Holland State Park Tours

Holland State Park which includes general coastal views
Two beaches on separate lakes is a nice feature of this park. Choose the beach that might have waves, or the other which is more serene: it depends on the wind.

A short drive of 4 miles (6 kilometers) west of Holland, Michigan brings you to Holland State Park that has one boundary on Lake Macatawa and the other on Lake Michigan. Choose the Lake Michigan side if you want expansive watery views and an immense, soft sand beach, while the other is more tranquil with a lovely view of Big Red Lighthouse.

The area is also very popular for camping with two campgrounds for each lake. The distance to Lake Michigan from the Lake Macatawa campground is only a half mile (80 meters) and both sites are within 50 feet (15 meters) of a beach.

Bring your fishing gear as the channel that connects the two lakes is very popular among sport fishermen and pleasure craft constantly use the connecting waterway in the busier seasons.

Beachgoers and campers won’t feel isolated with a nearby concession stand and store stocked with essential items. Both campgrounds are equipped with grill areas, picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, metal detecting zones and a beach house.

Add to your photo library pictures of stunning sunsets that are known to occur along this shoreline. Although Big Red Lighthouse is not within the park’s boundaries, be sure to take photos of Michigan’s iconic structure on the channel’s opposite side as you stroll along the park’s boardwalk. The reason for the striking color is it being classified as a navigational marker with international marine rules requiring that points on the right side of a boat returning to a harbor must be painted red.

Note that during warmer months, Holland State Park and its beaches can become quite busy with vehicles lining up to enter the recreational area. Arrive early to avoid peak periods during the day.

The park is reached on Ottawa Beach Road and a pass must be purchased to enter the area. Pets are not permitted on the beaches.

Reviews of Holland State Park

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 4.123711340206185%
2 - Disappointing
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" "1 - Terrible 1.0309278350515463%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 5, 2019

Go when it is light, we went a sunset and couldn't see the road easily.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 23, 2019

I was surprised how littered the beach was. So many plastic bottle caps and dirty swim diapers.

5/5 - Excellent

Martha
Jul 21, 2019

The state park is our favorite place to go in the summer. Great family location for swimming and playing in the sand, also watching boats go out onto Lake Michigan.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 13, 2019

I was unable to visit Big Red Lighthouse during my visit. Check their website for limited opening hours, maybe even for locals only. Holland State Park is great with beautiful beaches, good parking, and close view of the lighthouse

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Best Lodging Options Near Holland State Park

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holland, MI
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holland, MI
3 out of 5
12260 James St, Holland, MI
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holland, MI
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Holland
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Holland
2.5 out of 5
3084 WEST SHORE DRIVE, Holland, MI
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Holland
Home2 Suites by Hilton Holland
Home2 Suites by Hilton Holland
3 out of 5
3140 West Shore Drive, Holland, MI
Home2 Suites by Hilton Holland
Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown
3 out of 5
121 East 8th Street, Holland, MI
Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown
Staybridge Suites Holland, an IHG Hotel
Staybridge Suites Holland, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
12170 JAMES STREET, Holland, MI
Staybridge Suites Holland, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.