Harrington Beach State Park
Wisconsin gem on Lake Michigan with sandy beaches, private campsites, and a stunning quarry lake. Perfect for nature lovers and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Harrington Beach State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wisconsin gem on Lake Michigan with sandy beaches, private campsites, and a stunning quarry lake. Perfect for nature lovers and relaxation.
"Beautiful Wisconsin State Park of gorgeous Lake Michigan with nice sandy beach and plenty of room for peaceful enjoyment."
🚗 Parking fills fast!
Arrive early on hot days or use overflow parking. Consider weekdays for easier access.
🪨 Rock hounding fun
The beach offers areas with rocks to look at and collect. Perfect for amateur geologists!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Michigan Beach
Shoreline
Expansive sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and rock collecting. Enjoy the sound of the waves and the vastness of the lake.
Quarry Lake
Near campground
A stunning quarry lake with crystal-clear water, offering a unique and beautiful contrast to the main beach.
Nature Trails
Throughout the park
Explore scenic hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful walks.
Private Campsites
Campground
Well-spaced and private campsites surrounded by thick bushes, offering a secluded camping experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Erosion
Parking & Peak Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking fills fast!
Arrive early on hot days or use overflow parking. Consider weekdays for easier access.
🪨 Rock hounding fun
The beach offers areas with rocks to look at and collect. Perfect for amateur geologists!
🐶 Dog-friendly beach
A dedicated dog beach area is available for your furry friends to enjoy.
🏕️ Private campsites
Enjoy secluded camping with thick bushes between sites for privacy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking fills fast!
Arrive early on hot days or use overflow parking. Consider weekdays for easier access.
🪨 Rock hounding fun
The beach offers areas with rocks to look at and collect. Perfect for amateur geologists!
🐶 Dog-friendly beach
A dedicated dog beach area is available for your furry friends to enjoy.
🏕️ Private campsites
Enjoy secluded camping with thick bushes between sites for privacy.
🚲 Nearby biking
Bike the rural roads or connect to the Belgium bike trail. Explore Port Washington too!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Harrington Beach State Park for its beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, offering ample sandy space for relaxation and rock hounding. The private and well-maintained campsites are a major highlight, as is the unique quarry lake. Some visitors note beach erosion impacting stair access and parking can fill up quickly on hot days.
"Beautiful Wisconsin State Park of gorgeous Lake Michigan. I visited the on a Sunday afternoon late July although there were trails to hike and an observation tower, my main intention was the beach/lake. Nice sandy beach and plenty of room for quite peaceful enjoyment. I enjoy rock hounding and pleased to see some areas that I rocks to look at and collect. I can't tell you what I collected as I am new to hounding and identifying (I choose the rocks that speak to me). I spend few hours enjoying the sun sound of the water and sights of nature. Great park and I looking forward to returning for some trail hiking seeing what the rest of the park has to offer."
Elizabeth “Beth” Rydberg
"Absolutely beautiful state park right on Lake Michigan with multiple viewing places and beaches. Hiking trails were very nice. There is also a quarry lake, which is very beautiful with crystal-clear water. The campground is also very nice, and the shower building is also very nice. All around, this is a great state park."
Christian Degroff
"Such a unique campground with Lake Michigan in the back yard! The sites are amazingly private and well spaced. The walk to the lake is beautiful especially around the quarry lake. A dog friendly beach area was a plus. They do run a shuttle to the lake which we were a little too early in the season to take advantage of. Bathroom and shower facilities are modern and well taken care of.
Bike riding the roads outside the campground are rural and short ride to the bike trail in Belgium. Lions Den Nature Preserve definitely deserves a walk around as well as Port Washington and other near by cities."
Cindy K.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Harrington Beach State Park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. You can reach it by car via Highway 32. The park is accessible from nearby cities like Belgium and Port Washington.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Consider carpooling if you're traveling with others.
From Milwaukee, take I-43 North to exit 107 for WI-57 North towards Belgium. Continue on WI-57 N, then turn right onto WI-28 E. Turn right onto County Road D, and then left onto County Road G, which leads to the park entrance.
Yes, there is a main parking lot near the beach and campground. However, it can fill up quickly on busy summer days. Overflow parking is available but requires a longer walk.
Yes, you can bike to the park. The surrounding rural roads are scenic, and you can connect to the bike trail in Belgium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker is required for entry. You can purchase a daily pass or an annual pass at the park entrance or online.
Harrington Beach State Park is typically open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. However, specific hours for facilities like the campground or observatory may vary. It's best to check the official Wisconsin State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
The cost for a daily admission sticker is typically around $8 for Wisconsin residents and $11 for non-residents. Annual passes are also available for frequent visitors.
While you can purchase an annual Wisconsin State Park pass in advance online, daily admission stickers are usually purchased upon arrival at the park entrance.
Yes, camping at Harrington Beach State Park incurs additional fees beyond the park admission sticker. Campsite rates vary depending on the type of site and season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and rock hounding on the beach, hiking on nature trails, bird-watching, fishing in the marsh, and exploring the quarry lake. Camping is also a popular activity. +1
Yes, the beach is suitable for swimming. The water can be refreshingly cold, especially on hot summer days.
The park offers various hiking trails, some of which are relatively flat and easy, suitable for beginners. The trails around the quarry lake are particularly scenic and accessible.
Yes, fishing is permitted in the marsh areas of the park. You'll need a valid Wisconsin fishing license.
Yes, the park features an astronomy observatory, offering opportunities for stargazing and learning about the night sky. Check for operating hours and public viewing events.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lake Michigan shoreline offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. The quarry lake provides beautiful reflections, and the nature trails offer diverse scenic opportunities. The private campsites also make for picturesque shots.
Absolutely! The park is known for its bird-watching opportunities, and you might also spot other wildlife. Bring a telephoto lens for better chances.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and landscapes. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of the water.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check park regulations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out. The dog-friendly beach is a bonus for families with pets. If visiting during peak season, arriving early is key to securing a good spot and avoiding parking hassles. The campground's privacy also makes it a great option for families looking for a more relaxed camping trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks for picnics is a great way to save money. The beach and hiking trails are free to enjoy once you've paid the park entrance fee. Camping is also a cost-effective accommodation option compared to hotels.
🐶 Pet Owners
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash when not in the designated dog beach area and clean up after them. The park's nature trails are also generally dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for walks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lake Michigan Shoreline
Despite potential erosion, the beach remains a primary draw. It's a great place to spend a hot Wisconsin summer day. There's also a designated dog-friendly beach area, making it a perfect spot for pet owners. Remember that on peak days, the parking lot can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advised.
Beyond the main beach, the park offers a unique quarry lake with crystal-clear water, providing another picturesque spot for visitors. This offers a different kind of water experience and a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Camping at Harrington Beach
Facilities at the campground are modern and well-maintained, including clean shower buildings. The proximity to Lake Michigan is a significant advantage, with a beautiful walk to the lake from the campground. For those with dogs, the availability of a dog-friendly beach nearby is a major plus.
While the campground itself is a destination, its location also allows for easy access to other attractions. The park's trails and the nearby quarry lake are easily reachable from the campsites. Planning your stay during the shoulder seasons can offer a more tranquil experience.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
The marsh areas are particularly good for spotting waterfowl and other wetland creatures. The park's trails offer excellent opportunities for observing wildlife in their natural environment. Remember to bring binoculars and a field guide to enhance your experience.
Beyond birds, visitors might encounter other animals like deer or small mammals. The park's commitment to preserving its natural areas ensures a rich biodiversity for all to enjoy. Respecting wildlife by maintaining a safe distance is crucial for both your safety and the animals' well-being.
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