beach on lake michigan at a state park near sheboygan wisconsinWisconsin has some of the most amazing state parks in the country, partly because of its expansive coastline on Lake Michigan.

Situated on the coast, Sheboygan is a great place to visit for its lake-related activities. There are many parks in the vicinity to draw outdoor enthusiasts to the area.

Map of State Parks Near Sheboygan WI

Here is a map of the Wisconsin state parks covered in this post:

1. Kohler-Andrae State Park

boardwalk leading to the beach at a state park near sheboygan wisconsinLocation: 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081

Just two miles to the south of Sheboygan, Kohler-Andrae State Park has recreational opportunities for everyone. A 127-site campground awaits you with 52 electrical hookup sites, two group campsites, and a fully accessible cabin. Several family campsites and the group sites are plowed for winter camping.

The park has many opportunities for hiking, including hikes along the stunning Lake Michigan dunes. Stop and take a selfie at the selfie stand along the lakeshore trail and then share it in Instagram with the hashtag #ScenicWisconsin.

Horses are permitted on the Black River Trail in the park. Campers and day-trippers can enjoy swimming in the waves of Lake Michigan, although there is no lifeguard on duty.

The sandy beaches are perfect for sand castles, and visitors can picnic with family and friends in the one of the rentable picnic shelters or even the amphitheater for special occasions.

2. Harrington Beach State Park

shoreline at a state park near sheboyganLocation: 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004

Just twenty-two miles South of Sheboygan and a short drive North of Milwaukee lies Harrington Beach State Park. The 702-acre park offers a mile of sandy beach frontage, a scenic quarry lake, white cedar forests, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

There are many picnic areas surrounding the area perfect for taking in the beautiful views, wildlife, and history in the park. The area is steeped in mining history, and a one-half mile interpretive trail brings the history and nature to life for visitors.

Harrington Beach State Park has a family campground with 69 electric sites. The tent-only group site is reservable for up to 30 guests.

There is no electricity at the group campground. There is also an accessible cabin for guests with disabilities.

There are many hiking trails around the park for visitors to enjoy. Over one mile of shoreline can be explored on Lake Michigan alone. Swimming is available in Lake Michigan, but not permitted in Quarry Lake. Hunting is also permitted within the park during designated hunting times in Wisconsin.

3. Fischer Creek State Park

Location: 13281 Lakeshore Rd, Cleveland, WI 53015

Situated just 18 miles to the north of Sheboygan, Fischer Creek State Park is the perfect place to enjoy the nature and the beach. With a winding loop trail that takes visitors through woodlands, prairies and wetlands, the 160-acre park features stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Along the banks of Fischer Creek, the landscape rises into a bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park and then cool off in the waves of the lake.

A nap on the beach or building sand castles are perfect ways to unwind while spending a relaxing day in the sun. The park features a picnic area and has public bathrooms.

4. Havenwoods State Forest

Location: 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209

To the South of Sheboygan in the city of Milwaukee is Havenwoods State Forest. This unique park is rich in history and offers a wide range of outdoor activities for urbanites.

The state of Wisconsin’s only urban state forest, this 237-acre park brings nature to the city for visitors to explore, learn, and appreciate. The forest has some interesting history, having once been the site of the Milwaukee County House of Corrections and also a United States Army Base.

Now the forest stands proudly in the northern part of the largest city in Wisconsin drawing visitors longing to get back to nature. The landscape is filled with woods, wetlands, and grasslands with trails of varying lengths for trekkers to explore.

To keep the park clean and enjoyable for everyone, there are designated areas for pets, cyclists, walkers, and runners.

Havenwoods State Forest offers an interesting view of nature with its nature center and Urban Arboretum.

For guests interested in a bit of a challenge, geocaching is a popular activity. The Trek Through Time Trail is an adventure specifically for geocachers complete with a collectible treasure at the end of the task. Picnicking is permitted anywhere within the forest, although no fires or grills are allowed.

Bring your picnic blankets or use one of the tables outside of the arboretum to enjoy your lunch in the great outdoors.
In the winter, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing are welcome activities on the trails. Snow shoes can be rented at the nature center when it is open.

If you are looking for a little slice of heaven in the city, Havenwoods State Forest is a gem of a park just waiting to be explored.

5. Point Beach State Forest

Location: 9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241

Just a short, 45-mile drive up the coast of Lake Michigan, Point Beach State Forest has all of the outdoor activities visitors can hope to find when travelling in Wisconsin. Situated on the beach of Lake Michigan, Point Beach State Forest is a 3000-acre park with over 6 miles of sandy beaches and even more natural beauty inland.

For day-trippers, the forest has a number of picnic areas equipped with grills perfect for spending a day at the beach. The lodge at the park sells picnic items and supplies and also has a concession stand that is open during the summer season.

The picnic area also has a playground, volleyball courts, and a baseball diamond. There are two shelters at the picnic area, and the lodge space can be rented for gatherings. Swimming is permitted at the beach, however there is no lifeguard on duty, and high wave conditions can occur. There is even a separate beach area for you to bring your furry friends for a romp in the lake.

For those who want to set up camp and extend their stay at the park, there are numerous camping options available at Point Beach. The family campground has 127 sites, with 70 sites having electrical hookups.

All sites are wooded and within walking distance to the beach. There are two flush-toilet shower buildings in the campground for registered campers. There are two group camp areas in the park as well as rustic backpack and kayak-in sites. The indoor group camp area has two rustic cabins that house 14-16 people.

The outdoor camp area can hold up to 60 people housed in tents or small campers. The group camp areas have vault toilets, a water pump, picnic tables, and a large fire pit.

The most popular feature of the park is the Rawley Point Lighthouse which has been operational since 1853 by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is operational and is one of the largest and brightest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The tour is visible from the beach but tours are not available.