Pros & cons
PROS
- Reservable picnic pavilion with power, water, BBQ and fireplaces
- Good boat launch with ample parking
CONS
- Shoreline is narrow with limited sandy sections in spots
- Can be busy near checkout times due to nearby dump/fill station
Overview
East Beach sits along the Highway 60 corridor by Lake of Two Rivers, pairing a low‑key swim beach with one of the largest parking areas in this part of the park. It’s a handy stop to picnic, paddle, or regroup between hikes, with the amphitheatre and big day‑use lots close by.
What You’ll Find
- A designated beach area suited for a casual swim and lake views. Several picnic tables are tucked in shady nooks rather than lined up on open sand, which keeps things feeling spread out.
- Flush toilets at the beach area, with additional facilities by the adjacent East Beach Picnic Pavilion.
- A solid boat launch and plenty of parking, making it an easy place to drop a canoe or small craft.
East Beach Picnic Pavilion
The covered pavilion (reservable) is the ace up this area’s sleeve: electricity, heat, hot/cold running water, picnic tables, a propane BBQ, and two stone fireplaces, with washrooms nearby. It’s ideal for groups, poor‑weather insurance, or anyone who wants shade and a guaranteed table.
Expectation Setter
This isn’t a broad, sandy strand—parts of the shoreline are narrow and gravelly, and some of the best picnic spots aren’t obvious until you stroll a little farther along the shore. On peak weekends, the nearby trailer sanitation station across Hwy 60 can create traffic and a bit of hubbub.
Wildlife & Vibes
Loons are common on the lake, and moose occasionally wander near Highway 60. Keep food tidy and give wildlife space. Cell service in the corridor is spotty; plan downloads and meet‑ups ahead of time.
Rules & Practicalities
- Day‑use permit required to park here; book ahead during busy periods.
- Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed on designated swim beaches; use the dog‑friendly beaches at Lake of Two Rivers or Rock Lake.
- Pavilion users should follow on‑site cooking rules; the propane BBQ is provided.
Best Time to Visit
- Mornings before 10 am or late afternoons after 5 pm see lighter crowds and calmer water.
- Saturdays and peak fall‑color weekends (especially October) are the busiest—arrive early or pivot to evenings.
- For photos, early and late day light brings out the shoreline textures and reflections.
Where it is
45.5773, -78.4597Tips for East Beach
- 01Reserve the pavilion early if you want guaranteed shade, power and seating.
- 02Arrive before 10 am on weekends for easier parking and quieter water.
- 03If you need the dump/fill station across Hwy 60, budget extra time on long weekends.
- 04Walk past the first clearing to find quieter picnic nooks and additional tables.
- 05Bring water shoes—the shoreline can be gravelly in places.
Amenities
Near East Beach
All places →All trails →
0.4 mi awayPog LakeQuiet, paddle-friendly lake with two small beachesCampground · Restroom
0.9 mi awayKearney Lake CampgroundSmall, motor-free lake campground with sandy beach and starsCampground · Restroom
1 mi awayLake of Two RiversSandy beach and easy paddling hub right off Highway 60Restroom · Parking
1.2 mi awayPog Lake CampgroundShady, central campground with beaches, showers, and calm paddle waterCampground · Restroom
2.4 mi awayCentennial Ridges TrailBig lake views and real elevation on the park’s classic ridge loop.Challenging · 6.5 mi · 5 hr
2.6 mi awayTwo Rivers TrailShort forest loop to a cliffy lookout with big Algonquin viewsModerate · 1.4 mi · 1 hr
2.6 mi awayLookout TrailShort, steep loop to a sweeping forest and lakes panorama.Moderate · 1.3 mi · 48 min
2.9 mi awayBig Pines TrailOld-growth white pines and logging history on a mellow forest loop.Easy · 1.8 mi · 1.3 hr
