D.H. Day Group Campground
D.H. Day Group Campground
Part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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.
Facilities
Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided at the campsites. The campground has drinking water during the reservation season, but the water is shut off from October through April. Pets and RVs are not allowed in the group sites. Access to the campground is via a dirt road.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.
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.
Nearby Attractions
To the East and North:
1.3 miles - Alligator Hill Trail - via Harwood Road (E), M-109 (S), Day Farm Road (E), & Stocking Road (N).
1.5 miles - Historic Village of Glen Haven & the General Store bookstore
2.0 miles - Maritime Museumand
2.3 miles - Sleeping Bear Point Trail
3.2 miles - Village of Glen Arbor - where the Crystal River winds through town to Lake Michigan.
7.3 miles - Port Onieda Historic District.
21.8 miles - The Harbor Town of Leland serves as the gateway to both North and South Manitou Islands.
To the South:
1.5 miles - The Dune Climb and Dune Center bookstore.
3.5 miles - Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, home of the Lake Michigan Overlook.
6.5 miles - Village of Empire.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.Important Notices
D.H. Day GROUP Campground is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from D.H. Day Campground. Before setting up camp, ALL CAMPERS MUST STOP AND CHECK-IN at D.H. Day Campground, 8000 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636. From the main campground, you will travel on a dirt road to reach the group campground.
Entrance 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 (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.
The Michigan Recreation Passport is not valid for entry at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is a federally managed site.
Permit Conditions
1. Campers must check - in at the D. H. Day Campground Office (8000 W Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636) immediately upon arrival.
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 or reservation will be cancelled; and they will be charged the first night’s camping fee plus a $20 no show fee.
3. Check -in time is 2 PM. Check -out time is 12 noon.
4. Camp ONLY at the group site reserved for your use, do not change sites. Camping is permitted only in designated areas, within established tent pads boundaries, and parking pads. All vehicles and trailers must remain on roadway surfaces and off vegetation.
Site boundaries are marked with wooden posts.
5. Tents only, no RV's or trailers allowed.
6. Group camp sites require a minimum of 7 people, but not more than 25 people per site.
7. Quiet hours are from 10 PM – 6 AM Noise must be controlled at all times to ensure other campers are not disturbed. Generators, or other items that create unreasonable or excessive noise are prohibited.
8. Active Bear Area: Store food, drinks, ice chests/coolers (empty or full), toiletries, trash/recyclables, food prep tools and all scented items in a sealed, hard sided vehicle day and night. Never feed wildlife.
9. To prevent and slow the spread of forest pests and diseases, you may only burn NPS APPROVED FIREWOOD.
Firewood is available for purchase in D.H. Day Campground near site 81. See approved vendors list at www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
10. 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 at any time.
11. It is unlawful to cut, destroy, damage, or remove ANY standing tree, shrub or plant, or to possess any green vegetation within the park, including flowers. Do not injure trees with nails, hanging hot lanterns against the trunk, or hang hammocks in a way that may stress or damage trees.
12. Pets are prohibited in group site areas.
13. Camping is limited to 14 TOTAL days 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 group.
14. Bicycles are to be used on roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail only. Roller blades, skates, skateboards, scooters and similar devices are prohibited in the campground.
15. All trenching is prohibited.
16. Do not burn trash or garbage in fire rings. All trash or garbage must be disposed of in the provided dumpsters.
17. The washing of dishes, hands, hair, brushing teeth, etc. at outdoor water station is prohibited.
18. Excessive use of the solar water station will exhaust water supply. Be sure to return valve to OFF position after use.
Violation of terms may result in permit suspension, revocation and/or issuance of a citation by law enforcement.
Problems or Emergencies. Please notify a Ranger or Campground Host if you encounter any problems.
In case of Emergency, DIAL 911.
Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy is abundant at the campground and throughout the lakeshore. Tent pads and campsite driveways are kept clear of poison ivy. However there may be poison ivy lining the boundary of the campsite.
Ticks. Ticks are common throughout the Lakeshore & are often found in tall grass and shrubs. To learn how to avoid and remove ticks, visit the Avoiding Ticks page on the Centers for Disease Control DC website.
Beach Safety. The park has pebble beaches rather than pure sand. Water shoes are recommended. There are no lifeguards on duty at any of the park beaches--swim at your own risk.
Available Activities
- VISITOR CENTER - Comfort Station
- PICNICKING - Picnic Tables
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
<p>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.</p> <p><strong>Reservation holders MUST check-in and pay entrance fees at D.H. Day Group Campground 8000 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636</strong></p>
Cancellation Policy
Contact Information
Phone: 231-326-4700
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE9922 FRONT STREET
EMPIRE, MI 49630
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site G003, Loop D.H. DAY Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site G002, Loop D.H. DAY Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site G001, Loop D.H. DAY Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site G004, Loop D.H. DAY Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
