Decatur Beaches

Heading out to a beach in Decatur, IL can result in a fun-filled adventure and has many benefits for yourself and your those you take with you. Regardless of the activity – swimming, building sandcastles, playing volleyball, having a picnic, going on walks, or just catching some rays, beaches are a host to a wide range of awesome activities.

It is simple to locate a swimming beach in Decatur that are near your location with the help of our table of beaches. Below is a list to help you locate a beach near Decatur. Get started, by entering a zip code in the following box above the table.

Decatur Beaches

Most beaches in Decatur, IL will be accessible to everyone, however many are on private land. Be sure to check the beach’s website to find out if you can visit the beach without any restrictions. You shouldn’t be shocked if a beach you plan to visit is closed due to their daily hours, closing on certain days, or the season.

Beaches may be temporarily shut down because of water quality problems caused by unexpected events like E. Coli outbreaks, stormfall runoff, or flooding. Check the website of the beach before you go to the beach for further information.

Rules of the Beach

When you go to any beach in Decatur, there are always guidelines that you must follow. Just about all beaches will list the following guidelines.

  • Clean up all trash that you brought to the beach.
  • Alcohol is not allowed.
  • Any glass containers cannot be brought to the beach.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they ask you to do something, then you have to do it.
  • Never venture outside of the swim area.
  • Check online for guidance on fires on the beach as they may be not permitted or you have to adhere to specific fire rules.

Decatur Beach Travel Tips

  1. Bring a mesh bag for your stuff. It’s easy to use a backpack, grocery bag, or water-resistant duffle bag to stash beach items such as pillows, water toys, flotation devices, and spare clothing. However, these types of bags trap moisture from leaving, leading to mildew problems or just keeping beach gear from drying out.
  2. Get a shady area. If you think that finding shade could be hard to locate, or if you know that there may not be many shady spots around, pack your own shade! Use a beach umbrella, shaded tent, or some sort of equipment that blocks sunlight. It’s best to bring something that provides good ventilation.
  3. Remember the towels. Clean towels are important for a great time at the beach. A good rule of thumb is beach on the ocean or a large body of water which experiences rip tides. Pay attention to the indicators and know what to do if you’re caught in one.
  4. Keep the bugs away. If you want to visit the beach in the morning or the evening, there’s a good chance that mosquitos, horse flies, fleas and other nuisance bugs could be an issue.
  5. Dispose of Garbage. There’s nothing worse go to a dirty beach. If you take stuff to the beach, you are required pick up collect your items. Make sure that you dispose of your garbage in an appropriate trash or recycling receptacles.
  6. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Even when the sun isn’t out, it’s easy to get sun burnt at the beach. Don’t forget to bring enough sunscreen for the group.
  7. Remember extra clothing. Even if you are anticipating a warm day at the beach, it’s important to realize that the temperature at the beach can change without warning. It is especially important if you’re planning on going swimming, so bring plenty of dry items including sweatshirts, towels, windbreakers, and shirts.
  8. Where are the public bathrooms. Bathroom information may be the least of your worries when you plan out your beach trip. But you don’t want to be caught in a spot when you have to go to the restroom pronto but you can’t find one open. If you cannot find restroom information on the beach’s website, you should plan on the fact that a public bathroom or facility isn’t open. Make sure that you go to the bathroom prior to leaving for the beach.