Welcome to Door County, Wisconsin, where charming small towns, picturesque countryside, and beautiful beaches await you. If you’re looking for a beach that’s off the beaten path, with clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere, look no further than Clark Lake Beach. As a Door County local, I’m excited to share my experience of this hidden gem with you. In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Clark Lake Beach, from its location and amenities to safety tips and costs. So, grab your sunscreen and beach towel, and let’s dive in!
Clark Lake Beach: General Description
As a Door County local, I’m excited to tell you all about Clark Lake Beach! It’s a small but lovely sand beach situated on Clark Lake, which is an inland lake in the northern part of Door County. Since it’s not located on Green Bay or Lake Michigan, the water warms up earlier in the season than beaches on those larger bodies of water. This means that visitors to Clark Lake Beach can enjoy the water earlier in the season than they might at other beaches.
Clark Lake itself is 865 acres and has a maximum depth of 25 feet. It’s a popular spot for fishing and boating, and there’s a public boat launch available for those who want to take a boat out on the lake. The water at Clark Lake is known for being extremely clear, which makes it a great spot for swimming and water activities.
One of the best things about Clark Lake Beach is its location near the entrance to Whitefish Dunes State Park. This means that visitors can combine a trip to the beach with a visit to the park, which is known for its beautiful sand dunes and hiking trails. Overall, Clark Lake Beach is a hidden gem in Door County that’s definitely worth a visit!
Amenities
I want to be upfront and let visitors know that there are very few amenities available at Clark Lake Beach. While there is parking available, there are no concessions or rentals, so visitors will need to bring their own food, drinks, and equipment. Additionally, the only restroom facilities available are portapotties.
However, I want to emphasize that the lack of amenities shouldn’t deter visitors from visiting Clark Lake Beach. It’s a beautiful and serene spot that’s perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the stunning views of Clark Lake.
For those who want to explore the lake, bring your own kayak or canoe and launch from the public boat launch. Fishing is also a popular activity at Clark Lake, so bring your fishing gear and see what you can catch. Overall, while the lack of amenities might be a downside for some visitors, the beauty and tranquility of Clark Lake Beach make it a worthwhile destination.
Beach Safety
While it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy the water and sunshine, it’s important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
No Lifeguard at Clark Lake Beach, So Practice the Buddy System
There are no lifeguards on duty at Clark Lake Beach. This means that visitors should always swim with a buddy and keep a close eye on each other while in the water.
Sun Safety
Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun.
Watch for Hypothermia
While the water at Clark Lake is often warmer than at other beaches, it can still be cold, especially earlier in the season. Visitors should watch for symptoms of hypothermia, which can occur when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
Some symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Cold, pale skin
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Slow, shallow breathing
If someone is showing symptoms of hypothermia, it’s important to get them out of the water and warm them up as soon as possible. Remove any wet clothing and cover them in blankets or warm clothing. Offer warm beverages and seek medical attention if necessary.
Water Quality Safety
Lastly, visitors should be aware of the water quality at Clark Lake Beach. It’s always a good idea to check the Wisconsin DNR’s water quality beach advisory map before visiting any beach in Door County. If there are any warnings or advisories in place, it’s best to avoid swimming until the water quality improves.
Overall, by following these safety tips, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable visit to Clark Lake Beach.
Cost
One of the great things about Clark Lake Beach is that admission and parking are free of charge. Visitors can come and go as they please without having to worry about paying for entrance or parking fees.
However, it’s important to note that there may be some associated costs when visiting the beach. Since there are no concessions available on-site, visitors will need to bring their own food and drinks. Packing a picnic lunch or bringing along snacks and drinks can help ensure a fun and enjoyable day at the beach.
In addition, if visitors need to purchase any supplies like sunscreen, towels, or beach toys, there may be additional costs associated with those purchases. But overall, Clark Lake Beach is a great option for those looking for a fun and affordable day at the beach.
General Information
Address: 5241 S Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Frequently Asked Questions
No, admission and parking at Clark Lake Beach are both free of charge.
The only amenities available at Clark Lake Beach are parking and portable toilets. Visitors should bring their own food and drinks, as well as any other supplies they may need.
The Wisconsin DNR regularly tests the water quality at Clark Lake Beach and posts any advisories or closures on their website. Visitors can check the water quality beach advisory map before heading to the beach to ensure the water is safe for swimming.
Summary: Clark Lake Beach
- Clark Lake Beach is a small sand beach located in Door County, WI, near Whitefish Dunes State Park.
- The beach is located on an inland lake, making it warmer earlier in the season than beaches on Lake Michigan or Green Bay.
- The beach has limited amenities, including parking and portable toilets, so visitors should bring their own supplies.
- Visitors should practice beach safety, including sun safety, watching for hypothermia, and checking water quality advisories.
- Admission and parking are free, but visitors should bring their own food and drinks or purchase supplies nearby.
