Lakeside State Park

Jenny Sauls

2023-10

Love taking my dog here to run around and enjoy some lake.. there's also playgrounds, swimming area, Frisbee golf, trails, and camping! Nice place well maintainedPlayground: There's two playgrounds in this place that I have seen so far anywayRestrooms: They have restrooms, nothing fancy but definitely able to use without feeling like ewww. So I'd say good to go!Dog-friendliness: I bring my dog here ALL the time to walk the trails and run the open areas. This place is very dog friendly.Picnic area: I have seen many picnic areas and charcoal grills!

Mackenzie Parrotta

2023-08

Stayed here for a long weekend. Like mentioned in other reviews there isn’t beach access but it’s only 15 min to Hamlin Beach. They are making a pathway down to the water which will be nice! Sunsets are beautiful! Most sites can’t see the water and many sites flood with consistent rain.One big thing to note is if there is a thunderstorm coming the local orchards set off hail cannons. They woke us up @5am and we had no clue why drums or explosions going off rhythmically. It scared many!The camp store was decent, but the rec center is only open on Sat and was closed the weekend we went. Loops were great for kids to ride bikes along/play on. Overall I would go back but with specific sites in mind.Playground: Many small playgrounds scattered all over.Restrooms: Restrooms were clean and well maintained.

ZsaZsa McKenna-Green

2022-05

Absolute gem of a picnic and gathering location. Pavillion available as well as 2 playgrounds and countless tables and charcoal grills. Walk a short distance through a beautiful forest path, that opens to a beautiful bluff overlooking Lake Ontario. Stellar photo ops, and irrefutable sunsets. A must visit if this is your kind of place.

Thomas Arias

2022-05

Took the bike out for a ride and made my way to Lakeside. The front booth is very friendly. I spent a couple hours at the picnic area to enjoy the day and was impressed by the park. Great views, frisbee golf course, plenty of space for activities.The only downside, which doesn’t really have anything to do with the park, is the Lake Ontario parkway. That road needs to be replaced badly. Not all of it is bad but some of it is.

Elizabeth Edgar

2023-05

Nice secluded park with clean bathrooms. Nominal admission fee, friendly staff. I'd go back for a picnic, watch the sunset and perhaps bring a telescope for celestial views. Even though it's not far from where I live, it definitely worthy to camp there.

April (clouddancer46)

2023-08

Or again with the $6 entry fee to get into the state park but everything was roped off and it looked like there was sewage coming up in the shoreline everything else was of course muddy You can't control any of the natural things but there wasn't much to do there that a couple grills nobody was using and a park that nobody was on.Playground: There was a playground area of there were few children playing in the picnic area.Restrooms: The bathrooms are cleaning open.Picnic area: Thickness tables and grilling area available.

Ralph Abramo

2020-05

I have nothing negative to say, we had a great time there, but I leave 4 & 5 stars for truly exceptional places.3 from me for a place like this basically means it's exactly what I expected it to be.In this case, it means this is a beautifully maintained campground. Our site, C13, was almost perfectly level, there was nothing in the tree canopy looking questionable about falling and damaging the tent (this was thunderstorm-tested and not one little branch came down).Camp staff, though baking in an extreme heat index, were friendly and polite, and fellow Campers were quick to smile and say hello everywhere.Several places for great views of the lake, right from the edge.FYI, though - well maintained campsites with no ruts, with good drainage so no mud...Creates a minor catch-22.Invest in Coleman metal stakes or similar, since the gravel-embedded ground will hopelessly bend the simple thin metal ones that come with most tents.I always carry extra, and on this trip used Coleman heavy duty plastic stakes, which took a little bit of a beating on their tips, but worked just fine.

