Natural Resources Department, Twin Lake, MI

Introduction / Overview

For Michiganders who cherish the rugged beauty of the Copper Country, Twin Lakes State Park Campground stands out as a prime destination. This isn’t just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a fully-equipped basecamp nestled in the scenic western Upper Peninsula, offering a perfect blend of modern convenience and UP wilderness access. Operated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the campground sits beautifully on the southwest shore of Lake Roland, one of the park’s two eponymous lakes, and acts as a gateway to some of the region’s best trail systems.

The park itself covers 175 acres, providing ample space for recreation, and the campground is geared towards making your stay comfortable while keeping you connected to nature. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer looking for electrical hookups or a family seeking a lakeside retreat, Twin Lakes State Park offers an authentic slice of Michigan’s wild side, complete with stunning views, great fishing, and direct access to motorized and non-motorized trail adventures. It is a highly-regarded spot for locals who want to explore the historic Keweenaw Peninsula and the greater UP region without sacrificing essential modern comforts.

Location and Accessibility

Twin Lakes State Park Campground boasts an enviable location in Michigan’s Houghton County, making it a convenient hub for exploring the western UP. It is situated about 15 miles northeast of Mass City and approximately 26 miles southwest of the Houghton/Hancock metropolitan area. Its official address and main entrance are directly on one of the Upper Peninsula’s main thoroughfares, Highway M-26.

Access is remarkably easy, especially for larger camping units like RVs and travel trailers, as the entrance is right off the paved M-26. However, it's important for local users to note the specific address to avoid confusion: the entrance to the modern campground is located at 32650 N. Highway M-26, Toivola, MI 49965. Some older navigation systems may reference a logging road, Poyhonen Road, which is difficult to navigate—campers should rely on the M-26 entrance for smooth arrival.

The park’s strategic positioning means it’s not only accessible by vehicle but also serves as an important hub for trail users. It is one of the few state parks that explicitly permits the operation of ORVs (Off-Road Vehicles) between the campground and the nearby dedicated ORV trails, providing direct connection to the expansive Bill Nicholls Trail, making it a dream location for motorized recreation enthusiasts.

Services Offered

As a modern campground managed by the Department of Natural Resources, Twin Lakes State Park provides a suite of services designed to maximize comfort and convenience for its guests. The goal is to provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for a genuine Michigan outdoor experience.

Modern Campground: The facility offers 62 sites, with a handful of coveted spots situated along the Lake Roland shoreline.

Electrical Service: All sites provide 20- and 30-AMP electrical service, with some sites also upgraded to 50-AMP service to accommodate larger RVs and modern travel trailers.

Toilet and Shower Building: A modern, accessible toilet and shower building is available, typically operational from mid-May through mid-October, providing the comforts of home.

Sanitation Station: A dedicated sanitation dump station is available on-site for RV and trailer use.

Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and cozy campfires.

Mini Cabin Rental: The park offers a single mini cabin for rent, which includes electricity, a heater, and basic appliances like a hot plate and mini fridge, providing an entry-level lodging experience for non-tent campers.

Boat Launch: A designated boating access site is available on Lake Roland, suitable for fishing boats and pleasure craft.

DNR Headquarters: The park headquarters is located nearby, providing a point of contact for information, permits, and assistance.

Features / Highlights

The real draw of Twin Lakes State Park Campground lies in its array of recreational features and strategic location, making it a standout choice for Michigan adventurers:

ORV-Friendly Access: Twin Lakes is one of a select few state parks permitting the operation of ORVs to and from the campground to access the vast network of designated motorized routes, including the prominent Bill Nicholls Trail.

Lake Roland Swimming Beach: The park features a designated swimming beach on Lake Roland, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm summer day.

Fishing Excellence: Both Lake Roland and the nearby Lake Gerald are highly popular with anglers, offering opportunities to catch a variety of Michigan fish species.

Trail Connectivity: The park connects to other state parks (like Bewabic and Baraga) and the Bond Falls Scenic Site via a network of motorized routes, and offers non-motorized options such as the 1.5-mile Twin Lakes Nature Trail.

Winter Recreation: The park transforms in the winter, offering groomed trails for cross-country skiing and providing direct access to the Bill Nicholls Snowmobile Trail.

Basecamp for UP Exploration: The location makes it an ideal central hub for day trips to popular Copper Country attractions, including Fort Wilkins State Historic Park, the copper mines, and the Keweenaw National Historic Park in Calumet.

Contact Information

The Twin Lakes State Park Campground is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Address:

32650 N. Highway M-26

Toivola, MI 49965, USA

Phone (Park Office/Natural Resources Department):

(906) 288-3321

Reservations (Toll-Free):

(800) 447-2757 (or reserve online via the DNR website)

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Michigan, the Twin Lakes State Park Campground is more than just a place to stay—it is an accessible and essential piece of their local recreational landscape. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects. Firstly, it provides a high-quality, modern camping experience that is reliable and state-managed, ensuring consistent standards of cleanliness and safety. This makes it an easy and familiar choice for weekend getaways and family vacations.

Secondly, the park perfectly caters to the diverse recreational passions of Michigan residents, especially the strong community of ORV and snowmobile enthusiasts. Its unique position as an ORV-friendly state park makes it a vital, convenient launching point for exploring the massive trail system that traverses the western UP. Finally, its location in the historic Copper Country allows Michiganders to use it as a central base to explore their state’s rich mining history and the unmatched wilderness of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Twin Lakes State Park Campground offers the necessary amenities and strategic access for any local looking to make the most of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.