Harrisville State Park – tight spot with a glorious view {Michigan}

I’m not blogging in real time – this is from our travels on/around August 30, 2015. Follow us on Instagram to find out where we are currently!

After leaving Wilderness State park we headed around the outer coast of Michigan. We loved the Michigan coast so much that we decided we should just follow it all the way around the eastern side, instead of cutting back through the center of the state. About 140 miles from Wilderness State park is Harrisville State park and it was our next stop.

We were in spot 101 at Harrisville State park and it was nearly as dreamy as our spot at Wilderness State park. Right on the water it had gorgeous views of Lake Huron.

It was one of the HARDEST spots I’ve had to back the trailer into. The spot was tight, there was an area of trees in the middle of the road limited where I could back-in and the spot was a slight hill. When we first pulled up to it, I wasn’t sure how we were going to get the trailer into our spot. . .

But we just took our time and maneuvered our way into the spot – a little bit at a time – and we got it! I was one happy camper.

I usually back up the trailer and Jeremy directs from the back – using walkie-talkies (similar to these) – and the system seems to work for us.

The beach and Lake Huron was just a stone’s throw from the trailer. The kids would have loved to play in the water, but unfortunately there was a breach in the storm sewer system in nearby Harrisville – so raw sewage was mixing in with storm water –  and emptying into Lake Huron. There were public advisories all over the campground to stay out of the water because of E. Coli risks. Didn’t have to tell us twice.

Instead of playing on the beach, there happened to be a big grouping of trees near the front of our campsite that the kids made into a “fort.” I love that our “house” stays the same, but our yard is always changing – and the kids get to explore and use their imagination at every new spot we stop.

Although backing into our spot was tricky and the beach was off limits, we did really enjoy this park. It has some of the nicest bathrooms and showers (free) that we’ve found at state parks!

Harrisville State park is sort of in the middle of nowhere – which means it’s quiet – but you won’t find much nearby. One day I drove about 25 miles to get a cell/wifi signal because I had to get some work done.

About 5 miles north, though, you’ll find Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, which we visited one day. Built in 1870 it’s open to the public for tours (for a small fee).

The kids love touring lighthouses. I love the old stairwells and the history – so many stories hide in these walls.

The old windows and views. . .

Hadley peeking out a lighthouse window. . . .

Sunset from our campsite with a glowing remains of our campfire in the background. Harrisville State park was a great stop along the coast and I’d love to stop here again when the kids could play in the water!