Campground?

D.H. Day Group Campground currently lists GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC (4).

Where is D.H. Day Group Campground located?

D.H. Day Group Campground is in Michigan near EMPIRE. Coordinates: 44.8917, -86.0428.

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