Holland Lake State Forest Campground

For those of us in Michigan who cherish the quiet beauty of our state’s vast wilderness and seek a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the Upper Peninsula offers countless hidden gems. Among them, Holland Lake State Forest Campground, nestled near Newberry in the Eastern U.P., stands out as a wonderfully serene and beautifully rustic destination. This isn't your average bustling campground; it's a place where you can truly unplug, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor living by a picturesque small lake.

This article is crafted with our fellow Michiganders in mind, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Holland Lake State Forest Campground a perfect choice for your next outdoor adventure. We’ll delve into its tranquil location, how to access this peaceful retreat, the essential services it provides, and the unique features that promise an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot for tent camping, a base for exploring Michigan’s extensive trail systems, or simply a place to relax by the water, Holland Lake State Forest Campground offers an authentic U.P. charm you’ll want to return to.

Holland Lake State Forest Campground is located in Newberry, MI 49868, USA. Situated in Luce County, this campground is part of Michigan's extensive State Forest Campground system, often blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Hiawatha National Forest that surrounds it. For Michiganders traveling from the Lower Peninsula, reaching Holland Lake involves a scenic drive across the Mackinac Bridge and then heading deeper into the Eastern Upper Peninsula, where the landscape transitions into vast forests and numerous inland lakes.

Access to the campground is typically straightforward, though as a rustic site, expect unpaved forest roads leading to the entrance. Reviewers note that the campground correctly shows up as "Holland Lake" on the Michigan DNR website, which is the official source for information and reservations. Its location provides a perfect balance of being remote enough for a true wilderness feel, yet still accessible. While specific details on nearest town distances aren't provided in the reviews, its proximity to Newberry (a well-known town in the Eastern U.P.) means that basic supplies and services are within a reasonable driving distance, ensuring you’re not completely isolated if you forget something. It's always a good idea to check road conditions, especially during shoulder seasons or after heavy rain, as unpaved roads can be affected.

Holland Lake State Forest Campground provides essential, rustic amenities that enhance the camping experience without detracting from the natural environment.

• Rustic Campsites: The campground offers rustic campsites, meaning they provide a more traditional, primitive camping experience without modern hookups (electric, water, sewer). Reviews indicate that some sites are quite flat (like Site 13), while others vary in terrain, suggesting a natural setting.
• Clean Restrooms (Vault Toilets): A significant highlight noted by campers is the cleanliness of the restrooms (vault toilets). Reviews commend them for being "clean, and often tended to by Muskallonge State Park Rangers," indicating a commitment to maintenance and hygiene even in a rustic setting.
• Hand Pump Well: Potable water is available via a hand-pump well located near the front entrance area. Campers appreciate the water being "clean, cold, and drinkable," which is a crucial convenience for a rustic campground.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each campsite would typically be equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking, and a picnic table for outdoor dining, essential for a comfortable camping setup.
• Trash Services: While not explicitly mentioned in the reviews, State Forest Campgrounds typically have designated trash receptacles, encouraging a "leave no trace" ethic.
• Dog-Friendly: Like most Michigan State Forest Campgrounds, Holland Lake is generally dog-friendly, allowing furry companions to join the adventure, provided they are leashed and waste is properly disposed of.

These services ensure a comfortable and authentic rustic camping experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty.

The true allure of Holland Lake State Forest Campground lies in its serene setting and the recreational opportunities it provides.

• Beautiful Setting: Campers consistently describe the campground and its setting as "beautiful." The small, pretty lake and wooded surroundings create a tranquil and picturesque environment.
• Small, Pretty Lake: Holland Lake itself is a small, clear lake that is ideal for quiet water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Its size contributes to the peaceful atmosphere.
• Proximity to Trailhead: The campground is noted to be "located near trailhead," indicating direct access to walking, hiking, or possibly multi-use trails that extend into the surrounding state forest. This is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Unplugged Experience: As a rustic campground with likely limited to no cell service, Holland Lake offers a true opportunity to unplug from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and fellow campers.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: The fact that restrooms are often tended to by park rangers suggests a generally well-maintained and cared-for campground, enhancing the overall experience.
• Seasonal Beauty: While a review mentions "3 to 6 feet snow!!!!", highlighting its winter character, this also points to its suitability for year-round recreation, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in winter months. The autumn colors in the surrounding forests would also be spectacular.
• Repeat Visitor Appeal: The sentiment "Will for sure camp there again" from a reviewer speaks volumes about the positive and memorable experience offered by the campground.

These features combine to create a compelling destination for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and outdoor activity in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

As a Michigan State Forest Campground managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Holland Lake State Forest Campground operates under a standard per-night fee structure. Currently, the rate for rustic sites at Michigan State Forest Campgrounds is typically around $20 per night.

While there aren't specific "promotions" in the traditional sense, the most significant "offer" for Michiganders to access this and other state forest campgrounds is the Michigan Recreation Passport. This annual pass, which can be purchased when renewing your license plate or directly at state parks, provides unlimited vehicle entry to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, and state forest campgrounds for a full year. This offers excellent value for frequent visitors to Michigan's extensive outdoor recreation system. It's always advisable to check MiDNRReservations.com or call the park directly for the most current pricing and reservation policies, as fees can be subject to change. Additionally, being a state forest campground, it often represents a more affordable camping option compared to state park campgrounds with more amenities.

To get in touch or make reservations for Holland Lake State Forest Campground, you would typically use the Michigan DNR's centralized system:

• Address: Newberry, MI 49868, USA
• Reservations Phone: 1-800-447-2757 (This is the central reservation line for Michigan State Parks and State Forest Campgrounds, also known as 1-800-44-PARKS)
• Online Reservations: MiDNRReservations.com
• For local inquiries or specific information on the campground, you might contact the nearest DNR field office or state park that oversees it, such as Muskallonge Lake State Park, as suggested by the reviews. Their number is often (906) 658-3338.

It is always recommended to use the official reservation channels for booking and to call the relevant DNR office for any detailed questions about current conditions, site availability, or specific campground rules.

For us Michiganders seeking a genuine rustic camping experience in the serene beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Holland Lake State Forest Campground is an ideal destination. It’s perfectly suited for those who appreciate peace and quiet, love being surrounded by nature, and enjoy activities like fishing, paddling, or hiking directly from their campsite. The campground's small, picturesque lake is a central feature, offering a calm environment for water-based relaxation.

The fact that the restrooms are clean and well-maintained by park rangers, and that potable water is easily accessible via a hand pump, adds a level of comfort that makes rustic camping more approachable. While it’s a place to unplug with likely no cell service, this is precisely its charm – fostering a deeper connection with the outdoors and your companions. Whether you're seeking a summer escape for fishing and hiking or a winter adventure in the snow, Holland Lake provides a beautiful and well-cared-for base. Its welcoming atmosphere, combined with the raw natural beauty of the Eastern U.P., makes it a place that many, like the reviewer, will "for sure camp there again." For a truly authentic and tranquil Michigan outdoor experience, Holland Lake State Forest Campground awaits.