Winter Camping at North Higgins State Park
An affordable winter getaway
Spending a few days at North Higgins Lake State Park was the perfect way to relax and recharge. We stayed in Mini Cabin 2, which offered a cozy and functional base for our trip. The first day was all about settling in and making ourselves at home.
Features of Mini Cabin 2:
Two bunk beds (sleeping four people comfortably)
Electric heat for chilly nights
A small fridge to store food and drinks
A dining table and benches for meals or games
Outdoor fire pit and picnic table
Close proximity to restroom facilities (not pit toilet available only for our stay)
We came prepared to make the most of our cabin stay. Here’s what we brought:
What We Packed:
Pre-made pasta meals for quick and easy dinners
A toaster and a mini coffee maker
Other food essentials for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks
Linens, including my new Rumpl blanket I received for Christmas
Wooden tic-tac-toe and connect four games for family fun
The first evening, we enjoyed our pre-made dinner and spent time relaxing before calling it a night.
On our second day, we decided to take a short drive to check out CoopersvilleUSA, in Lewiston. This immersive experience includes authentic replicas of historic Western buildings, such as a saloon, general store, and jailhouse. It was fun to explore the area, I can imagine it being a huge in warmer weather. We headed back to the cabin for lunch and some family games. The wooden tic-tac-toe and connect four games were a hit, and it was nice to have a low-key afternoon together.
Later, we ventured to Hartwick Pines State Park to hike the Bright and Glory Loop. This trail was a highlight of the trip:
Bright and Glory Trail Details:
Distance: 1.25 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Stunning views of the old-growth pine forest, interpretive signs sharing the history of the area, and peaceful surroundings
After the hike, we returned to the cabin for dinner and capped off the day by watching a movie together. While there wasn’t a TV in the cabin, we made it work by streaming the movie on my phone, which made it feel even cozier.
The next morning was slow and relaxed. We packed up our things and said goodbye to the cabin before stopping at Uncharted Grounds in Houghton Lake. It was the perfect way to end our trip—hot cocoa and lemonade for the kids, coffee for me, and a chance to reflect on the memories we made over the weekend.
Our stay at North Higgins Lake State Park was a wonderful escape, combining the simplicity of cabin life with the beauty of Michigan’s outdoors. Whether we were hiking, playing games, or just enjoying time together, it was a trip to remember.
