Point Beach State Forest
Two Rivers, Wisconsin · Point Beach State Forest
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Yes, see below
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Point Beach State Forest
Point Beach State Forest is a Wisconsin DNR property near Two Rivers with roughly 6 miles of sandy beach along Lake Michigan. It is a well-established, official swimming and beach-recreation destination, more open shoreline than hidden swimming hole, with no shortage of places to swim along its sands. The forest is also known for camping, the Point Beach Ridges natural landmark, and the Rawley Point Lighthouse.
The forest occupies a long stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline north of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, characterized by sandy beach backed by wooded dunes and the Point Beach Ridges, a National Natural Landmark formed by ancient lake-level changes. The Rawley Point Lighthouse, active since 1853 and Coast Guard-operated, sits within the property.
Swimming at Point Beach State Forest
Swimming takes place directly off the open sand beach on Lake Michigan; reviewers describe multiple beach areas (including a pet-friendly beach) as clean and used for both swimming and walking. As an open Great Lakes shoreline rather than a designated swim area, conditions vary with lake weather.
The hike in
Swimming beach is reached directly from the lighthouse or lakeshore parking lots, not via a hiking trail. The forest's hiking trails are separate recreational loops that parallel or cross the property but are not required to reach the water: the Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs ~8 miles through the forest; the Ridges Trail (red/blue/yellow loops, trailhead at the Lodge parking lot) runs 3-7.25 miles; the Red Pine Trail (3.1 mi, trailhead in the lot west of County Highway O across from the entrance road) and the 0.5-mile self-guided Swales Nature Trail are inland options.
One camper review noted a rustic kayak-in-only campsite about half a mile south of the forest office that is reachable solely from the water, not relevant to standard beachgoers but of note for paddlers.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Open, unguarded Lake Michigan beach, DNR's own water-recreation page tells visitors 'Parents, watch your children at all times' and warns that strong west winds can quickly push small watercraft/flotation toys away from shore. Sandy, gradually-sloping shoreline is otherwise easy for kids to wade into, and a free beach wheelchair is available at the office for accessibility.
Parking
Paid
Beach access is via the lighthouse parking lot and the lakeshore parking lot, both fitted with beach-access mats in summer for wheelchairs/strollers. A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required to park in any DNR lot here; the exact daily/annual sticker price was not confirmed on the pages checked.
Restrooms
Yes
No dedicated beach-side vault toilet was confirmed, but the property has flush toilets and shower buildings plus some pit toilets throughout the campground; campground reviewers describe them as clean and well-maintained, though a shower/flush-toilet building can be a short walk from some sites.
Hours
6 a.m. to 11 p.m., year-round (Wisconsin DNR property hours)
On the water
Restrictions: No boat launch facility on site, so all craft are hand-carried/launched from the beach. DNR guidance flags that strong west winds can blow small watercraft away from shore, and rubber rafts/other boats must carry personal flotation devices.
A camper review confirms kayaks and SUPs are commonly launched right off the lakeshore.
What regulars say
Visiting campers describe the campground as filling up fast, one mid-week August visitor found only two sites left by early afternoon, and they call out the shower and restroom buildings as clean and well-kept, though a flush-toilet and shower building can be a short walk from some sites and the dump station can back up by weekend's end.
Backstory
Established as a state forest in 1938; the Rawley Point Lighthouse on the property has operated since 1853 and remains under U.S. Coast Guard control (not open to the public). The Point Beach Ridges within the forest are designated a National Natural Landmark.
Point Beach State Forest: FAQ
Does Point Beach State Forest charge a fee?
A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required; specific dollar amount not confirmed in sources checked.
Is Point Beach State Forest kid friendly?
Open, unguarded Lake Michigan beach, DNR's own water-recreation page tells visitors 'Parents, watch your children at all times' and warns that strong west winds can quickly push small watercraft/flotation toys away from shore. Sandy, gradually-sloping shoreline is otherwise easy for kids to wade into, and a free beach wheelchair is available at the office for accessibility.
Do I need to hike to reach Point Beach State Forest?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Point Beach State Forest?
Beach access is via the lighthouse parking lot and the lakeshore parking lot, both fitted with beach-access mats in summer for wheelchairs/strollers. A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required to park in any DNR lot here; the exact daily/annual sticker price was not confirmed on the pages checked.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Point Beach State Forest?
A camper review confirms kayaks and SUPs are commonly launched right off the lakeshore.
What are the rules at Point Beach State Forest?
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round; managed by Wisconsin DNR.
