Point Beach Campground

Near Point Beach State Forest, there are several excellent dining options. Water's Edge Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a great selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including a notable beer selection. Nicky's Good Eats and Treats is known for its fast service and delicious desserts, providing a casual dining experience. For pizza lovers, Port Sandy Bay is a popular choice with a family-friendly atmosphere. Waverly Inn Pub & Pizzeria offers classic pizzas and live music, making it a great spot for groups. Lastly, Montana Rae’s Pub is ideal for those looking for a bar experience with great cocktails and beer selection.

For accommodations near Point Beach State Forest, Lighthouse Inn On Lake Michigan is a top choice. It offers traditional rooms with lake views, an indoor pool, and a private beach. The inn also features an on-site restaurant and bar, providing a convenient stay for travelers. Another option is the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Two Rivers, which offers a more modern stay with amenities like free breakfast and an indoor pool. For a more intimate experience, the Toll House Bed & Breakfast provides a cozy atmosphere with high guest ratings.

Point Beach State Forest offers a range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The campground includes picnic tables, fire pits, and access to water faucets, flush and vault toilets, and shower facilities. A dump station and recycling center are also available nearby. The forest features a nature center and lodge that provides area information, seasonal interpretive programs, and sells picnic supplies. Additionally, there are several picnic areas along the lakeshore, all within walking distance from the campground.

For those interested in outdoor activities, the forest provides rental options for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, allowing visitors to explore Lake Michigan's shoreline.

The forest's amenities cater to both campers and day visitors, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Point Beach State Forest offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that span 11 miles, including a 0.5-mile nature trail and a 7-mile ridge trail. In winter, some trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Swimming is allowed in Lake Michigan, though there are no lifeguards, so caution is advised. Fishing is permitted in the lake, and some areas allow hunting and trapping during designated seasons.

The forest's scenic dunes and beaches provide a beautiful backdrop for nature walks and photography. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be launched from the lakeshore, offering a unique perspective on the lake's shoreline.

For those interested in history, the Rawley Point Lighthouse, though not open to the public, can be viewed along the beach.

Point Beach State Forest offers some accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. The campground includes an ADA-accessible site, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can participate in camping activities. Additionally, many of the picnic areas and trails are designed to be accessible, though some may require assistance due to the natural terrain. The nature center and lodge also provide accessible facilities, including restrooms and seating areas. However, it is advisable to contact the park in advance to confirm specific accessibility needs.

Parking at Point Beach State Forest is convenient, with options to drive-in and park next to campsites or use a parking lot for walk-in sites. The forest requires a vehicle admission sticker, which costs $8 for Wisconsin residents and $11 for out-of-state visitors per day. Parking areas are generally well-maintained and accessible, with ample space for both cars and RVs. The proximity to the beach and trails makes it easy for visitors to access the forest's attractions without long walks.

Point Beach State Forest has a rich history and unique natural features. The forest is home to the Point Beach Ridges State Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark, which reveals the lake's ancient shorelines over the past 8,000 years. The Rawley Point Lighthouse, erected in 1893, is still operational today and is the tallest in Wisconsin. The area is also known for several historic shipwrecks that occurred in the waters nearby, adding to its historical significance.

The forest's unique landscape of dunes and woodlands supports a variety of wildlife and plant species, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like birdwatching, especially during spring and fall when migrating birds pass through the area.

One of the main attractions at Point Beach State Forest is the Rawley Point Lighthouse, the tallest in Wisconsin. Although it is not open to the public, it can be admired from the beach. The forest also features the Point Beach Ridges State Natural Area, showcasing the lake's ancient shorelines over thousands of years. Nearby, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers additional opportunities for exploration and hiking.

The forest's unique landscape of rolling dunes and mixed woodlands provides a scenic backdrop for nature walks and photography. Historical shipwrecks in the nearby waters add to the area's rich history and mystique.

Visitors can also explore the surrounding communities, such as Two Rivers and Manitowoc, for additional attractions and cultural experiences.