Amanda K

2023-05

We packed up our beach gear with excitement to be camping at a State Park with a beach. Boy were we all disappointed when we realized there was actually no established beach. You will see pictures of people on a beach, but its really misleading. To get to this tiny sand pit of a beach, you have to navigate down a rather large (probably 50’) steep embankment/cliff. There are no stairs or railings down to it.  We tried finding other possible beach access points. We did find a path by the store that brings you to the waters edge but it certainly wasn’t a beach (just a bunch of large rocks and seaweed). LOOPS A and D have some nice lake views.HIGHLIGHTS:Many playgroundsPaved loops - good for bikes/scootersNEARBY ATTRACTIONS:LighthouseFresh produce and ice cream from Circle R Fruit Farm

Jamie Perrin

2022-05

Was in loop D, sites were you are fairly well secluded from the next site you never felt like your neighbors were on top of you, there were plenty of trees and space between sites. Showers had strong pressure (weirdly strong), saw raccoons and birds and other critters, the lake had beautiful sunsets every night. There are loops for no dogs and loops that allow dogs. Not tons in the way of hiking that I could find, but they have plenty of disc golf paths.

Luke Rydelek

2023-09

The staff, facilities, and site were GREAT! We camped in a dog friendly loop and were impressed with everything we saw. While the beach may have been closed while we were there, it was an easy drive to Hamlin Beach from where we were. My group and I intend to go back next year!

S Tsou

2023-05

Despite the name no actual beach to swim at but the camping is very good and the views are beautiful. There are also 2 full size disc golf courses there.

Edgar Le

2019-05

Best New York state park for outdoor activities and trekking. A Large Con for this park is the non beach coastline. Really fresh atmosphere and clean and private campsites. Would recommend for my family and friends to visit here for summer vacation. They have a big entertainment area and lake side for dog walk and trekking

Ed W. Visser

2023-08

This is the third time we've camped here -- once in 2009, and twice in Aug 2022. This time we were on site A13 The site has some uneven areas, but a nice view of the lake. Having a 5th wheel, we don't usually make use of the bathrooms. This time we did take showers. All was well except one thing. I was in the men's side and my wife in the woman's side. Something about her shower's taps made an awful bang - twice. I thought a gun was fired. Other than that, we both love this park. Lots of hiking/walking trails, beautiful Lake Ontario, sunsets, great sites. We'll be back. Oh, by the way, the dump station can handle 3 rigs at once.Dog-friendliness: Pets are allowed on the D camping loop

Ryan Bates

2018-05

This campground is a hidden gem. My family loved every minute of the short time we spent here. The camp is kept clean and there are plenty of outdoor activities near by. There are several playgrounds nearby and lots of well maintained flat roads that are perfect for riding a bike. There is a store, which is seasonal. There is also a rec center with ping pong tables.A disc golf course is a part of this state park and an absolute must if you're a disc golfer.Seeing how the campground is right off the lake be sure to stake down your tents and coverings well. Storms on the lake front can happen quickly and winds can be strong. Our tent stood up to the winds quite well, but we had our concerns since this was the first time we were using our new larger tent. Overall we left excited for our next chance to come back.

Stacy Romaine

2019-05

We really enjoyed our stay here last weekend. I have to say, we've stayed at almost all of the state park campgrounds within an hour or two of our home in Clifton Springs, and this was one of THE nicest, most spacious sites of them all! And right on the water?! Are you kidding?We had A14 and I'd say it was the best site of the entire park, and we just lucked out when making our online reservations over the winter! Nice shady area back at the waterside to listen to the waves crashing and watch the boats, sunrise and sunset! Plenty of room between us and our neighbors.People have mentioned it being "outdated and let go". I can see where some might possibly say that, but to us, it wasn't in any way that mattered. Like the bathrooms were the older style, but functioned perfectly and were clean. Likewise with the playgrounds - didn't matter to us on this trip, but they're not the fancy new huge playgrounds you see in many parks the last few years. But there were things to do and several playgrounds available, including one that looked like it was even more geared towards toddlers, which you rarely see.The camp store was 150 degrees but had most of the basics you might want, and a very nice lady running it.We had lots of fun on the disc golf course. Us noobs with our full-sized frisbees playing, and the WIND from the lake! But 36 holes of frisbee golf available - that was awesome! Nice day use area over by the courses, too.I would honestly day the worst part of the whole experience were these really weird FLIES?! They looked to us like regular flies, but they BIT! A lot!!! Didn't appear to be deer flies or horse flies, but I have never come across flies that bit like these! Didn't leave any marks somehow, but caused a lot of flailing and yelps over the weekend! We only had a low Deet spray with us, but only thing I found that seemed to help was to slather on sunscreen. Also, keeping your feet off the ground helped eliminate the bites, which were almost 99% only on our legs for SOME reason? Weird, but true!Overall, we'll be back. At least in our loop, definitely overall seemed to be an older crowd than most parks we go to, but we had a relaxing, fun time. And did sneak down by the shore unauthorized to watch the sunset! (Oh and I should mention hubby was SO impressed with the triple pump station, which we've never seen at any other state park!)

