Beaches
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2025 Main and West Beach Hours of Operation
2025 Daily Beach Admission Fees
Main Beach Picnic Reservations and General Info
2025 Hours of Operation Main & West Beaches
Main Beach Swim Area
300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
815-477-54042025 MAIN BEACH PRE-SEASON Sat, May 24-Mon, May 26 9 am-Dusk Tu, May 27-Fri, May 30 Noon-Dusk 2025 MAIN BEACH REGULAR SEASON (7 days/week) May 31-Aug 8 9 am-Dusk 2025 MAIN BEACH POST SEASON (weekends only) Sat, Aug 9-Sun, Aug 10 9 am-5 pm Sat, Aug 16-Sun, Aug 17 9 am-5 pm Sat, Aug 23-Sun, Aug 24 9 am-5 pm Sat, Aug 30-Mon, Sep 1 9 am-5 pm West Beach Swim Area
2330 Lake Ave, Crystal Lake
815-477-50092025 WEST BEACH REGULAR SEASON Sat, May 31-Fri, Aug 8 (7 days/week) 11 am-7 pm 2025 DAILY BEACH FEES
Please note: A valid photo ID with a Crystal Lake Park District address or current utility bill is required to receive Resident Daily Admission rates for Crystal Lake Park District Residents.Daily Admission
Resident Fee
Non-Resident Fee
CHILDREN (AGES 3 & UNDER)
FREE
FREE YOUTH (AGES 4-15 YRS)$1
$10 ADULT (AGES 16-59)$1
$15 SENIORS (AGES 60 & OVER) FREE $10 RESIDENT GUESTS $5 NA TWILIGHT RATE (BEGINS AT 5 PM)
FREE
1/2 PRICE ADMISSION PARKING FREE FREE Beach Passes are available at Main Beach or the Administration Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake during summer operating hours. Beach Passes are for beach use only and do not include the boat launch, boat rental, program or special event privileges. Beach Passes do not include entrance of guests.
Please note: A valid photo ID with a Crystal Lake Park District address or current utility bill is required to receive Resident Beach Pass rates for Crystal Lake Park District Residents. Seniors (60 yrs & older) and Children (3 yrs & under) are free and do not require a pass
Swim Areas or portions of the swim area will close due to the following:2025 Season Beach Pass
Resident
Fee
Non-Res
Fee
Adult (Ages 16-59)
$10 $90
Youth (Ages 4-15)$10 $70
Seniors (Ages 60+)FREE $70
Children (Ages 3 & Under)FREE FREE Season Beach Pass replacement
$5 $5
-Air Temperature is below 68
-Lightning or heavy rain
-Low in-water attendance
-Safety considerations, including high bacteria number (determined by McHenry County Health Department)
What's happening with the lake
You may also notice that after heavy rainfall, the beaches may be put on "Swim Advisory." The water is OK to swim in, but swimmers should be aware bacterial quality levels could be elevated. We are in constant communication with the McHenry County Health Department to ensure we are communicating with swimmers.
When the water is deemed unsuitable for swimming, the beach will be closed. The water will then be re-tested everyday by the Health Department until we can reopen.
Stay up-to-date on beach closures by subscribing to our Rainout Line.BEACH CLOSING UPDATES
View and/or register for Main & West Beach weather and water condition related closures on Rainoutline.
View beach updates from McHenry County Department of Health.
WEST BEACH is listed as WEST PARK BEACH
MAIN BEACH is listed as LAKE PARK BEACH
Main Beach Grounds
Bike Compound
A lock-up area for bikes is provided at Main and West Beaches. Bikes are not allowed inside the parks/beaches.
Dogs and Other Animals at Beaches
Animals are prohibited at Main Beach Park and West Beach Park (qualified service animals are exempt.)
Handicapped Beach Wheelchair
A handicapped beach wheelchair is available at Main Beach. Please contact the Main Beach Office (815.477.5404) for further information.
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Reservations and Group Outings
For questions regarding Beach Group Reservations, please contact Stephanie Scott at sscott@crystallakeparks.org.
group reservations at Main or west beach
please note: there is no minimum reservation number for Residents. The reservation minimum below is for Non-Residents.
Main Beach: Min guarantee: 25 people Max: 400 people
West Beach: Min guarantee: 25 people Max: 50 people
Please note: A valid photo ID with a Crystal Lake Park District address or current utility bill is required to receive Resident rates for Crystal Lake Park District Residents.
