Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when Parks staff clean and maintain designated beaches and sites with restrooms are open from approximately 11am to 7pm daily. See RESTROOMS to view locations. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches and indicated on this page. No lifeguards are on duty. 

Lake Water Quality Testing

Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing starting around Memorial Day and continuing through around Labor Day. Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page and signal whether the water in the swimming area is "OK" or "CLOSED." The beach area and park remain open. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty. 

Accessiblity 

Thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation, accessible beach mats are available at Bernie's and Vilas beaches. 

Rules

• No dogs are allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area.
• Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed.
• Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches; see Park Rules for further details.
• Children under 5 years of age must be actively supervised (watching your child at all times and providing immediate assistance) by a caregiver 16 years of age or over.
• Toys are allowed, but the use of toys may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
• The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. 
• Boats are not allowed in the swimming area. The swim area is defined by the outer buoys.
• Fishing is not allowed in the swimming area.

• Spring Harbor Beach

  Public Health Water Testing:

  Closed

  Address: 1918 Norman Way
  Restroom: Yes
  Drinking Water: Yes
  Parking: Parking Lot
  Amenities: Picnic Tables
  
  Swim Ropes: Yes
  Lifeguard: No
  
  Spring Harbor Beach Details

Restroom Updates

• Rennebohm Park - due to mechanical issues with the locking system, the restrooms at Rennebohm Park are closed. We apologize for this disruption of service and are working with the contractor to repair this issue. In the meantime, we have placed a portable unit on-site. 

Madison Parks offers seasonal and year-round restrooms throughout the park system. Indoor restrooms are open daily, approximately 10am to 8pm. 

• Brittingham Park (2) at beach house and boat house+
• Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North*
• Door Creek Park+
• Elver Park enclosed shelter*
• Owen Conservation Park*
• Warner Park boat launch* 

• Spring Harbor Park Beach

  OPEN
  
  Notes: See Beaches: cityofmadison.com/parks/beach for the schedule.