Although Illinois might not be the very first state that pops to mind when you think of beach days, it isn’t a bad choice at all. Chicago alone offers over 20 miles of shoreline access, and then there are the state’s bountiful inland lakes. Here are the top 10 beaches in Illinois.
Top Beaches in Illinois
Illinois Beaches
Sunrise Park
As its name suggests, Sunrise Park is, indeed, an incredible place to see the sun come up. During the summer months, the park opens two swimming beaches to the public, and a separate section in the north end of the park is set aside as a dog beach and swimming area, creating a great opportunity to go paddling with your pup. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available, and there are even sailing lessons available through the nearby Lake Bluff Yacht Club if you’re feeling fleet and fancy.
Things to do near Sunrise Park
Nestled into the town of Lake Bluff, Sunrise Park is very close to other beautiful, preserved green spaces, such as Ravine Park and Artesian Park. The town is also home to a well-maintained and manicured 18-hole golf course if that piques your interest. Here are some local campgrounds to consider.
Lighthouse Beach
Located in the municipality of Evanston, lighthouse beach is a stunning stretch of sand dotted with lifeguard stands, offering a great opportunity to swimmers and sunbathers alike. The beach has public restrooms and is within easy walking distance of Lawrence O Lawson Park, which features playgrounds, rolling green lawns, and many other attractions to perfectly complement your sandy getaway.
This beach does, require a daily or seasonal pass to enter, unless you’re a local Evanston resident — in which case you get in free on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Things to do near Lighthouse Beach
Evanston is so much more than just a northerly suburb of Chicago. It boasts an especially large number of local parks, like Ellingwood Park, Wheeler Park, and Noah’s Playground, an absolute must-visit for those traveling with children. There are also lots of great campgrounds in the area!
Montrose Beach
Easily one of the most popular of Chicago’s many public beaches, Montrose Beach is within the bounds of the city’s famous Lincoln Park, one of the oldest and most venerated public spaces in Chicago. The beach itself is known for its sandy shores and ample swimming areas, including a long-distance stretch parallel to the shore to help you get a workout in if you want. Swimming is allowed between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year, and there’s also a nearby boat launch.
Things to do near Montrose Beach
Along with wide open spaces and the beach, Lincoln Park is also home to such must-hit destinations as the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the Chicago History Museum. Then, of course, there’s the rest of Chicago to discover. Here are some local campgrounds to help you do it.
57th Street Beach
If there’s one Chicago beach that’s sure to be teeming with swimmers on any given sunny summer day, it’s 57th Street Beach. This lovely beach is tucked within the bounds of Jackson Park at the place where 57th Street meets Lake Michigan. There’s nothing quite like taking a dip or digging your toes into the sand, all under the beautiful shadow of Chicago’s iconic skyline. Plus, with all of sprawling Jackson Park behind you, you’ll have plenty more to see and do along the way.
Things to do near 57th Street Beach
Much like Lincoln Park, Jackson Park offers manicured greenery and paved walkways. It is also home to a variety of cultural stops like Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry and the Japanese-inspired Garden of the Phoenix. Other Chicago must-sees, like the Hyde Park Art Center, aren’t far afoot. Here are some campgrounds to complete your vacation picture!
Calumet Beach
Those who know Chicago will already be familiar with Calumet Park — which is where Calumet Beach is found. The beach is popular for setting up for sunbathing, but is also regularly used by swimmers between Memorial Day and Labor Day when it’s watched over by lifeguards. The beach offers developed restrooms and showers and also has easy access to concession stands.
Things to do near Calumet Beach
Nestled on the south side of Chicago close to where the Illinois-Indiana border sits, Calumet Beach is close to the Van Vlissingen Prairie nature preserve and the Harborside International Golf Center, which features two 18-hole courses. Here are some great RV campgrounds in the area to consider.
Lake Shelbyville
A vast and versatile 11,000-acre lake in central Illinois, Lake Shelbyville is a well-known boating and fishing destination. Not only that, but its many bays and points mean it’s got a wide variety of access areas, including plenty of sandy beaches. Wolf Creek State Park is one of the best ways in, offering more than 250 miles of shoreline. That said, you can also head to Lone Point Access Area, the Lithia Springs Access Area, and countless other spots along the waterfront.
Things to do near Lake Shelbyville
The nearest large-ish city is called — you guessed it — Shelbyville, and offers everything you might need in the way of shopping, dining, and amenities.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Also known as Eldon Hazlet State Park, this preserved recreation area boasts many exciting features. One top attraction is its shoreline along Carlyle Lake, which includes a soft, sandy swimming beach. Because of the low surrounding terrain and great winds that come through here, this lake is also popular amongst sailors, for whom conditions are darn near perfect. To top it all off, the park also offers a swimming pool just in case the beach is too crowded.
Things to do near Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
The nearby town of Carlyle has everything you might need from a city. If you’ve got your sights set on a bigger urban destination, you could also head over the border into St. Louis. Honestly though, we think the beauty of this natural area will probably have you wanting to stay in the woods if you can.
Crab Orchard Beach
Last on our list, but certainly not least, Crab Orchard Lake is an oft-overlooked hidden gem tucked into the southern tip of Illinois. This vast and rugged lake is well-used by locals for fishing, boating, and other watersports pursuits. It also offers some beautiful swimming areas along the north shore at Crab Orchard Beach. While it’s not the largest beach on our list, it is intimate and its sands are soft — and the cool waters of the lake are perfectly refreshing on a hot Illinois summer day.
Things to do near Crab Orchard Beach
Located due east of Carbondale, this lake is tucked between other preserved wildernesses worth seeking out, such as Lake Murphysboro State Park, Giant City State Park and Ferne Clyffe State Park.
The Best Illinois Beaches for RVers
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois Beach State Park, is nestled in the northern reaches of the state along the shores of Lake Michigan. Part of the famed Lake Michigan Dunes region, this park offers characteristic swells of sand, making it one of the most recognizable geological features in the entire state. These 4,100+ acres were first recognized as worthy of preservation all the way back in the 1880s, which is part of why they’re still available for families to explore and enjoy today.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
We love that onsite camping is available, meaning you can stay right by the action and in the middle of this lovely wilderness.
Things to do near Illinois Beach State Park
Located alongside the town of Zion just south of the Wisconsin border, Illinois Beach State Park is close to destinations like Six Flags Great America — and, of course, all of the attractions Chicago has to offer. As mentioned above, onsite camping is available, but here are some other local campgrounds to consider as well.
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
As lovely as Lake Michigan is, it’s far from the only swimmable lake in Illinois! About three hours southwest of Chicago, the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area beckons with its immense 4,900-acre reservoir. This spot is perfect for boating, fishing, and yes — setting up for a beach day. The dense woods surrounding the lake are criss-crossed with hiking trails and offer seasonal hunting opportunities.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
This is another park that offers onsite camping. It has everything you need to camp in comfort while you enjoy the lake.
Things to do near Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Just over an hour away from Springfield, the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area is conveniently located for many Illinois residents and visitors, and is also drivable to other wildernesses like Turkey Run State Park.
Planning an RV Trip to Illinois
Beaches are truly just the start of what Illinois has to offer. It also plays host to plenty of national forests and state parks, not to mention its cities. While you’re there, be sure to stay in the best campgrounds in the state of Illinois!