Deb Welch

2023-05

It's beautiful but the posted signs make you feel unwelcome. Uninviting and frankly, a little creepy feeling while walking around. The paved walkways need to be repaired. It feels a little like New York State doesn't really care for this hidden gem.

Christopher Johnson

2018-05

One of the best maintained NY state parks with incredible views of lake Ontario. The park staff is friendly and a no nonsense crew that keep the experience enjoyable even with semi-rowdy groups. A camp store with everything you could possibly need makes the ice runs short. Lots of playgrounds keep the kids occupied.

Sean D

2023-05

Not a bad state park. It's kept fairly clean. Bathrooms could use some updating. The store is reasonably priced for the convenience of it.

Benjamin Gratto

2021-05

The name is misleading, no swimming here.The disc golf courses are pretty cool and the picnic area has 2 playgrounds. Nice open view of Lake Ontario as well.Easily spend a nice afternoon here with kids and picnic or grill.

Louis Valleri

2023-05

Excellent stay, clean well kept ,right on the sth west bank of glorious lake ontario.laundry picnic area available,and a camp store open thurs- sun. Circle R farm market for home baked goods,fresh veggies,ice cream,and short order foods .2 min from the park entrance.

Mallory Hunter

2023-09

We stayed here from July 9 -16. We almost didn't stay because of the reviews, but are so glad we did! Yes, the bathrooms are old but the toilets/showers function fine and they were cleaned daily. We did not see any spiders the size of silver dollars as other reviews mentioned.The sunsets are beautiful and the sites were spacious. We had a great time.Restrooms: Yes, the bathrooms are old but the toilets/showers function fine and they were cleaned daily. We did not see any spiders the size of silver dollars as other reviews mentioned.Dog-friendliness: We walked our dogs in all the loops they were allowed. It was fine at Lakeside. It seems common in New York and Pennsylvania to have loops where dogs aren't allowed. I am understand why, but they need to have equal space. We found a few state parks in NY where we couldn't stay because all the dog places were booked, but plenty of no-dog sites available. :(

Britney Loveland

2020-05

This park is beautifully maintained and the campsites are wonderful. We got an amazing site where we could see the lake from our campsite. Always a treat when we get to go!

Mirjam M

2023-08

Maybe it was just the weekend but we ended up having half a loop that had a party till after midnight and they were extremely loud. Besides that, I would not return on account of 2 things. One - the bathrooms are in dire need of upgrades, but since most sites have electricity, it attracts a lot of people with campers who don't necessarily need to use the restrooms. Secondly, there's not a whole lot to do. There are some trails that we did not explore, and each loop had a small playground, but you can't get to the beach or swim in the lake. The sites in B loop were small, and it almost feels like the entire place is set out on a swampy area. There was standing water all around and between the sites, which led to a very active mosquito life.Loop A to C, pets are not allowed and D to G, pets are allowed.The camp store resembles a gas station's convenience store in terms of supplies in case you forget something.

James Gingello (Jimmy G)

2019-05

Absolutely loved it here. Very neat and clean with friendly staff and lots of camping room.

Werner Leistner

2023-05

Well maintained, spacious sites, even on Independence day pretty quiet! We love it here.

Nic Schommer

2019-05

Went for disc golf. Played short course first, then The Beast. Most holes of the Beast are ~700 ft. Very wet this early in the year bit an amazing course nevertheless

April OConnor

2024-05

Nice state campground. Easy check in!

Tyler Finck (Ty)

2018-05

Beautiful state park! We went on a Monday in summer and it was almost deserted. The disc golf course is incredibly scenic. The views are beautiful, too.

C Todd

2021-05

Quiet park....stick to Loop D and E. We were at D 8 (very shady & lots of space) and E 26 (shady but a bit more open to your neighbors). Avoid C - (small sites and very buggy). Happy camping!

Tammy Punter

2023-05

Nice park to camp with wooded lots. So pretty in the fall.