Visiting Holland State Park: Activity & Camping Guide
VISITING HOLLAND STATE PARK
Water is plentiful at Holland State Park, which is situated next to Lake Macatawa and beautiful Lake Michigan. If you enjoy the atmosphere of Michigan beach towns, where you can leisurely bike along the lake or walk downtown and treat yourself to an ice cream, then Holland is definitely a place to put on your bucket list. Here is your free guide to camping at Holland State Park.
COST
Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. There's a $5 convenience fee when the Recreation Passport is not purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24.
HIGHLIGHTS
Numerous outdoor activities will keep you occupied as you catch a sunset at Ottawa beach with views of Big Red Lighthouse, walk out on the pier, bike to Tunnel Park, climb Mt Pisgah or hike the wooded trails at Holland State Park. It’s only a 10 minute drive from downtown Holland, where you can explore the shops and restaurants. Stop at the nearby Outdoor Discovery Center and Saugatuck Dunes State Park if you have enough time.
THINGS TO DO
Ottawa Beach
A wide, spacious beach with the softest white sand is why Ottawa beach is so popular. The water is shallow for a long distance, with a large sand bar. It’s a decent trek across the sand, I’d recommend wearing sandals in the heat of the day because holy smokes the sand gets hot!
A large day use bath house has restrooms, changing area, lockers, and a concessions snack shop with pretzels, ice cream and grilled cheese. A playground on the south side near the channel has a large play structure. A blue handicap walking mat leads partway to the beach but stops halfway to the water’s edge. The beach can get quite crowded during peak hours.
We opted to drive to the beach during the day with all the play toys, beach chairs, and rafts, but in the evenings we preferred to bike the half mile from Macatawa campground to enjoy the sunset.
The Big Red Lighthouse is a stunning backdrop to Lake Michigan’s sparkling water. I’d recommend choosing an evening or morning to head to the beach for the sunset, beautiful time for photo opportunities when it’s less crowded.
Walk the pier and climb along the large rocky sea wall to watch the ducks swimming.
Watch the boats drift along the canal from Macatawa Lake with the Big Red Lighthouse as a backdrop. Great spot for pictures or fishing along the pier.
Kayak on beautiful Lake Macatawa. Located directly across from the pine loop CG is the tiniest little strip of sandy beach on Lake Macatawa. Kayak rentals are available, but there is very limited parking. We brought are own kayaks and enjoyed paddling out along the boat docks and into the channel.
Hike Mt. Pisgah, a short trail leads to a platform with a scenic overlook of the Holland area. The stair climb will reward you with beautiful views from a tree-top level of Lake Michigan and the Big Red Lighthouse. Continue hiking, if desired, through a series of well- maintained trails that connect with Holland State Park trail system. The elevation changes with a variety of wooded and sandy trails is fun to explore. The parking lot is small and you have to cross the road to the trailhead, but it’s an easy walk or bike from the state park. *No dogs allowed on Mt. Pisgah stair climb.
Another beautiful hike nearby is Rosy Mound, only a short distance away.
Bike the barrier-free path just outside the campground. It runs along the road which leads to the beach, about 0.6 miles. Great for leisurely biking or walking. Another enjoyable bike ride is to Tunnel Park, which is only 2 miles away.
VISIT DOWNTOWN HOLLAND
Only a 10 minute drive from Holland State Park. There are great stores, shops, and restaurants up and down the main street.
New Holland Brewing they have the staples for good beers and bar food.
Captain Sundae's ice cream shop reminiscent of the 1960’s, this popular ice cream spot is home of the world-famous Tony Turtle Sundae.
Doboer Bakkerij An incredible Dutch bakery and restaurant that you don’t want to miss. Amazing baked goods and restaurant that serves breakfast all day
CAMPING
To enter Holland State Park, Michigan requires a "recreation pass" which is $9 per day or $34 for an annual pass. There are two options for campgrounds. For reference we camped in a trailer with our 4 children.
