No summer is complete without days and nights spent at the beach. The Charlevoix/Chain of Lakes region is filled with beaches that range from hideaway spots to places to see and be seen. Picnic areas, volleyball nets, swim areas abound. Make it a beach day!


Barnes Park Campground, Eastport

Almost a quarter mile of sandy Lake Michigan beach, hiking trails and two pavilions. Like it so much you want to stay? Check out the 76 campsites. U.S. 31 and M-88.

Richardi Park, Bellaire

Sandy swimming area, grills, picnic tables, a pavilion and ice cream cones and other summer treats close at hand in downtown Bellaire.

Thurston Park, Central Lake

Great swimming in Intermediate Lake, pavilion and grills. Stop by King Orchards on M-88 for fresh fruit to nibble while you sun.

Torch Lake, Eastport

This hamlet at the crossroads of U.S. 31 and M-88 boasts Torch Lake’s only two public swimming areas. Find a pavilion, picnic tables, grills, swimming area and boat access at Torch Lake Township Park south of town on U.S. 31; Another swimming area and boat access at the north end of town off M-88.

Antrim Creek Natural Area, Atwood

This mile-long Lake Michigan beach just west of Atwood lies at the end of Rex Beach Road and down a two-track. Walk south along the beach to find where Antrim Creek spills into the big lake.

Elk Rapids Day Park, Elk Rapids

Big sand, wide Lake Michigan views, every amenity a beach can have including darling Elk Rapids close by.

Mt. McSauba Recreational Area, Charlevoix

Sandy beach on Lake Michigan and beautiful hiking trails—no bathroom facilities.

Fisherman’s Island State Park, Charlevoix

Seven miles of Lake Michigan beach south of Charlevoix on Bells Bay Road. Hiking trails and 75-site state campground.

Young State Park, Boyne City

Young State Park has a sandy Lake Charlevoix beach with a 41-site state campground. 02280 Boyne City Road.

Elm Pointe, East Jordan

Elm Pointe Park boasts eleven acres with frontage on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix and Monroe Creek. 1656 M-66.

Click the cover to read the Charlevoix Vacation Guide. 

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Photo(s) by Dave Weidner