We went to Sherkston Shores resort today only to find that it costs $25. Luckily, I remembered the free beach called Elco Beach at the far end, and we parked there. Simply follow the directions on the Sherkston site

and then continue using the map I made below.
In order to get to the free beach keep going past the sign for Sherkston Shores on Highway 3 and turn left at Wyldewood Rd. going toward the shore (left.) Simply drive to the end and you can park for the free beach.
The weather was cold and windy, but it was still fun. There is a fence dividing the free beach from the resort, however, the fence ends in the water and you can easily walk around it. We saw lots of people doing this all day. Here are Terry at Matthew divided by the fence.
It's kind of extreme having rich and poor beach goers divided by a fence, but I really can't think of a better alternative.
When it's sunny out the sidekick camera takes such nice colorful pics compared to the usual desaturated blurry ones that come out in low brightness. Check this one out from a time when there was full sun for five minutes.
I was really amazed by the ease of crossing at the border. They didn't even ask us for I'd, who's car it was or anything. Just, "Where are you going?," followed by, "ok."
On the way in it was just as easy, no passport, few questions, no search. Usually, I get harassed forever, I think, because I look arab.