Harrington Beach State Park
Mile-Long Lake Michigan Beach
Harrington Beach offers over a mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline in Ozaukee County, plus camping, hiking trails, and a historic quarry lake. One of Wisconsin’s best beach destinations.
Camping
| Type | Sites |
|---|---|
| Electric | 31 |
| Non-Electric | 33 |
| Walk-In | 5 |
| Group Site | 1 |
| Accessible Cabin | 1 |
Season: First Wednesday in May through October. Reserve: 11 months ahead via reserveamerica.com or (888) 947-2757.
Beach
Sandy beach stretches the entire shoreline. Beach wheelchair available for checkout at no charge. Water tested regularly for bacteria during summer.
Trails
Multiple trails including the Nature Trail to Quarry Lake. Excellent birding especially during migration seasons.
Is there a beach wheelchair?
Yes! A beach wheelchair is available for checkout at no charge, plus paved paths lead to the beach.
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
Harrington 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.
