Holland Lake State Forest Campground

For Michigan residents who cherish a truly rustic and immersive outdoor experience, Holland Lake State Forest Campground near Newberry in the Upper Peninsula offers an exceptional opportunity. Tucked away in a beautiful natural setting, this campground is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and provides a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. It's a place where the simplicity of nature takes precedence, allowing visitors to unplug and reconnect with the serene wilderness of the U.P.

Holland Lake State Forest Campground is renowned for its picturesque setting and its commitment to a traditional camping experience. As one satisfied camper noted, it's a "beautiful Campground, and setting. The campsites are rustic." This rustic charm is a key part of its appeal, offering a no-frills yet deeply rewarding stay. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Holland Lake emphasizes a quiet and natural ambiance, perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility.

Despite its rustic nature, the campground maintains essential amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. "Restrooms are clean, and often tended to by Muskellunge State Park Rangers," providing peace of mind for campers. The availability of "a hand pump well located near the front entrance area" with "clean, cold, and drinkable" water is a much-appreciated convenience, maintaining the rustic feel while providing a vital resource.

Beyond the campsites themselves, Holland Lake offers direct access to a variety of recreational opportunities. Its location near trailheads makes it an ideal base for ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) enthusiasts, with direct connections to extensive trail systems. The small, "very small but pretty" lake provides opportunities for fishing, particularly for brook trout, and paddling, allowing visitors to enjoy the calm waters. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails or quiet contemplation by the lake, Holland Lake State Forest Campground is a compelling choice for Michigan locals looking for an authentic and peaceful U.P. outdoor experience.

Holland Lake State Forest Campground is located near Newberry, MI 49868, USA, specifically at County Road 416, about 25 miles northwest of Newberry. This address places it deep within Luce County, in the heart of Michigan's vast Upper Peninsula, known for its extensive state forests and pristine natural environments.

Accessing Holland Lake State Forest Campground typically involves navigating through the scenic backroads of the Upper Peninsula. From Newberry, visitors would take M-123, then transition to County Roads 407 and 426, which lead to County Road 416 and the campground. While the roads leading to the campground are generally maintained, travelers should be prepared for rural conditions, especially during different seasons. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of Michigan's wild beauty.

Its secluded location, "down in a valley" as might be inferred from similar rustic settings, contributes significantly to its peaceful atmosphere, making it a true escape from urban noise. The campground is situated directly on Holland Lake, providing easy "carry-in access" for those looking to launch kayaks or small paddling boats. This direct water access, combined with its proximity to significant trail systems, makes it a strategic base for adventurers. Although it is a remote destination, its management by Muskellunge Lake State Park helps ensure proper upkeep and accessibility to the Michigan DNR's network of outdoor recreation. The overall accessibility, while requiring a bit of a drive into the wilderness, is rewarded by the genuine rustic experience and abundant recreational opportunities.

Services Offered (Rustic Campground):

• 15 campsites for tents and small trailers.
• No reservations; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Rustic sites, meaning no electrical hookups are available at individual campsites.
• Vault toilets are provided.
• Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well located near the front entrance.
• Individual picnic tables at most campsites.
• Fire rings at most campsites.
• Overnight fees apply (typically $20 per night, subject to change) with self-registration procedures posted at an information kiosk.
• Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.
• One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
• Managed by Muskellonge Lake State Park Rangers, ensuring regular maintenance of restrooms.
• Open year-round, but campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter for winter camping.

Features / Highlights (Rustic & Recreational):

• Rustic Camping Experience: Holland Lake offers a true rustic camping experience with basic amenities, appealing to those who prefer a less developed and more natural setting. This includes hand-pump well water and vault toilets.
• Beautiful & Secluded Setting: Campers consistently praise the "beautiful Campground, and setting," highlighting its quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The small Holland Lake is described as "very small but pretty."
• Direct ORV Trail Access: A major highlight for motorized recreation enthusiasts, the campground provides direct access to the 49-mile Pine Ridge Trail, which connects to the 36-mile Two Heart Trail system (totaling 85 miles of ORV trails). ORV riding is permitted from campsites directly to the trails.
• Paddling Opportunities: Holland Lake is popular for paddling, with convenient "carry-in access" located near the parking area, making it easy to launch kayaks and canoes.
• Fishing Opportunities: The lake is noted for brook trout, and nearby Pretty Lake and Deer Lake also offer additional fishing opportunities, making it an excellent spot for anglers.
• Proximity to Trailheads: Its location near a trailhead is a significant advantage for those looking to hike or engage in other trail-based activities.
• Winter Camping Available: The campground is open year-round, allowing for winter camping, offering a unique experience for hardy adventurers (though roads are not plowed).
• Access to State Land for Hunting: The campground provides direct access to state land open for hunting, appealing to hunters (with standard firearm restrictions near dwellings).
• Well-Maintained Rustic Facilities: Despite being rustic, the restrooms are "clean, and often tended to By Muskellunge State Park Rangers," ensuring a respectable level of hygiene.

Contact Information:

Address: Newberry, MI 49868, USA (specifically, County Road 416, 25 miles NW of Newberry)

Phone: (906) 658-3338 (Muskellonge Lake State Park, which manages Holland Lake SFC)

There is no specific phone for Holland Lake State Forest Campground itself, as it is a rustic, first-come, first-served site. For general inquiries about Michigan State Forest Campgrounds, contacting the managing park (Muskellonge Lake State Park) or the Michigan DNR is recommended.

For Michigan locals, Holland Lake State Forest Campground offers a highly suitable and authentic Upper Peninsula outdoor experience that resonates with those seeking a genuine escape into nature. Its designation as a rustic campground, with no reservations and basic amenities, appeals directly to adventurers who prefer to disconnect from modern conveniences and truly immerse themselves in the wilderness. This "beautiful Campground" provides a tranquil setting, allowing Michiganders to find the quiet solitude often sought after in the U.P.

The campground's direct access to extensive ORV and snowmobile trail systems (Pine Ridge Trail and Two Heart Trail) is a significant draw for motorized recreation enthusiasts within the state. Being able to ride directly from your campsite to miles of trails is a convenience highly valued by this community. For those who prefer water-based activities, the small, serene Holland Lake itself provides ample opportunities for peaceful paddling and fishing, with brook trout being a notable catch. The presence of nearby lakes further diversifies the fishing prospects for local anglers.

Furthermore, the year-round availability for winter camping, despite unplowed roads, caters to hardy Michigan residents who embrace the state's snowy season for unique outdoor adventures. The consistent cleanliness of the restrooms, despite their rustic nature, reflects the diligent oversight by the Michigan DNR, ensuring a respectful and well-maintained environment. For any Michigan local looking for a no-frills, nature-focused camping trip, whether for adventurous trail riding or serene lakeside relaxation, Holland Lake State Forest Campground is an ideal and accessible choice that truly embodies the spirit of the Upper Peninsula.

Holland Lake State Forest Campground

Newberry, MI 49868, USA