There is nothing better than going swimming in the summertime, and there is nothing EVEN better than getting to go swimming for free. I mean, come on, we live in a county named after water, so that must mean we have plenty of resources when it comes to playing in it, am I right? We here at Little Lake County have you covered this summer. No need to Google for all things free for your family. Nope, we have every beach that is free in the county listed here. Just add sunscreen.
Free Beaches in Lake County
With incredibly wet seasons, inland beaches can have closures due to the high bacteria levels. The Lake County Health Department tests beaches Memorial Day through Labor Day 4 days a week for Lake Michigan beaches and Biweekly for inland lakes. Check their website before heading out to ensure the beach is open. Little Lake County is not responsible for beach closures.
COVID-19 Statement: Experts have advised that the best thing for our community during the current Coronavirus pandemic is to reduce crowded gatherings. Please exercise caution when selecting outings. Ultimately it is your decision if you choose to go to public events and spaces. For the best and most up-to-date information on the outbreak locally, please visit the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 status page.
Jones Island Beach
243 Harvey Avenue, Grayslake
A great little beach tucked into a quiet neighborhood, it has no restrooms or lifeguards on duty. A nice place for a playdate or meetup and then maybe make a stop into nearby Grayslake or Hainesville for lunch afterward where they do have restrooms. It also has a great little playground for when your kids are tired of swimming. The water here is pretty shallow, note the area frequently holds water after heavy rains (and I don’t mean in the lake).
Lake Miltmore
36745 N. Nathan Hale Lane, Lake Villa
Lake Villa residents are lucky to have two amazing free beaches within their village limits. If you happen to have friends who live in Lake Villa, become even friendlier because you will want to tag along to one of these beaches this summer. Lake Miltmore beach is located within the Venetian Village subdivision and has a grassy picnic area in addition to fishing and a small park. There is no lifeguard, but the swimming area is marked off with ropes and buoys. There are no indoor restrooms, but there is a portable restroom located off to the side. Proof of residency is required at this beach, and they are patrolled regularly I am told, so find a friend in Lake Villa. Wink, wink.
Lehmann Park
89 Cedar Avenue, Lake Villa
Also open to residents of Lake Villa, you will need to show proof of residency to park in the lot at the beach, but if you are a non-resident, you can park on the street which is a short walk away. There is a great playground on the beach here as well as grills available and a shaded picnic area. There are no lifeguards here, but the swimming area is marked off with ropes. There are no restrooms at this beach.
Breezewald Beach – currently not open due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
125 N. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich
Free to all Lake Zurich residents, this beach offers swimming, fishing, restrooms, a playground, and shelter for picnicking. There are no lifeguards at this beach. There is a renovated bathhouse with showers and restrooms.
Linden’s Landing and Beach
2100 Sprucewood Lane, Lindenhurst
Lindenhurst also boasts two free beaches, and you don’t have to be a resident to enjoy either one of them! The first of the two offers restrooms, a picnic shelter, sand volleyball pit as well as plenty of parking. There is no lifeguard, and the beachgoers swim at their own risk. Update for 2020: Opening July 7, no showers or restrooms will be available.
Meyer’s Beach
325 High Point Drive, Lindenhurst
This beach has fewer amenities than Linden’s Landing but does have restrooms and parking. Again, there are no lifeguards here, so swim at your own risk. Update for 2020: Opening July 7, no restrooms will be available.
Lake Front Park Round Lake Beach *currently not open due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
1019 Lakeshore Drive, Round Lake Beach
There is actually a beach in Round Lake Beach and it is round-ish. This beach is tucked away in a neighborhood and has a playground as well as picnic shelters, grills, and restrooms. There are lifeguards on duty here daily from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Illinois Beach State Park
1 Lakefront Drive, Zion
The big kahuna of beaches in Lake County, this is the only free beach on Lake Michigan. (The Waukegan Municipal beach costs $20 to park.) There are no lifeguards here, and the water gets choppy at times, but the scenic view alone is worth the trip. There are plenty of places to lay down a blanket and have a picnic, grills are available, and parking is plentiful during the week. But on the weekends, come early as it is very busy, and the adjacent Illinois Beach State Park Resort is a big wedding venue. There is also a campground adjacent to the beach area as well, so why not make it a long weekend?
Enjoy your free day at the beach and maybe use the money you saved to buy a little something fun for the person who just saved you some bucks on swimming?
I love tacos, shoes and chocolate. Not in that order.
What free beach is your favorite in Lake County? Let us know in the comments section.
By Kari
Round Lake
Kari loves to write and take photos, not necessarily in that order. Kari loves making people laugh, being real, and spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also really loves her dog Buddy and fish Lucy. When she is not busy writing or going through the Starbucks drive-thru, you can find her talking to her plants Zoe, Evie, and Albert. She didn’t name Evie. Her nine-year-old did. But she’s totally an Edna so that’s what Kari calls her when her nine-year-old isn’t home.
You did an injustice to Jones island. It has a portapotty, an amazing playground, lots of grassy areas with shade and picnic tables, two picnic shelters, two sand volleyball courts and the swimming area is roped off. Biggest downer is how far you have to walk from the parking area to the swimming area.
Rosewood beach in Highland Park is also free. On Lake Michigan. It’s small and hidden but yeah. Thought I’d mention it. 🙂
Thank you! We’ve heard it’s a beautiful beach but it’s not free is it?
I thought most Highland Park beaches required a parking pass or sticker which is why I didn’t include them.
I learned that the hard way….:(
Well the trick is to park in downtown Ravinia nearby. Or in the Metra Parking lot and just walk to the beach. Ive done it on Sunday’s and weekends and it’s free lol. Or one of the side streets in the small downtown there. Those are 2 hour parkings though. But yeah, metra lot is free on Sunday’s and I think even weekends. 🙂
Thank you for the tips!
Lindenhurst Beaches are free, yes, but you to be a Village Resident.
Signs posted at beaches.