Hayward City Beach

Hayward, Wisconsin · on Hayward Lake · Hayward City Beach

Verified · 3 independent sources

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: No fee found
SEASON: Beach is officially open Memorial Day through Labor Day, daily 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, per the city parks page.

About Hayward City Beach

Hayward City Beach is the City of Hayward, Wisconsin's official public swimming beach, located on Lake Hayward, an in-town impoundment of the Namekagon River. It is a small, seasonal municipal swimming hole with a marked swim area, an in-town lake to swim in rather than a backcountry or wilderness spot.

The beach sits within the town of Hayward on Lake Hayward, a widening of the Namekagon River created by a dam in town; the surrounding land is a municipal park setting with a playground and picnic area rather than undeveloped shoreline.

Swimming at Hayward City Beach

Swimming is confined to a designated area marked off by barrels directly off the beach; there is no lifeguard on duty (swim at your own risk), and flotation devices are not permitted within the swim area. The setup suits casual, supervised family swimming close to shore rather than open-water or long-distance swimming.

The hike in

Drive-up municipal beach in downtown Hayward; no trail or hike is involved, just a walk from the parking/street area to the beach.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

Shallow marked swim area off a sandy municipal beach suits casual family swimming, but there is no lifeguard on duty (swim at your own risk) and flotation devices are banned within the swim area, so young/weak swimmers need direct adult supervision. Children under 12 are required by posted rules to be accompanied by an adult.

Hours

Officially open Memorial Day through Labor Day, daily 10:00 AM-8:00 PM (City of Hayward Parks page).

On the water

No official source confirms watercraft use within the designated swim area itself (the posted city rules prohibit flotation devices inside the barrel-marked swim zone). Canoeing/kayaking/tubing does occur on the Namekagon River corridor that Lake Hayward is part of, via commercial liveries, but no source confirms launching directly from the city beach.

Rentals nearby

Hayward KOA Kampground

Canoe and kayak rentals (Cable Landing to Trout Run Landing) and tube rentals (Cable Landing to Eagle's Landing) on the Namekagon River near Hayward

Hayward, WI

Hayward City Beach: FAQ

Is Hayward City Beach kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Hayward City Beach?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

When is the best time to visit Hayward City Beach?

Beach is officially open Memorial Day through Labor Day, daily 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, per the city parks page.

What are the rules at Hayward City Beach?

No lifeguard on duty (swim at your own risk); no glass containers, alcoholic beverages, dogs/animals, horseplay, abusive language, flotation devices, radios, or bikes; no feeding wildlife; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; swimming is restricted to the area marked by barrels.

What water body is Hayward City Beach on?

Hayward City Beach is on Hayward Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.