Southwick Beach State Park
00 review8119 SOUTHWICKS PLACE, WOODVILLE, New York, 13650, United States
Southwick Beach State Park
$0.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.25
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The park is free during the off-season but charges $8 per car during the summer season unless visitors have an Empire Pass.
About this campground
Where the mighty Lake Ontario meets pristine sandy shores, Southwick Beach State Park beckons adventurers with its sweeping beaches and winding nature trails. This beloved waterfront escape seamlessly blends coastal recreation with the wild beauty of the adjacent Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, creating a year-round playground where beach days transform into winter wonderlands and every season brings its own unique magic.
Southwick Beach State Park offers a range of camping options, including tent and RV camping, as well as group and non-electric sites.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dynamic personality as seasons paint the landscape in ever-changing hues. Summer arrives with gentle warmth and crystal-clear skies perfect for beach lounging and water sports, though Lake Ontario's famous breezes can add an invigorating touch to your adventures. When winter blankets the dunes in snow, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing and snowmobiling paradise, where trails that once echoed with summer laughter become serene pathways through a frozen coastal wonderland.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a coastal dreamscape where rolling sand dunes meet endless blue horizons, creating a natural amphitheater for some of Lake Ontario's most breathtaking sunsets. Visitors consistently marvel at the 'amazing' beach vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, while the adjacent wildlife areas add layers of natural intrigue. Here, pristine sandy beaches give way to diverse ecosystems where shore birds dance along the waterline and native plants sway in the coastal breeze, painting a living portrait of Great Lakes beauty.
Geological RegionDiscover a remarkable coastal ecosystem where ancient geological forces have sculpted magnificent sand dunes along Lake Ontario's southern shore. This unique landscape within the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area showcases nature's artistry through its sandy beaches and thriving dune systems, creating a diverse habitat where beach, forest, and wetland ecosystems converge in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park has handicap-accessible facilities, including accessible restrooms and trails. A user review highlights accommodations for those with mobility issues.
Sites SizeSpacious campsites are noted, with specific instances of site size challenges for RV leveling.
Sites PrivacyCampsite privacy varies; some loops are noted as more exposed, while others provide a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBeach Loop sites are recommended for direct beach access and privacy. Avoid sites near the sewage pump station due to odor issues.
Best CampsitesBeach Loop campsites receive high praise for proximity to the beach and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 14 continuous nights per stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Pets allowed with a limit of 2 per site
- no explicit guest limit noted.
Groups
Group camping sites are available, though specific capacities and configurations are not detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCamping areas include Beach Loop and other loops with varying facilities and proximity to the beach.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with specific rules for off-season access.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America or through the RA Call Center at 1-800-456-2267.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability permitted for campsites, excluding Beach Loop sites during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations outside the nine-month window are restricted for the first 18 days after reservation creation. Further details are governed by OPRHP General Camping Rules.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, bird watching, boating, fishing, and cross-country skiing during the winter. The park's beach is a highlight for many visitors, offering opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
Hiking
Nature trails and hiking trails are available, with some connected to the adjoining Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. Trails vary in length and difficulty, making them suitable for a range of fitness levels.Fishing
Fishing is supported in the surrounding waters. User reviews mention that fishing opportunities are abundant, though water conditions can vary by day.Swimming
Swimming is available in designated areas with lifeguards, but visitors also have the option to swim at their own risk along the expansive beach. Seasonal water safety measures are enforced.Biking
Biking is permitted on trails, which vary in length and terrain. Visitors are encouraged to bring water for longer rides.Boating
Visitors engage in various boating activities, including kayaking and canoeing. Conditions can be windy and wavy, but calmer waters are often found in the evenings.Wildlife viewing
The park provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation, particularly in the nearby Lakeview Wildlife Management Area.Beach activities
Activities on the beach include sunning, swimming, and kite flying. The beach faces west, offering beautiful sunset views.Winter Activities
The park supports winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular water sports at the park, though water conditions can vary due to wind and waves.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be contained within designated areas only.
- Quiet hours enforced at 10:30 PM with strict ranger oversight.
Hazards
General hazardsRust-colored water in some facilities due to high iron levels. Wind and waves occasionally affect water activities, and prevailing winds near certain camping loops cause sewage odors.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital is Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, approx. 20 miles away. Police station and ranger services available on-site. Emergency contact via 315-846-5338.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer season includes peak pricing and reservation rules. No exact date ranges provided.
Trash and recyclingThe park has a recycling program, and users note that facilities are generally clean and well-maintained.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lake Ontario with direct beach access.
Common complaintsComplaints include rusty water in restrooms, narrow roads making site access difficult, and sewage odor in some camping loops. Some user reviews also described unclean bathrooms in non-electric areas.
Campground Map
8119 SOUTHWICKS PLACE, WOODVILLE, New York, 13650, United States
Driving directionsFrom I-81 North, take exit 40 to NY 193. Follow NY 193 W to Southwicks Place into Park. Call 315-846-5338 for further assistance.
Accessible via major highways; primarily paved roads. Seasonal adjustments (e.g., snowmobile access in winter) may affect terrain quality.Nearby places
Watertown (20 miles, approx. 30 minutes), Pulaski (16 miles, approx. 25 minutes), Syracuse (56 miles, approx. 1 hour 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Convenience store on-site. Southwick Store near the entrance sells firewood and camping essentials. Nearby options include Pulaski for groceries and supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Southwick Beach State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Southwick Beach State Park is widely praised for its beautiful sandy beach, spacious campsites, and clean facilities. However, issues such as rust in water, sewer odors in certain loops, and occasional maintenance challenges are noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The beach is a major highlight, described as clean and expansive, with excellent sunset views. Facilities like the new bathhouses and playgrounds receive positive feedback. Many visitors appreciate...
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Common Concerns
Some campers report water quality issues (rusty water) and strong sewer odors in new loops. Cell service is described as unreliable. Maintenance issues, particularly in older restroom facilities, are...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend reserving sites in the beach loop for proximity to the water and bringing water filters due to rust concerns. Others suggest visiting during the evening for calmer water and...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer months are the most popular, with the beach and water activities being the main attractions. Winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also well-received.
Camper Quotes
"The sunsets are always spectacular and a highlight of our camping trip." - Rohit R. "Great place to enjoy beach views and take a walk on the beach." - Emmalee Jantzi. "The new shower house in F loop...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 62 is noted for uneven terrain, making it difficult to level an RV. Beach loop sites are highly recommended for their proximity to the water.
Accessibility Features
Facilities are noted as handicap-accessible, with clean, spacious restrooms in newer loops.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is pet-friendly, with a maximum of two pets per site. Pets are allowed on the beach and must be leashed.
Last updated August 10, 2025