Beach Campground
Let's be honest, the best part of this campground is the beautiful Lake Michigan beach location and the charm and draw of exploring a beautiful Michigan beach town. The beach loop, (91 sites) located near Lake Michigan, isn’t the best. It’s a parking lot style with asphalt and only a few trees. Having an awning is key because there is little relief from the sun. It is also surrounded by sand dunes, which are a hit with the kids. Tent camping is not permitted and you must bring your own fire pit, which needs to stay on the cement pad. Full hookups are available or electric with no water or sewer. Fill station for water is conveniently located. On this loop there is an older but clean bathhouse.
Lake Macatawa Campground has Pines loop and Woodstock loop which is across from Lake Macatawa (211 sites) has electric only and a few paved sites, it’s a half mile from the beach but an easy bike ride, with woods and larger mature trees. Some sites are a bit unlevel. A picnic table and fire ring are provided at each site. THe center sites are smaller and more crowded. Choose a site near the outer edge for additional privacy and vegetation.
I believe we lucked out. We were camping with friends and when we booked we had limited options for sites next to each other. We stayed in Site 116, these were directly by the dump station, which naturally most people would avoid. Yet Site 116 was secluded, shaded, and spacious. Thankfully no smell either. We honestly loved it because it was shaded and the kids had room to play in the woods and create forts. Also one of the trails started right behind our site which made quick day hikes convenient. Just be aware the area got busy during check out time on Friday for a couple hours.
Facilities/Amenities
The large, newly renovated bathhouse at the Pine loop is one of the nicest facilities we’ve seen. Six private unisex showers with a bench and good hot water pressure. A spacious family/handicap accessible bathroom and shower were also available.
There is also a small playground and sand volleyball court located on Macatawa Pine loop side.
PROS/ CONS
No park is perfect but here is a list of the pros and cons that might help you decide if Holland State Park is the place for you. Depending on your service provider. We had decent cell service from Verizon, people reported spotty reception from ATT.
PROS- A variety of activities, biking, hiking. Nice, clean modern facilities. Beautiful sunsets and photography opportunities of The Big Red Lighthouse. Close proximity to downtown Holland.
CONS- Campgrounds are tightly spaced and little privacy or shade or vegetation, especially beach campground. Beach gets quite crowded. No pets allowed on beach. Dry campground.
NEARBY AREA ATTRACTIONS
Here are the Top 10 Thing to Do In Holland, MI for Families. Some great spots to visit include:
Window on the Waterfront beautiful park with a nature playscape.
Kollen Park Waterfront park with a playground and walking paths. Live music on Friday nights in the summer.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park A beautiful nearby State Park that makes a great day trip if you want to venture out.
Tunnel Park is a must when you visit the campground. It’s an ideal 2 mile bike ride along a beautiful shaded path. Aptly named, a tunnel leads you to Lake Michigan shore. A playground, dune climb, stair overlook and sand volleyball courts are all located at the park.
Step into another country as you visit. Dutch dancers, a Ferris wheel, and an animal petting farm. A bit pricey for families but if you want to learn about Dutch heritage and history it’s quite interesting.
Free admission to experience and learn all about the outdoors and wildlife. Your kids won’t want to leave. There are live birds of prey, interactive trails, a visitors center, nature playscapes, and ziplines.
WHERE TO EAT
General Store Choose from 24 flavors of ice cream as you sit under the shaded picnic tables or take it to go for a leisurely stroll down to the canal and watch the boats.
Sluggios Pizza the whole family will enjoy.
Windmill Restaurant American food, with large portions that has a kid-friendly atmosphere.
Boatwerks Popular water front restaurant with American cuisines, pizza and seafood. The wait can be long especially during the summer.
FINAL THOUGHTS
From lovely beaches to scenic lighthouses, iconic windmills and downtown shopping and dining Holland, Michigan has everything you desire for a fun getaway. Make the most of your summer days in Michigan as you explore this lovely beach town. Definitely put this Michigan beach town and Holland State Park on your bucket list. As you plan your next camping trip to this beautiful Great Lakes destination make sure to Pin and Save for later. Follow Discovering Anew’s Facebook Page for more campground reviews and Michigan adventures. We’re constantly producing new content to help make planning your next trip easier.
Visiting Houghton Lake area in Michigan with your family this year. Here is a family-friendly guide to the best things to do in Roscommon, Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake with kids. Activities, restaurants, beaches, ORV trails and outdoor adventures at beautiful South and North Higgins Lake State Park.