Big Foot Beach State Park
Geneva Lake’s Public Beach
Big Foot Beach is one of the only public access points on exclusive Geneva Lake near Chicago. Swimming, wooded camping, and hiking.
Camping
| Type | Sites | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wooded Sites | 100 | Electric available |
| Season | May – October | |
Reserve: reserveamerica.com or (888) 947-2757.
Beach
Sandy beach with seasonal lifeguards on 5,200-acre Geneva Lake.
Is there other public access to Geneva Lake?
Very limited! Big Foot Beach is one of the best public options—most of Geneva Lake is surrounded by private estates.
Things to Do
Wisconsin state parks highlight the natural beauty of the upper Midwest — from Great Lakes shorelines and dramatic river bluffs to deep Northwoods forests and glacial landscapes. Popular activities include swimming and sunbathing at pristine Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches, hiking the Ice Age Trail that crosses several parks, fishing for musky, walleye, and bass, camping in quiet pine forests, kayaking the sea caves of the Great Lakes, mountain biking on extensive specialized trail systems, and exploring dramatic limestone cliffs. In winter, Wisconsin parks transform into major hubs for snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is the undisputed peak season for Wisconsin parks, offering the best weather for lake swimming and camping, though popular parks like Devil’s Lake get heavily crowded. Fall (September–October) is spectacular, especially in the northern parks where foliage peaks in late September, offering crisp hiking weather and fewer bugs. Winter (December–March) provides excellent snow cover for Nordic skiing and snowmobiling, particularly in the northern half of the state. Spring (April–May) can be wet and muddy but offers great fishing and quiet trails.
Visitor Tips
A vehicle admission sticker is required at most Wisconsin state parks ($28/year for residents, $38 for non-residents). Annual passes are highly recommended if visiting multiple parks. Camping reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR system. Devil’s Lake and Peninsula State Parks are the most visited and their campgrounds often book out entirely for summer weekends by January. Be aware that ticks are prevalent from spring through fall — use insect repellent and check yourself after hiking in grassy or wooded areas.
Explore More Wisconsin State Parks
Big Foot Beach State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Wisconsin. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Wisconsin guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
