Lake McDonough Recreational Area

It’s one of the most beautiful places around here! Make sure you check out boat rentals

Beautiful surroundings; clean, clear water; great sandy beach and shallow water for kids; lifeguard staffed; picnic and grilling areas; alcohol-​free environment which is very strongly enforced.
With all that said, it is extremely crowded on hot summer days. We witnessed a loud and unruly water fight during which the participants were yelling profanities and splashing with no regard for fellow swimmers. We smelled pot. We saw a baptism. We heard lots of different music coming from various tables throughout the picnic area. As the day wore on, the environment became more and loud and crowded. It was not peaceful, quiet, or relaxing by any stretch.
Environment feels punitive, with constant policing of the area by lifeguards, wardens, the MDC and what appeared to be armed officers. Lifeguards constantly yelling at swimmers through megaphones for seemingly minor offenses. Rules for swimming aren’t posted (at least, not that we saw), so people kept getting yelled at for offenses they likely had no idea they were making (lightly tossing stones into the water, swimming in water above their shoulders, climbing on sand piles, breathing — that kind of thing). We were not permitted to have our children wear their flotation devices, though others seemed to be okay, so I don’t understand the rule as far as what is and isn’t permitted in the way of flotation devices/​water wings/​bubbles/​etc.
Our kids had fun, and there are certainly positives, but overall this wasn’t a pleasant and relaxing experience. We won’t return, but no one will miss us — this place is packed with families who clearly love coming here.

A very nice, family friendly lake beach area. Very clean and safe place to bring the family for a day of swimming and summer goodness.

My family and I have been coming here since we were kids and absolutely love it. The beach is always nicely combed and during peak summer hours have lifeguards and even a concession stand, though I’ve never sampled there because of the grilling areas. I prefer coming during the week due to the smaller volume of noise and visitors to the park. The waters are always cool and crisp without much muck accumulated. Ducks, geese and fish are among some of the wildlife you may encounter. You may also bring your dogs along and take advantage of the trails along the lake. They also have a boat ramp and rentals though I’ve never partaken of this amenity. Beautiful at dusk and so calm and cool that you wish you could have a nice bonfire to roast hotdogs and marshmallows, but that isn’t allowed. But it certainly would have helped with the last star.

This place is perfect for a picnic or a family day. Crystal clear water, plenty of picnic tables, land for the kids to run around and shade if desired. We love to come here for a good day of fun and family time. The only thing I wish was better is the beach area, the sand is a bit hard & shallow. But with all the good things, it’s a bearable trade off.

Crystal clear and clean water swimming!
There is plenty of beach space, as well as a dozen picnic tables and half dozen charcoal grilling stations.
The changing and bathing houses are clean and upkept.
It would be 5 Stars, if the beach didn’t leave a little to be desired as the sand is more rocks than sand to enjoy.
It was $ 6 to get in, which for the cleanliness and number of lifeguards on duty, isn’t that bad of price.
They also have a strict no alcohol policy, and the MDC Police check your trunks and coolers. Which is more awkward then anything else.

This is definitely a local’s beach. We drove by the dam for the beautiful views and heard there was a beach, but trying to find it was a nightmare the first time. We parked at the top of the dam, then walked down, it was there we figured out there was parking by the beach ($) so we’re glad we parked at the top for free. Dogs are allowed on-​leash in the non-​sandy areas. There are grills, picnic tables, clean bathrooms, water fountains, woodsy areas and beach areas.

I kind of just stumbled upon this place while visiting Saville Dam. Just below the dam lies this recreational area, with two entrances — an east side and west side. The west entrance is the «main» entrance, I believe. I originally entered on the east side but was the only one there and got the feeling I wasn’t supposed to be there (unmanned entrance booth).
Pay $ 6 to park near the beach, or park up on the dam at one of two lots and walk down to save a few bucks.
Check out the bottom part of the dam which is actually more interesting than the upper part, with the water controls and what looks like a fountain (not operational when I went).
The main rec area has a basketball court, lifeguard-​tended beach and a couple of small trails with a cool little rock staircase.
It’s a cute little place to relax or take the kids in the area, but that’s all it seemed to offer. Nothing too exciting. Nice alternative to the coast, though.