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Beaches

Whether you want to take a swim in a crystal-clear Northwoods lake or just dip your toes in the sand, you'll find great options across Vilas County.

Child playing in the water at Crystal Lake Campground

Vilas County is home to some of the most pristine swimming lakes in the Midwest. There’s nothing like a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water of a glacial lake. Whether you’re hoping to go wading, take a quick dip or would like to go for a longer swim along the shore, you’ll find plenty of great swimming options here in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Vilas County lakes also offer some great calm and shallow waters that are perfect for young children.

Back on shore, relax on the soft sand of a Vilas County beach. Soak up the sun while enjoying the tranquility of northern Wisconsin. On some mornings, your only company at the lake may be a jumping fish or a wading bird. Enjoy a summer read, visit with some friends or family or just reflect on how perfect life is when you’re on the beach in Vilas County.

Boulder Junction | 715-385-2400

  • Nichols Beach Park & Beach
    Nichols Beach is a great family-friendly swimming area just 2.5 miles from downtown Boulder Junction. Its shallow water and gentle entry make it a good bet for kids. To find the beach, follow Highway K west, turn left on Highway H and left onto Nichols Lake Lane. At the end of Nichols’ Lane you’ll find a parking area for the beach. Dog friendly.
  • North Trout Lake Park & Beach
    Located just south of Boulder Junction, North Trout Lake is another great place for a summer swim. Trout Lake is the largest lake around Boulder Junction and it has some very scenic spots along the shoreline. The beach is one of those spots – you’ll find it about 3 miles south of Boulder Junction off County M, near the boat landing. NOT dog friendly.

Conover | 866-394-4386

  • Hunter Lake Park & Beach
    The park is located on the southeast shore of Hunter Lake at 5710 Hunter Landing Road. The swim area is accessed via the sandy beach, and while the swim area is designated with buoy markers, there is no life guard on duty. The park contains 2 fire rings with attached grates and 6 picnic tables. There are informal horseshoe pits and a swing set in the play area, and an unimproved boat launch, providing boating and fishing opportunities. The comfort station is located near the parking lot. NOT dog friendly.
  • Torch Lake Park & Beach
    The park is located on the southeast shore of Torch Lake at 5101 Torch Lake Road. The swim area is accessed via the sandy beach, and while the swim area is designated with buoy markers, there is no life guard on duty. The park contains a fire ring with attached grate, 3 cooking grills, and 10 picnic tables. There is a horseshoe pit and a swing set in the play area. There is no formal boat landing, but there is plenty of room to carry a kayak or canoe to the water’s edge for boating and fishing opportunities. The comfort station is located near the parking lot. Torch Lake Campground & RV Park adjacent. NOT dog friendly.

Eagle River | 800-359-6315

  • Eagle Lake County Park & Beach
    Eagle Lake County Park is located at 4105 W. Eagle Pines Road off Chain O’Lakes
    Road, approximately 4 miles (driving distance) northeast of Eagle River. The park is also easily accessible via water. It is located on the World-Famous Chain of 28 Lakes, on the north shore of beautiful 575-acre Eagle Lake. It offers bird watching
    opportunities as well as a spectacular view of the lake. NOT dog friendly.
  • Silver Lake Park & Beach
    Located just outside Eagle River at 932 Silver Lake Road. The park has a beach, picnic tables, a playground, public bathrooms, and a lifeguard on duty at scheduled times. NOT dog friendly.

Land O’ Lakes | 715-547-3432

  • Black Oak Lake Park & Beach
    Black Oak Lake is hailed as the clearest lake in Wisconsin. The public beach is adjacent to County Hwy. B, and has changing room and bathrooms available. Dog friendly.

Minocqua Area | 800-446-6784

  • Big Arbor Vitae Park & Beach
    Located at 1762 Buckhorn Road in Arbor Vitae, this park includes a beach, picnic tables, grills, a boat landing, and public restrooms. Dog friendly.
  • Brandy Lake Park & Beach
    Brandy Park and Beach is located at 326 Lemma Creek Road in Woodruff. The park’s facilities include a disc golf course, two baseball fields with fencing and bleachers; two tennis courts with fencing; a soccer field with lighting; a large shelter building with grills and picnic tables; two sand volleyball courts; a paved full basketball court; a skate park, playground equipment; a swimming beach with pier, changing house and restroom facilities; a shoreline picnic area with tables and grills; and a paved walkway from the shelter to the beach parking area. Winter facilities include an ice skating rink. NOT pet friendly.
  • Torpy Park
    Torpy Park is located in Downtown Minocqua, at 705 Hwy. 51. The park is a 4-acre waterfront park with a beach, restrooms, pavilion, picnic shelter, grills and tables, tennis courts, playground, sand volleyball court, and ice-skating rink during the winter months. Dogs NOT allowed in beach area.

Manitowish Waters | 715-543-8488

  • Little Star Lake Park & Beach
    Located ½ mile west of Highway 51 on Park Road. The park’s facilities include a beach/buoyed swim area, picnic tables, grills, hand water pump, pit toilets, and is accessible by watercraft. Dog friendly.
  • Koller Park
    Located at 6014 County Hwy. W. The part’s facilities include public piers, fishing pier, grills, picnic tables, public restroom, non-buoyed/swim-at-your-risk beach area. Dog friendly.
  • Rest Lake Park
    Located on County Highway W across from the Lakeland Discovery Center. The
    park’s facilities include a public boat landing, pavilion, picnic tables, grills, water hand pump, pit toilets, and a non-buoyed/swim-at-your-own-risk beach area. Dog friendly.

Sayner-Star Lake

  • Crystal Lake Park & Beach
    This popular swimming spot is located in the Crystal Lake Campground in the
    Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. A state vehicle sticker is required. It’s located right on the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System, so it’s possible to pedal right to the beach. The lake earns its name – the water has amazing clarity. The beach is about 5 miles from downtown Sayner on County N. NOT dog friendly.
  • Old Mill Site Park & Beach
    Located at 7877 Statehouse Rd in Star Lake. The park includes a handicapped fishing pier, modern pit toilets, picnic tables, playground equipment, pavilion, and beach area. Dog friendly.

NOTE: Dog friendly implies that your dog may be in the area, but MUST still be on a leash, and, as always, please clean up after your dog.