🌤 Weather at Harrisville State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–57 °F | 52–74 °F | 30–67 °F | 13–32 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Harrisville 2NNE, 2 mi away, elevation 585 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Sandy Lake Huron Beach Campground on Michigan’s Sunrise Coast — 195 Modern Campsites With Electric Hookups in a Wooded Setting Near the Lake Huron Shoreline, Half-Mile Sandy Swimming Beach on Lake Huron With Crystal-Clear Water and Spectacular Eastward Sunrise Views, Fishing for Walleye Smallmouth Bass Yellow Perch and Steelhead Trout in Lake Huron and Nearby Rivers, Hiking Trail Through a Unique Cedar Swamp Forest Ecosystem With Boardwalks, Day-Use Picnic Area With Playground and Pavilion, Convenient Access to the Harrisville Harbor and Boat Launch, Proximity to the Huron National Forest and the Remote Negwegon State Park for Backcountry Hiking, Classic Northern Michigan Lakeside Atmosphere Along the Lake Huron Sunrise Coast, Harrisville Alcona County Northern Lower Michigan
Harrisville State Park is a state park on Lake Huron in Harrisville, Alcona County, northern Lower Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The park features 195 modern campsites with electric hookups in a wooded setting steps from the Lake Huron shoreline, a half-mile sandy swimming beach on Lake Huron with crystal-clear water and spectacular eastward sunrise views across the open lake, fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and steelhead trout in Lake Huron and nearby rivers including the Au Sable, a hiking trail through a unique cedar swamp forest ecosystem with boardwalks traversing dense northern white cedar habitat, a day-use picnic area with playground and pavilion for family gatherings, convenient access to the Harrisville Harbor and boat launch for Great Lakes boating and fishing charters, proximity to the Huron National Forest and the remote Negwegon State Park for backcountry hiking and solitude, and a classic northern Michigan lakeside atmosphere along the celebrated Sunrise Coast.
Harrisville sits on Michigan’s “Sunrise Coast” — the eastern shore of the Lower Peninsula where Lake Huron sunrises are legendary. The half-mile beach faces due east, offering unobstructed sunrise views over the open lake that rival any coastal park in the Great Lakes region.
The park’s cedar swamp trail is an unexpected gem — boardwalks wind through a dense northern white cedar forest where rare orchids, ferns, and mosses thrive in the cool, shaded wetland environment. It’s a dramatic contrast to the sunny beach just minutes away.
Things to Do
- Camping — 195 modern sites, electric hookups
- Beach — half-mile sandy Lake Huron
- Fishing — walleye, bass, perch, steelhead
- Hiking — cedar swamp boardwalk trail
- Playground — family day-use area
- Sunrise views — Sunrise Coast
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Harrisville, Alcona County, N Lower MI |
| Beach | Half-mile sandy Lake Huron |
| Camping | 195 modern sites, electric hookups |
| Fishing | Walleye, bass, perch, steelhead |
| Nearby | Huron Nat’l Forest, Negwegon SP |
| Managed By | Michigan DNR |
| Coordinates | 44.6500° N, 83.2833° W |
Wildlife & Nature
Harrisville SP — on Lake Huron in Alcona County — features a half-mile sandy beach and cedar-shaded campground. The park’s boreal forest and shoreline support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. Monarch butterflies stage along the lakeshore. White-tailed deer browse the cedar groves. Piping plovers may nest on the beach.
Nearby Attractions
Harrisville — adjacent — has the harbor and Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. Negwegon SP — 15 miles south — is one of Michigan’s most remote parks. Oscoda — 20 miles south — has the Au Sable River.
Does Harrisville State Park have a beach?
Yes — Harrisville State Park in Alcona County, Michigan has a half-mile sandy swimming beach on Lake Huron’s celebrated “Sunrise Coast” with crystal-clear water and spectacular eastward sunrise views over the open lake. The park also offers 195 modern campsites with electric hookups in a wooded setting, a cedar swamp nature trail with boardwalks, fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and steelhead, a playground and picnic pavilion, and access to nearby Huron National Forest and Negwegon State Park for backcountry hiking.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Sturgeon Point State Park (a short drive away) and Negwegon State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Michigan state parks online at midnrreservations.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Harrisville State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under the owner's immediate control.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in buoyed swim areas but allowed along the shoreline outside them (on a 6-ft leash, even in the water); 50+ parks have pet-friendly shoreline or designated dog beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) allowed at ~12 parks' designated pet-friendly cabins, yurts and lodges; $10 per night per pet (cabins) or $15 (lodges); otherwise pets barred from overnight lodging.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; pet-friendly lodging costs $10/night per pet (cabins) or $15/night per pet (lodges).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash laws do not apply to dogs used for hunting on land open to such use; pets may not be left unattended.
Are dogs allowed at Harrisville State Park?
Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via michigan.gov. More: Michigan state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Harrisville State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
