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Looking for the best dispersed campgrounds in Michigan? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Michigan

The Best Dispersed Camping in Michigan

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Sleeping Bear Dunes? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Sleeping Bear Dunes's most popular destinations.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

The Best Dispersed Camping Near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

## Overview

D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS A MAP OF D.H. DAY CAMPGROUND: [**www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dhdaycamp.htm**](https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dhdaycamp.htm)

This rustic campground is one of the most popular in Northern Michigan and is open (weather permitting) from the first Friday in April 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 90s during the day, and 50s to 70s at night. 

As with all NPS sites Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is following all CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces found at: https://www.cdc.gov/.../pdf/Reopening_America_Guidance.pdf This includes routine cleaning of outside surfaces, showers and restrooms, plus twice a day deep cleaning/disinfecting of showers and restrooms using EPA approved disinfectants against Covid-19. Our campground offices have implemented once a day disinfecting at opening, then all touched surfaces will be disinfected after each group uses the office, barriers have been installed on the desks, our staff wear masks, and only one group will be allowed into the office at a time. For more on how the NPS is responding to Covid-19 you can also go to: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm Please call the visitor center at 231-326-4700, ext. 5010 if you have a specific question about one of the park's safety measures. 

## 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 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 Camground, located 17 miles 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 via a self-serve vending trailer. 

## 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. 

## contact_info

For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information. 

## Nearby Attractions

D.H. Day Campground is within minutes of the lakeside Village of Glen Arbor and the Historic Village of Glen Haven. The Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are a short drive to the south. The Alligator Hill Trail is less than a mile away. The Crystal River winds its way to Lake Michigan just a few short miles to the north. The harbor town of Leland is approx. 30 minutes away and is the gateway to both North and South Manitou Island. 

## Charges & Cancellations

**Campers must notify the campground office at 231-334-4634 if they will not arrive within 24 hours of the check-in** time or their reservation will be cancelled; 

• They will be charged a $20 no show fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for the campsite.

• Staff will hold a campsite until 2:00 pm on the day after the scheduled arrival date.

**Other www.recreation.gov fees include:**

• **Any cancelled reservation refund** will have a $10 service fee withheld.

• **Switching to dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates:** $10 change fee.

• **Cancelling a reservation, the day before or on the day of arrival:** $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s camping fee.

• **Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid** but will not be subject to an additional service fee.

• **Group Site Reservations cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date** will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s camping fee

For a complete explanation of all recreation.gov change and cancellation policies visit [**https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies**](https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)

D.h. Day Campground

Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. This year-round facility is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It is within walking distance of the Platte River and a short walk or drive away from the Lake Michigan shore. Hikers can access many of the areas day use and backpacking trails just north of the campground. Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90s during the day and 50s to 70s at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs in the 20s to 30s and lows in the 10s and 20s; snow is usually on the ground from late November through March. Natural Features: The campground lies in a wooded area within walking distance of the Platte River and less than two miles away from the beaches of Lake Michigan. Although the lakeshore 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, and those for which it is 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: Campers can hike, canoe, kayak and fish on the river or the lake. There are canoe rentals at nearby Platte River Point, where the river meets the lake (the point also has beach access for those wishing to drive there). The Platte Plains trail system boasts more than 25 miles of trails, some of which can be accessed a short walk away from the campground. Trails to the primitive White Pine backcountry campground are also close by. Facilities: This facility is well-maintained, well-organized and offers a wide variety of sites, including back-in and pull-through sites with electric hookups for RVs, tent-only sites, walk-in sites, group sites (hike-in, tent-only) and a nearby backcountry campground. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Each loop has restrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Hot showers are also available. The group sites allow no more than 25 people per site; pets and RVs are not permitted in them. ACTIVITIES Picnicking: Picnic Tables Visitor Center: Ranger Station Day Use Area: Amphitheater

Platte River Campground

Empire Township Campground

Camping on North Manitou Island offers solitude and a wild beauty and nights listening to lapping waves.

The small Village Campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.

Camping is allowed in the wilderness area, but open fires are prohibited. Use gas or alcohol stoves i the wilderness.

Backcountry Camping Regulations are in effect on North Manitou Island. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping. Permits are available on the island and on the mainland. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

This rustic trail camp sits along the tranquil shores of Lake Dubonnet in Grand Traverse County, just five miles northwest of Interlochen via M-137, US-31, Gonder Road and Lake Dubonnet Trail.

Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

Turtle Lake Campground

This serene, 50-site campground is surrounded by soaring pines and sits along the tranquil shores of Lake Dubonnet. The lake provides opportunities for campers to enjoy pan fishing and boating. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a well-hand pump. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.

This campground is located in close proximately to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and the Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp. The Lost Lake Pathway passes through the campground and provides excellent scenery and year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This campground allows ORV’s to be ridden from your campsite to access local roads open for ORV use by. All other ORV use within the campground is prohibited. Find more information about ORV use on DNR Forest Roads or roads open to ORV use in Grand Traverse County by visiting their respective web sites.

Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground

Pop open your lawn chair and relax by the crackling fire. Most sites have room for 4 folks, a camper or tent, a boat, a dog or two and a few kiddos :D We have a tiny cafe, a small playground, a fish station, warm showers and bike/kayak rentals! Hop on the Betsie Valley trail for a 3 mile adventure to ice cream, beaches, shops...so much! We are not a big concrete pad RV park, we are a nice small family owned campsite. We try and keep it quiet and calm (but still fun!) If you are looking for the far North Electric Forest, this is not the place. What we are is a great base-camp for all your awesome Northern Michigan adventures!



Betsie River Campsite

Holiday Park Campground

Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

Join the fun near Detroit. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Detroit is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Detroit camping trip.

Detroit

The Best Camping Near Detroit | Michigan Campgrounds

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Warren, MI has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Warren. Find the best campgrounds near Warren, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Warren

The Best Camping Near Warren, Michigan

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Sterling Heights, MI has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Sterling Heights. Discover great camping spots near Sterling Heights, reviewed by campers like you.

Sterling Heights

The Best Camping Near Sterling Heights, Michigan

Are you in need of a campground near Lansing, MI? Lansing is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lansing

The Best Camping Near Lansing, Michigan

Ann Arbor is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Ann Arbor. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Ann Arbor

The Best Camping Near Ann Arbor, Michigan

Join the fun near Grand Rapids. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Grand Rapids, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Michigan camping adventure.

Grand Rapids

The Best Camping Near Grand Rapids, Michigan

Flint is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Michigan camping adventure.

Flint

The Best Camping Near Flint, Michigan

Clinton Township, MI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Clinton Township is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Clinton Township camping trip.

Clinton Township

The Best Camping Near Clinton Township, Michigan

Join the fun near Dearborn. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dearborn campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dearborn. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dearborn

The Best Camping Near Dearborn, Michigan

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Livonia. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Livonia campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Livonia, MI. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Livonia

The Best Camping Near Livonia, Michigan

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Hiawatha National Forest, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Hiawatha National Forest, MI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Hiawatha National Forest

The Best Camping Near Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Ottawa National Forest, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Ottawa National Forest

The Best Camping Near Ottawa National Forest, Michigan

Looking for the best campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI? Sleeping Bear Dunes is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Sleeping Bear Dunes, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Pictured Rocks National Park campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Pictured Rocks National Park camping trip.

Pictured Rocks National Park

The Best Camping Near Pictured Rocks National Park, Michigan

Manistee National Forest camping is some of the best the midwest has to offer. You do not need a permit to camp on the National Forests or in designated campgrounds. If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit to cut firewood. Dispersed and Primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".


Huron-Manistee National Forests

Searching for the best camping near Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Huron-Manistee National Forests and user-submitted reviews.

The Best Camping Near Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Best Camping Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The Best Camping Near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Surrounded by the water of Lake Superior is some of the best camping in Michigan on the isolated and quiet Isle Royale. Near Rock Harbor, MI, campers can enjoy a variety of activities from swimming and fishing to boating and scuba diving. Lake Superior’s seemingly bottomless depths offer a world of exploration for snorkelers and divers. Campsites close to the lake make it easy to put in a kayak or canoe for exploring the tiny islands and waterways found throughout the area. Campgrounds come with the amenities campers expect to find that include cabins, yurts, and plenty of sites ideal for tents. RV drivers will also find plenty of places to hook up their vehicles.

THE BEST Dispersed CAMPING NEARSleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Top Sleeping Bear Dunes Dispersed Campgrounds

D.h. Day Campground

Platte River Campground

Empire Township Campground

North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites

Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

Turtle Lake Campground

Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground

Betsie River Campsite

Holiday Park Campground

Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

About Sleeping Bear Dunes Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Campgrounds in Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

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