Resident Admission: $1/person. Each non-resident guest is $5 (children under 3 years and adults over 60 years are free).
Non-Resident Admission or Corporate Group Admission: $8/person. Each resident guest is $1 (children under 3 years free). Proof of residency is required.
Reserved Picnic Tables: $10 each; random picnic tables are on a first-come, first-served basis
Area 6 Reservation: $65 includes 4 permanent picnic tables and covered area adjacent to playground
Additional Amenities: Notice required at least one week in advance
Tents brought into beach: 10x10 or smaller pop up tents - no charge
Field Trips-Weekdays at Main or west beach
Res Rate: $1 per person (minimum 12 people)
Non-Res Rate: $6 per person (minimum 12 people)
Field Trip Reservation Form required.
Please note: picnic table reservations not accepted Tuesday evenings, holidays and special events.
MAIN BEACH PAVILION & BAND SHELL
Guests may rent the Main Beach Pavilion or Band Shell for their special occasions. The Pavilion features 72" round tables, air temperature control, wood floors and LED light display. The band shell, nestled among the big oak shade trees on the north end of the park, provides the perfect backdrop for your event.
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Beach Rules
1. No Swimming Without Lifeguard: Entering the water is prohibited without a lifeguard on duty. All swimmers must follow the lifeguard's instructions.
2. Stay Within Designated Areas: Swimmers must remain within the roped-off areas. Signage and buoy lines indicate water depths over 3 feet and 5 feet.
3. Floatation Device Policy:
• Main Beach: No floats allowed beyond the 3-foot buoy line.
• West Beach: No floats allowed beyond the 3-foot buoy line for individuals under 21. Adults aged 21 and over no floats allowed past the 5 ft line.
• Floatation devices must be inspected to ensure they are the appropriate type and U.S. Coast Guard Certified
4. Safety Conduct: Patrons must behave responsibly, ensuring the safety of themselves and others in and around the water.
5. No Diving: Diving is strictly prohibited.
6. Food and Drink: No food or drink is allowed in the water.
7. No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout the park and beach.
8. Children Supervision: Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by someone 16 years or older.
9. Water Safety: The lake water is not suitable for drinking. Swimmers are encouraged to shower and towel dry after leaving the water.
10. Swimwear and Hygiene: Infants must wear rubber or plastic pants. All swimmers must wear proper swimwear—no street clothes are allowed.
11. No Entry Under the Influence: Individuals under the influence of alcohol or exhibiting erratic behavior are not permitted in the park.
12. Health Precautions: Admission may be denied to anyone suspected of having contagious diseases or infectious conditions.
13. Staff Authority: Staff have the authority to enforce additional or stricter rules as needed.
14. No Pets: Pets are not allowed. Licensed service animals are exempt.
15. Do Not Feed Wildlife: Feeding geese or other wildlife is prohibited
16. Lightning Detection System: Follow all rules related to the lightning detection system and seek shelter when required.
17. Grilling: Grill equipment and supplies must be brought in through the front gate only. Only charcoal grills with lids are allowed in the grass areas of Main Beach and West Beach. Charcoal receptacles are available for disposal throughout the park. Propane tanks are prohibited.
18. Catering Supplies: Drop-off catering supplies must be brought in through the front gate only.
19. Tent Size: Tents must not exceed 10ft x 10ft (EZ-Up size). Tents are not allowed on the sand within the roped swim area. Tents are to be secured by weights, such as sandbags. The use of stakes is not allowed.
20. Alcohol Policy: Beer and wine are permitted in picnic areas only.
21. No Glass Containers: Glass containers are not allowed on the beach or playground.
22. Trash and Recycling: Use the provided receptacles for trash, charcoal, and recycling.
23. Special Event Restrictions: Crystal Lake Park District events may restrict coolers and alcohol in the park. The boat launch, park and playground area may be closed during special events.
24. No Wheels: Bikes, skateboards, scooters, and roller skates are not allowed in the park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
25. Swim Breaks: Swim break rest periods are scheduled twice daily for safety. Additional rest breaks may be implemented hourly based on attendance and temperature.
26. Watercraft Access: All watercrafts (motorized and nonmotorized) must enter through the boat launch area with a purchased boat gate access key fob.
27. Weather Flag System: Flagpoles at Main and West Beaches display color-coded weather flags. For safety, familiarize yourself with the following flag colors:
• RED: Beach Closed. KEEP OFF THE LAKE
• GREEN: Fair weather, light air, and wind 1-10 mph
28. Emergency Contact: In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
