About Holland State Park
Holland State Park offers two distinct camping experiences on opposite sides of Lake Macatawa. The Lake Michigan campground sits directly on one of the finest Lake Michigan beaches in the state, near the iconic Big Red lighthouse — one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. The Lake Macatawa campground sits across the channel, quieter and more sheltered with calmer water swimming.
Holland itself is a charming Dutch-heritage city with excellent restaurants, a thriving downtown, and the famous Tulip Festival every May. In summer the area is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Michigan, which makes campsite reservations extremely competitive.
Why Campers Love It
- Lake Michigan beach campground with Big Red lighthouse views
- One of Michigan's finest swimming beaches on Lake Michigan
- Two campgrounds — Lake Michigan (beach) and Lake Macatawa (calmer water)
- Walk to Holland's beach town boardwalk, shops, and restaurants
- Spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan from the beach
- Dutch heritage city with excellent dining and the famous Tulip Festival
Campgrounds at Holland State Park
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Michigan Campground | ~130 | Electric | Steps from the beach, near Big Red lighthouse — extremely popular |
| Lake Macatawa Campground | ~81 | Electric | Quieter, calmer water, slightly easier to book |
Booking Tips & Demand
Holland is one of the most competitive campgrounds in Michigan. The Lake Michigan campground in particular books out within seconds of the 6-month window opening for summer weekends. The Lake Macatawa side is slightly easier but still challenging.
Booking window: 6 months before check-in, opens at 8:00 AM Eastern on weekdays, 9:00 AM on weekends.
Best strategy: Decide in advance — Lake Michigan for the full beach experience, Lake Macatawa for quieter camping. Have your site selection ready before 8 AM. Set a CampDrop alert for cancellations if you miss the window — Holland sees regular cancellations.