Holden Campground

For Wisconsinites who appreciate a quieter, more rustic camping experience enveloped by nature, Holden Campground in Arkansaw offers a charming and peaceful retreat. Located on the serene Silver Birch Lake, this campground provides a delightful opportunity to disconnect from the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors. It's a place where the chorus of birds and frogs from the lake provide the soundtrack to your getaway, and where recent improvements are visibly enhancing the visitor experience. Whether you're looking for a tranquil spot with electric hookups for your RV or a quiet tent site, Holden Campground is a promising destination for those who value simplicity and natural beauty. Our aim with this article is to provide local Wisconsinites with a clear and engaging overview of what makes this campground a suitable choice for their next outdoor escape.

Holden Campground, managed by Pepin County, spans nearly 75 acres, with an additional 20 acres dedicated to the Pepin County Shooting Range nearby. It offers a "quiet, little campground" feel, as described by satisfied campers, making it perfect for those who prefer fewer crowds, especially during weekdays. Recent upgrades, including new picnic tables and fire pits, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing comfort and usability. While it maintains a more basic, "carry in/carry out" approach to waste and primarily features pit toilets, the park is actively working towards significant improvements, including the construction of modern flush toilets and showers by 2025. This forward-looking approach, combined with the scenic views and direct access to Silver Birch Lake, positions Holden Campground as a valuable local resource for a truly authentic Wisconsin camping experience.

Holden Campground is nestled at N5362 County Rd N, Arkansaw, WI 54721, USA. This location places it just south of the village of Arkansaw in Pepin County, directly on Silver Birch Lake. While it offers a secluded feel, it remains reasonably accessible for Wisconsinites. From Durand, travelers can take Highway 10 northwest to County Road N, then head west on County Road N for a few miles to County Road NN, turning left and following the road to the park.

It's important for RVers to note that while the campground is accessible, there is a "steep drive down to it," and the quarters can be "tight," especially for larger rigs. This suggests that careful navigation might be required, particularly during busier periods. Despite these considerations, the reward is a tranquil lakeside setting. The campground's location in Pepin County also places it within reach of other natural attractions and charming small towns, offering opportunities for day trips and further exploration. The peaceful, rural drive to the campground sets the tone for a relaxing escape, making it a convenient choice for Wisconsinites looking to enjoy the beauty of their own state.

• Electric Campsites: Holden Campground offers campsites with 30-amp electric hookups, providing convenience for RV and tent campers who require power. There are 16-18 electric sites available, typically for $20 per night.

• Pit Toilets (Future Upgrades Planned): The campground currently provides pit toilets. While reviews acknowledge their rustic nature and associated smells/flies, a significant highlight is that by 2025, new bathrooms with flush toilets and showers are planned for construction, greatly enhancing comfort.

• Non-Potable Water (Centrally Located): Centrally located non-potable water is available. Campers should plan to bring their own drinking water or have a filtration system.

• New Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Recent upgrades include new, sturdy picnic tables and fire rings at each site, enhancing the usability and comfort of your campsite. While some fire rings may be small, they are functional, and can often be moved within the site.

• Carry In/Carry Out Policy: Holden Campground operates on a "carry in/carry out" trash policy, meaning campers are responsible for taking all their garbage and recyclables with them when they leave. There is no public dumpster on-site, requiring campers to plan accordingly.

• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp provides convenient access to Silver Birch Lake for those with motorized boats, canoes, or kayaks.

• Playground: A playground area is available for children, offering a space for active play. New playground equipment is expected to be installed by 2025.

• Site for Camp Host: A site for a camp host has been added, indicating an effort to have a consistent presence to assist campers, though occupancy may vary.

• Reservations: While some sources indicate first-come, first-served, more recent information suggests that sites are reservable online via platforms like Campspot, and it's advisable to check with Pepin County for the most current reservation procedures.

• Silver Birch Lake Access: The campground is located directly on Silver Birch Lake, a 97-acre lake known for good fishing (panfish, bass, pike, and catfish) and opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. A trail leads directly from the campground to the lake.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised by visitors, the campground offers a very quiet environment, especially during weekdays, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and relaxation in nature. The "lots of bird noises, day and night" and "frogs from the lake" contribute to this peaceful ambiance.

• Scenic Views: The campground boasts "nice views" of the surrounding natural landscape, offering a picturesque setting for your camping experience.

• Future Modern Amenities (2025): A significant highlight is the planned construction of new, modern bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, along with improved drinking water access, set to be available in 2025. This indicates a major upgrade in comfort for future visitors.

• Hiking Trails: There is a trail that goes directly to the lake, offering a pleasant walk, and other hiking opportunities exist within Holden Park and the adjacent Tiffany Wildlife Area.

• Proximity to Tiffany Wildlife Area: Holden Park is adjacent to the Tiffany Wildlife Area, providing an expanded natural space for wildlife viewing, hunting (in designated areas), and outdoor exploration.

• Pepin County Shooting Range: For enthusiasts, a 20-acre Pepin County Shooting Range is located nearby, offering an additional recreational activity.

• Beautiful Mature Trees: The campground is nestled among trees, providing shade and enhancing the natural feel of the sites.

Address: N5362 County Rd N, Arkansaw, WI 54721, USA

Phone: (715) 672-7242 ext. 167 (This typically directs to the Pepin County Land Conservation and Planning Department, which manages the park).

Mobile Phone: +1 715-672-7242 ext. 167

For Wisconsinites seeking a genuine and evolving outdoor experience, Holden Campground in Arkansaw offers an exceptionally suitable destination. Its location directly on Silver Birch Lake provides unparalleled access to water-based activities like fishing, boating, and swimming, all within a tranquil, natural setting. This immediate access to a peaceful lake, combined with the chorus of local wildlife, creates an immersive natural escape that many local residents value in their leisure time.

While the campground currently leans into a more rustic charm with pit toilets and a "carry in/carry out" policy, the active and significant investment by Pepin County in upcoming improvements is a major draw. The planned addition of modern flush toilets, showers, and new playground equipment by 2025 indicates a strong commitment to enhancing visitor comfort while maintaining its natural appeal. This forward-thinking approach means that local Wisconsinites can anticipate an even more comfortable and enjoyable experience in the near future, making it a promising destination for return visits.

The electric hookups at all sites, coupled with the new picnic tables and fire rings, provide essential comforts for both RV and tent campers. Furthermore, the quiet atmosphere, especially during weekdays, appeals to those looking for a truly relaxing break from their daily routines. For Wisconsinites who appreciate supportive local management, evident in the responsiveness to feedback and visible upgrades, Holden Campground represents a valuable community asset. It offers an authentic outdoor adventure, a chance to connect with nature, and a tangible example of local government investing in its recreational spaces, making it an excellent choice for your next serene getaway in beautiful Wisconsin.

Holden Campground

N5362 County Rd N, Arkansaw, WI 54721, USA