Kemil Beach — Attraction in Chesterton

I understand wanting to keep a hidden local gem a secret. However, unless a person is a resident of the town that houses this beach, one is in for a less than ideal beach experience. First tip, if one goes on a holiday weekend, be prepared for outrageous lines getting into the established beaches, such as the dunes state park. The lines going into the park were easily two miles outside the entrance. Seeing these ridiculously long lines, we decided to visit Kemil beach. The public parking lot is extremely miniscule, and one is only guaranteed a spot if one gets there super early in the morning. Seeing other people park about 3/4 of a mile down the beach on a road that does not have any signs designated that parking is not allowed, we parked on this road. About two-hours of beach time, we find a $80 ticket on our rental car. I saw the police officer who was placing the tickets and explained to him there no sign that says no parking. He coldly tells me there is a sign at the town of Beverly Shores that specifies parking only with permits. One could not see this aforementioned sign easily depending on how one enters this beach area. The beach itself is okay. Being from the east coast and having grown up near the beach, I was not impressed. Granted the beach I grew up near is not with luxurious sand or clear water, but I prefer this ocean beach to this Lake Michigan beach. First, the strip of sand is minimal, and small amount of sand area means not many areas to spread out from other beach goers. Also, large piles of rocks line the shore, and these rocks are also found in the water. It can be painful walking in the water. Needless to say, I would NOT recommend this beach. Perhaps, there are other beaches in the area that would provide a more favorable experience if one goes during off peak times or knows the specific rules at...

The area is nice, it could be nicer if the town was to keep up with landscaping. The water looks to be clean, I only get my feet wet on any beach as my skin is to sensitive. I wouldn't know if it's clean once you go deep in. There was a lot of thrash in the sand and sides of the streets. You have to go on the web for a parking permit in order to park. It's a busy beach, one of the officers told my family member he may park near by as long as he did not park in front of someone's home or else he will be ticked. It was 3 vehicles, all 3 got $80 dollar tickets. Turns out the officer lied. The ticket says it's private property eventhough there is no home nor signs stating that. If you are latin or black, you WILL be frowned upon. I personally do not let that affect me. It is very sad that racism still exists but we have to look at the bright side guys. As long as you are well mannered, respectful and do not get out of character you will be left alone. Do I recommend this beach to anyone? No, I do not. It's to dirty, the town doesn't spend on fixing their road nor keeping the area clean. The Washrooms are so dirty, cheap toilet paper, NO soap, No hand towels, dirty floor, huge spiders, and it smells disgusting! Hold your breath! Or wash your hands in the fountain. So bring your own toilet paper, Napkins, disinfectant, and handsoap. Make sure you are wearing your crocs or sand shoes. No flip-flops because you will get stabbed with something. Bring your own thrash bags as they do not keep up with emptying their thrash cans. Maybe that is why there is thrash everywhere. All the thrash cans were overflowing thrash. Lol Unbelievable! I reside in Highland, IN but I grew up in Chicago. This is definitely the dirtiest beach I have everrrrr been to. I definitely rather be staring at the BEAUTIFUL...

I am tempted to review this wonderful beach poorly, just so you don't go, but I love the place too much. Parking is limited, most of the summer you'll spend a bit circling for a spot. Yes, as others have mentioned the restrooms can be a bit of a hike...but this just gives you a reason for a swim. (You know we all do it, shoosh.)

Pets on leashes are welcome, as are kids on leashes.

If you are not from our region, you might well just go down to the State Park. Kemil is a great local haven, and we love it that way. The long stretch between Kemil and the State Park is one of the best for getting away from the masses, if you can handle the hike to solitude. A bit of privacy on the beach goes a long long way, so if you aren't a local don't judge us for our "culture" ;)

Best thing to do is park at the Star Park, and get an Uber to Kemil, then barefoot hoof the trail back. It's a long hike on at times exceedingly hot sands, but very rewarding as you'll see diverse plant and wildlife along the way. Bring lots of water, and sandals for the bits that are too...