Illinois Beach State Park
Reviewed May. 30, 2022

Lovely getaway but beware of the showers!

This is a lovely campground. The sites are well dispersed so you don't feel like you are on top of other campers. There are some lovely trails to walk which are pretty level so they are great for those for whom "hikes" might be too demanding. Plenty of shade available at the campground as well. There is a beach, if that's your thing, but it's covered in pebbles which is difficult to walk on (and somewhat painful). Also, because it's Lake Michigan, the water is pretty darn cold. Kids didn't seem bothered by the water temp, however.

I would have given this campground 5 stars if it weren't for the showers. I now have campground shower PTSD because of these showers. First, the water is ICE COLD and comes at you at the speed of a fire hose. It literally HURT when it it hit me. On top of that, the showers have those "push the button for 10 seconds of water" buttons rather than a flow of water until you turn them off. I honestly can't decide if that is a feature, though, since you NEED a break from the ice water fire hose to catch your breath. I have never had such a traumatic shower experience before. Needless to say, after my first shower during our stay, I just stayed gross and stinky for the rest of the trip.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Illinois Beach State Park by Stacie H., May 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Illinois Beach State Park by Stacie H., May 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Illinois Beach State Park by Stacie H., May 30, 2022
  • The beach
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