I'd been meaning to check out the Waukegan North Beach for a while -- it's been mentioned on TN a couple times, but I can't find a thread just for it.
The North Beach runs all the way up behind the old power station, but there's a lot of trees and dunes blocking any visibility. Unfortunately, it's one long, pretty straight beach so you've got to go a ways to be out of site of the muggles. But it's no further than from the lot to the Dead River at IBSP South Unit, and an easy walk on packed sand (yes there's good sand on this beach, something IBSP has lost). I'd guess that once you're past the first clump of bushes near the shore, you're safe. There were only two people out that far: one guy in long sleeves and shorts, I think he might be a bird watcher, and the other guy nude, didn't cover up, I chatted with him for a minute or two, there's no rangers up there, and no, he's not on TN. There's also a lot of fallen trees which provide privacy but visibility of people approaching (but there weren't any). I'll definitely be back.
Note: don't be fooled by the trails at the north end of the parking lot -- there's a long pond paralleling the lot and the beach, and the trail curves back to the main trail at the south end of the lot.
The only thing this place needs is more nudists!
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- STJun 22, 2022
Hello. The only entrance to the Municipal beach is at the south end of the parking lot not far from where the portable bathrooms and picnic tables are. Once on the beach go north about one mile and thats where the power station is. Theres trees along that area as well. So basically one way in and go back the same way out. The water is shallow and very nice along the entire area.
ReactReply - NU
Jun 30, 2022This is my second summer using this beach. Weekend you have to pay to enter but on weekdays its free. The nude section is actually behind the power plant and not part of the municipal beach. Same rules apply as far as keeping something to cover with handy. The ATV seems to stop at the end of the municipal beach. Its a great spot and you can really see people coming up the beach so you have some warning. Most turn around about 3/4 of the way.
ReactReply - STApr 12, 2023
Made a trip to Waukegan north beach today. 4-11-23
The weather was excellent and a warm breeze was out of the south west. Theres plenty of fresh sand along the main beach area to the south and the north area by the power plant has some more beach front as well. There was no one along the main beach area, but there were a couple of guys along the far north area wearing bathing shorts. I found a spot and got nude and got some sun for about an hour. Felt great being out there again, very peaceful. Definitely going to be out there more this summer.ReactReply - SU
Apr 12, 2023@strato - thank you for the update. I am looking forward to giving this place a try.
ReactReply - MXMXQ123Original PosterMay 8, 2023
Finally got a chance to get back out there - first warm day since early April. There were two other nude guys out there, I chatted with each briefly. One of them said there's no enforcement, he claimed he'd even chatted with a couple police once while nude - I'm skeptical.
Boats passed by regularly, and one couple walked most of the way there but turned around long before they could have seen anyone.
But the real surprise: about 50ft north of the trail back to the parking lot (Sandpiper) was a young woman sunbathing topless. Considered telling her she could go completely nude further north, but there's no way a grey-bearded man can approach a topless 20-something without a really bad response.
ReactReply - NUJun 1, 2023
Been there a few times this spring and happy to report that it is still active. Four nude guys last week. Trees are still down so you have some privacy, yet can see people coming up the beach. There are still "walkers" who come by, but you can see them coming. I was with a small group and they just waved and passed by. Still a few regulars that are there almost every day. Weekdays are free and still the best time to use the beach.
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