Point Beach State Forest offers camping amidst flat, forested terrain near the shores of Lake Michigan. Temperatures in the area typically range from highs in the 80s Fahrenheit during summer to lows in the 20s during winter. Nearby attractions include the Rawley Point Lighthouse and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, providing opportunities for exploration and hiking.

Located in Manitowoc County, on the western shores of Lake Michigan, Point Beach State Forest is 2,900 acres of rolling dunes and mixed woodlands. Established in 1937, the forest is home to Point Beach Ridges State Natural Area and National Natural Landmark. This area of alternating ridges and swales reveals the lake’s ancient shorelines over the last 8,000 years, with unique and varied woods representing each of the lake’s historic levels. Also located within the park, the Rawley Point Lighthouse is a one-of-a-kind structure that was erected in 1893, and is still operational today. The area is also known for several historic shipwrecks that occurred in the waters nearby.

The campground at Point Beach is the perfect location for exploring many of these natural and historical features—or just kicking back on the lakeshore and soaking up the sun. The campground offers more than 120 wooded sites that can accommodate both tent and RV campers. About 70 sites feature electrical hookups; a few of these also have water. There are two group camps, and one ADA accessible site. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and water faucets, flush and vault toilets, and shower facilities can be found throughout the campground. A dump station and recycling center is located nearby. Most campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance; some are held for first-come, first-served campers. Dogs are permitted in some areas, and must remain leashed. Seasonal rates are $15–$37/night.

There is plenty to see and do on a visit to Point Beach State Forest. There are several picnic areas located along the lakeshore, all within walking distance from the campground, and a nature center and lodge that offers area info, seasonal interpretive programs, and sells sandwiches and picnic supplies. The forest features 11 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails for exploring the dunes, woods and lakeshore, from a 0.5-mile nature trail to a 7-mile ridge trail. Some trails are also open for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The forest area does not offer a boat launch, but kayaks and SUPs can be launched from the lakeshore. Fishing is permitted in Lake Michigan, and some hunting and trapping is permitted in season. The Rawley Point Lighthouse is not open to the public, but can be seen along the beach.

Point Beach State Forest

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This campground is situated across from Lake Michigan, with access to trails, sand-ridged beaches and a lighthouse (the lighthouse cannot be toured, but can be admired from the outside).  There is nice lodge and camp store right on the lake, complete with a quaint restaurant where we got breakfast on the weekend as well as ice cream.

We stayed on site 13.  Not super secluded from neighboring sites, but it had nice tree cover.  A three minute walk to the beach.  The shower house and flush toilets were a bit of a hike from our campsite, but pit toilets were nearby.

We camped in late-May and there were no mosquitos and we didn't see any ticks (not to say there weren't any).  The area has some interesting natural features, including some wetland-prone areas with frogs, salamanders, etc.

All-in-all everyone in our party agreed that we would stay here again.  Happy camping!

Little Gem!

Huge campground, and I guess we were lucky to snag a site mid week in August, as there were only two sites left when we arrived in the early afternoon. 

  

You get a choice of electric or non electric. We paid $25 for a non-electric site (weekends are higher rate). You also have to pay the Wisconsin state park entry fee at $13/day for non residents, or $38 for an annual pass. 

  

The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up. 

  

Also, a portion of the beach is dog friendly, so if that’s important to you then try and get a site close to the dog friendly portion (south of the lighthouse), otherwise it’s a good mile walk from the other end of the campground to the dog area. Leashes required at all times, except for when the dog is actively frolicking in the water. 

  

The concession stand here looks really nice, like a full service restaurant. Showers are nice and free. Water spigots throughout campground, or there’s a water fill at the dump station. There’s a little free library here too:)

  

Campground will be closed until May 24, 2024 for maintenance on the waterlines.

Great

The campground is clean and organized well, with each space separated by trees/bush/woods. The drinking water is not good so be sure to pack enough. The beaches are very clean and great for walking at different points in the day. Site 28 was a bit small.

Photos of Point Beach State Forest

Real photos from real campers