Harrington Beach Campground

For Wisconsin residents looking to experience the majestic beauty of Lake Michigan coupled with a serene camping retreat, Harrington Beach Campground in Belgium offers an ideal destination. Nestled within the picturesque Harrington Beach State Park, this campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy expansive lake views, and explore diverse landscapes. It’s a favorite among locals who appreciate quiet, well-maintained sites and ample opportunities for outdoor activities, all within the convenient framework of a Wisconsin State Park.

Harrington Beach Campground is well-regarded for its emphasis on privacy and spaciousness, a key feature that many Wisconsin campers seek. Reviews frequently highlight the good separation between sites, often surrounded by natural foliage, giving visitors a secluded feel even within a state park setting. While the walk to the Lake Michigan beach can be a bit long, the journey itself is part of the park's charm, winding through beautiful natural areas including prairie grass and wildflowers. This blend of secluded camping, clean facilities, and direct access to both Lake Michigan and a unique quarry lake makes Harrington Beach Campground a versatile and appealing choice for families, couples, and individuals across Wisconsin looking for a refreshing outdoor escape. It truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's state park system, offering a balance of amenities and natural preservation.

Harrington Beach Campground is located within Harrington Beach State Park, situated in Belgium, WI 53004, USA. This location places it directly on the western shore of Lake Michigan, providing campers with access to over a mile of stunning coastline. Belgium is a small community in Ozaukee County, south of Sheboygan and north of Port Washington.

Accessibility to Harrington Beach Campground is straightforward for most Wisconsin residents, thanks to its proximity to major transportation routes. The park is conveniently located just two miles east of Interstate 43 (I-43), which connects Milwaukee (approximately 35 miles south) to Green Bay (approximately 65 miles north). This easy access from a major interstate makes it a readily achievable drive for campers from various parts of Wisconsin. Once inside the park, clear signage directs visitors to the campground area. While the campground itself is set back from the main Lake Michigan beach (about a mile walk, as noted by visitors), the park features well-maintained walking paths and trails that connect the camping areas to the beach, Quarry Lake, and other recreational spots. This design ensures a peaceful camping experience, away from direct beach traffic, while still offering convenient access to all the park's features. The location also means easy access to nearby towns like Belgium for any last-minute supplies, or Port Washington for additional dining and entertainment options, making it a highly accessible and practical destination for Wisconsin locals.

Services Offered

• Campsites: Harrington Beach State Park offers a 69-unit family campground. This includes:
  • 31 sites with 50 amp electrical hookups (no per-site water or sewer hookups).
  • 33 non-electrical sites.
  • 5 walk-to sites (tent-only).
  • A group campsite (non-electric, tent-only, for up to 30 visitors).
  • A non-electric kayak site (tent-only, for up to six visitors, intended for those kayaking along Lake Michigan).
  • An accessible cabin for people with disabilities.
• Hookups: Electric-only hookups are available at designated RV sites.
• Water: Freshwater fill-up station available near the campground entrance.
• Dump Station: A trailer dump station is available near the entrance to the campgrounds.
• Restrooms and Showers: During the warmer season (typically May through October), flush toilets and showers are available in the family campground. Facilities are noted for being clean, with some even closing for daily cleaning. Vault (pit) toilets are also available.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite, including group and kayak sites, has a campfire ring and a picnic table.
• Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office. (Note: Due to pest concerns, outside firewood from more than 10 miles away or from quarantined areas is not allowed).
• Laundry Facilities: Laundry facilities are available during warmer months.
• Reservations: Campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR system. The accessible cabin also has specific reservation procedures.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in the campground and on trails but must be leashed (6 feet max) and attended. Specific rules apply to beach access for dogs.
• Accessible Facilities: The park offers an accessible cabin, an accessible campsite, accessible picnic shelters, a universal playground, a paved path to the beach, and a beach wheelchair available for checkout.

Features / Highlights

• Lake Michigan Beach: Over a mile of beach along Lake Michigan, open for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the vast lake views.
• Quarry Lake: A scenic limestone quarry lake within the park, offering unique views and fishing opportunities (no motors allowed).
• Extensive Trail System: Numerous hiking and walking paths, including an interpretive nature walkway, trails around Quarry Lake, and historical pathways. Trails are generally considered easy to moderate.
• Secluded Campsites: Sites are typically well-separated by natural foliage, providing a sense of privacy and isolation for campers.
• Clean Facilities: Restrooms and showers are consistently praised for being very clean and well-maintained.
• Diverse Ecosystems: The 715-acre park features a white cedar and hardwood swamp, old field grasslands with restored wetland ponds, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Jim and Gwen Plunkett Observatory: An on-site observatory offering public astronomy evenings during summer and early fall, a unique educational feature.
• Dog-Friendly Amenities: Dedicated dog beach access and dog-friendly trails are available.
• Ideal for Nature Enthusiasts: Perfect for birdwatching, fishing, and general nature appreciation.
• Quiet Environment: Despite being a state park, many visitors note a peaceful atmosphere, particularly in the campground sections.
• Accessible Options: Provides various accessible features including a cabin, campsite, and beach wheelchair, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

Contact Information

Address: Belgium, WI 53004, USA (Located within Harrington Beach State Park)

For reservations and general inquiries related to Wisconsin State Parks, including Harrington Beach, the central reservation line is:

Phone: 1-888-936-7463 (Wisconsin DNR Central Reservations - TTY Access via relay - 711)

For specific park office information, it is recommended to search the Wisconsin DNR website for Harrington Beach State Park, as individual park office phone numbers might vary or be listed there directly for specific inquiries not related to reservations.

Harrington Beach Campground is an outstanding choice for Wisconsin locals, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and comfortable camping within the beloved Wisconsin State Park system. For residents across the state, the ability to easily access over a mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline is a significant draw, providing a refreshing escape without the need for extensive travel. Whether you're interested in swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying a peaceful sunset over the vast lake, the park's direct access to this Great Lake is a major advantage.

Beyond the lake, the campground's appeal for locals is amplified by its well-maintained and private campsites. The natural foliage between sites offers a sense of seclusion, allowing campers to truly unwind and enjoy their outdoor experience without feeling crowded. The consistently clean shower and restroom facilities are a frequently praised feature, contributing to a comfortable and pleasant stay, which is a key consideration for many families. Furthermore, the diverse landscape of the park, including Quarry Lake and extensive hiking trails, provides endless opportunities for exploration and connection with Wisconsin's unique ecosystems.

The accessibility features, including an accessible cabin and beach wheelchair, demonstrate the park's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that more Wisconsin residents can enjoy its offerings. The opportunity for stargazing at the on-site observatory adds a unique educational and awe-inspiring element to a camping trip. For those seeking a quality outdoor adventure that balances natural immersion with essential amenities and offers a wide array of activities, Harrington Beach Campground stands out as a top-tier destination for locals. It's a place where families can create lasting memories, explore the beauty of Lake Michigan, and truly appreciate the natural treasures that Wisconsin has to offer, making it a highly recommendable choice for your next local camping getaway.

Harrington Beach Campground

Belgium, WI 53004, USA