Harrington Beach Campground: Lake Michigan Camping in Wisconsin

harrington beach state park belgium, harrington beach campground

Hello, Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts! If you’re yearning for a refreshing escape to the majestic shores of Lake Michigan, Harrington Beach Campground within Harrington Beach State Park offers an unparalleled experience. Tucked away in a beautiful corner of our state, this campground provides a diverse range of camping options and abundant recreational activities, making it a beloved destination for families, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. It's a place where the fresh breeze off Lake Michigan invigorates your senses and the natural beauty inspires lasting memories.

Harrington Beach Campground is a key component of the expansive 715-acre Harrington Beach State Park, providing a gateway to one of Wisconsin's most stunning natural landscapes. The park’s commitment to preserving its unique features – including over a mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, a white cedar and hardwood swamp, restored wetland ponds, and a scenic limestone quarry lake – ensures a rich and varied outdoor experience for all visitors. The campground itself is designed to accommodate a variety of camping styles, from traditional tent sites to RV setups with electrical hookups, and even specialized options like an accessible cabin and a kayak-specific site. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, an active adventure, or a family-friendly getaway, Harrington Beach Campground offers a well-maintained and picturesque setting to connect with Wisconsin's natural wonders.

Harrington Beach Campground is strategically located in Belgium, WI 53004, USA. Specifically, it's part of Harrington Beach State Park, with the main park entrance typically located at 531 Cty Hwy D, Belgium, WI 53004. This prime location places it directly on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan County, offering campers immediate access to the expansive freshwater coastline.

For locals across Wisconsin, accessing Harrington Beach is quite convenient. It's situated approximately 35 miles north of Milwaukee, making it an easy drive for residents of southeastern Wisconsin. Major interstates provide clear routes to the Belgium area, and from there, well-marked county highways lead directly to the park entrance. The ease of access means less time traveling and more time enjoying the natural beauty of the park. While the campground is within a state park and offers a sense of seclusion, nearby Belgium provides convenience stores for any last-minute supplies or forgotten items. The relatively short distance from urban centers, combined with the feeling of being completely immersed in nature, makes Harrington Beach an ideal and accessible escape for any Wisconsinite looking for a refreshing outdoor adventure by the lake.

Harrington Beach Campground, as part of a well-managed Wisconsin State Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all types of campers.

Family Campground: The park features a 69-unit family campground, open from the first Wednesday in May through October, providing a structured and welcoming environment for campers.
Campsite Variety: This includes 31 sites with 50 amp electrical hookups (no per-site water and sewer hookups), 33 non-electrical sites, and five walk-to sites, catering to different preferences and equipment.
Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a campfire ring and a picnic table, essential for traditional camping activities.
Clean Restrooms and Showers: During the warm weather season, modern amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and family shower rooms are available within the family campground, providing comfort and hygiene. Pit toilets are also available in some areas.
Trailer Dump Station & Fresh Water Fill-up: Conveniently located near the entrance to the campgrounds, a trailer dump station and a fresh water fill-up station are available for RV and camper users.
Group Campsite: A non-electric, reservable group campsite can accommodate up to 30 visitors with two campfire rings and five picnic tables. It's tent-only, though one wheeled camping unit is permitted in the parking lot.
Accessible Cabin: Harrington Beach State Park is home to one of Wisconsin's accessible cabins for people with disabilities, offering specialized features like roll-under kitchen counters, a roll-in shower, and hospital-style beds.
Kayak Campsite: A unique, non-electric, non-reservable site specifically for up to six kayakers paddling along Lake Michigan, offering a designated spot with a campfire ring and picnic table.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office and from the campground host at site #100 during the summer, adhering to Wisconsin's "Don't Move Firewood" regulations to prevent pest spread.
Reservations: Campsite reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 11 months in advance online through the Wisconsin DNR system.

Harrington Beach State Park and its campground offer an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for outdoor recreation in Wisconsin.

Lake Michigan Shoreline: Over a mile of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan provides stunning views, opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks along the shore.
Diverse Ecosystems: The park encompasses 715 acres, featuring not only the lake but also a white cedar and hardwood swamp, old field grasslands with restored wetland ponds, and a scenic limestone quarry lake, offering varied landscapes for exploration.
Quarry Lake: A unique feature is the scenic limestone quarry lake, which is popular for fishing (trout fishing is noted as being tricky but different here) and offers a serene setting. No motors are allowed on this lake.
Extensive Trail System: The park boasts numerous trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. These include an interpretive nature walkway, routes around Quarry Lake, and a historical pathway highlighting the Stonehaven mining community.
Jim and Gwen Plunkett Observatory: Home to a powerful 20-inch telescope, the observatory hosts monthly public viewings, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing and astronomy programs. This is a unique and captivating highlight.
Accessible Features: Beyond the accessible cabin, the park strives to be inclusive, offering accessible pathways and facilities where possible.
Wildlife and Birdwatching: The diverse habitats within the park attract a variety of wildlife and offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Ansay Welcome Center: The Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center provides a versatile space for events like weddings, parties, or meetings, complete with a warming kitchen.
Seasonal Operating Hours: The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the family campground open from May through October, allowing for varied seasonal experiences.

As a Wisconsin State Park, Harrington Beach Campground generally operates under a standardized fee structure determined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While specific "Promotions or Special Offers" in the commercial sense are not typically advertised, the value for money is inherent in state park camping.

Visitors should be aware of the following:

Vehicle Admission Sticker: A valid Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required for entry to the park, in addition to camping fees. These can be purchased annually or daily.
Reservation System: Camping reservations are handled through the Wisconsin DNR's online system, which often provides transparency regarding pricing for different site types (electrical vs. non-electrical) and durations. Booking well in advance (up to 11 months) is a common strategy for securing desired dates, especially during peak season.

For detailed and up-to-date information on camping rates, park admission fees, and any potential seasonal considerations, the most reliable source is the official Wisconsin DNR website for Harrington Beach State Park or the state park reservation portal. Occasionally, the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park group might host events or fundraisers that offer unique experiences within the park.

For all inquiries, reservations, or to gather more specific information about Harrington Beach Campground and State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Harrington Beach State Park, 531 Cty Hwy D, Belgium, WI 53004, USA (The provided address of Belgium, WI 53004, USA is the general park location).
Phone: (262) 285-3015 (This is the contact number for Harrington Beach State Park, which manages the campground).

You can call this number to speak with park staff who can provide information on campsite availability, specific amenities, park rules, and direct you to the online reservation system. For the most efficient booking experience, the Wisconsin DNR's online reservation portal is highly recommended.

For Wisconsin locals, Harrington Beach Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching outdoor experience, standing out as a premier destination within our state's park system. Its unparalleled access to over a mile of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline provides endless opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and peaceful walks, all within a convenient drive from many urban centers. The diversity of the park's landscape, from serene wetlands and forests to the unique quarry lake, ensures that every visit can bring a new discovery, whether you're hiking, birdwatching, or trying your hand at fishing.

The campground itself caters to a wide array of needs, with various campsite types, including electric hookups for RVs, secluded walk-to sites for tent campers, and even a unique accessible cabin for those with disabilities. The presence of modern amenities like flush toilets and showers, combined with the educational and recreational offerings such as the observatory and extensive trail system, makes for a comfortable yet adventurous stay. Harrington Beach truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's natural beauty and commitment to public access, making it a perfect, accessible, and endlessly engaging retreat for any local looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.