Golden Hill State Park

4.42

107 reviews

9691 Lower Lake Rd., BARKER, New York, 14012, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds New York

Quick Facts

269 ft

Price

$7 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

269 ft

Price

$7 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Golden Hill State Park

$7.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary widely: Lighthouse Cottage costs $200 per night with a 2-night minimum. Yurts cost approximately $60 per night and sleep up to 6 people....

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

7167953885

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 107 reviews

599 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

"User reviews highlight the park's cleanliness, scenic views, and unique amenities like the lighthouse and yurts. However, some users mention downsides such as limited privacy at campsites and the absence of on-site firewood sales."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9691 Lower Lake Rd., BARKER, New York, 14012, United States

Golden Hill State Park

9691 Lower Lake Rd., BARKER, New York, 14012, United States

Driving directionsLower Lake Road is off Route 269 in Barker, NY, via Route 18 or 104. Phone: 716-795-3885.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but campers arriving after 9 PM are asked to call the park or risk losing their reservation.

Nearby places

Wilson-Tuscarora State Park (~25 miles), Hamlin Beach State Park (~30 miles), Lakeside Beach State Park (~20 miles).

Nearby supplies

Closest location for firewood is Crosby’s Barker (Gas station). Several local places sell wood for cash. Office/store on-site sells firewood and ice ($3 for 10 lbs). Nearest grocery store is 12 miles away at TOPS.

Best Time to Camp at Golden Hill State Park

Each season paints Golden Hill in spectacular new colors, creating a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland where snowshoe trails wind through hushed forests and snowmobile tracks carve paths across frozen meadows. As spring awakens the shoreline, anglers cast their lines into waters teeming with possibility. Summer brings warm breezes perfect for lakeside camping adventures, while autumn's golden light creates magical moments for hikers exploring the park's scenic trails.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for vibrant sunsets and lake views; popular peak season activity period.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for serene atmosphere, fewer campers and attractive seasonal colors.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Park comes alive with seasonal colors; spring activities implied though fewer specific notes provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 15% in NY

Open year-round with snowshoe trails and snowmobiling; offers a distinctive winter experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Golden Hill State Park is open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Golden Hill State Park

Perched on the dramatic shores of Lake Ontario, Golden Hill State Park beckons with an enchanting blend of modern comforts and timeless charm. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies, settling your RV into a scenic spot, or seeking the unique experience of a cozy yurt or the historic Lighthouse Cottage, this beloved destination delivers unforgettable memories. Visitors consistently praise the park's meticulously maintained facilities and breathtaking vistas, all while the iconic Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse stands sentinel, weaving tales of maritime heritage into every sunset.

Golden Hill State Park accommodates various camping preferences, offering tent sites, RV sites, and unique lodging options like yurts and the Lighthouse Cottage.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the majestic Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, a maritime guardian that faithfully served Lake Ontario's sailors until the U.S. Coast Guard extinguished its beacon in 1958. Today, this architectural treasure opens its doors to curious visitors, sharing stories of storms weathered and ships guided home. Throughout the park, you'll discover intriguing remnants of Robert Newell's grand estate, where stone foundations and weathered pathways whisper of gilded age elegance. Guided historical tours bring these stories to life, connecting modern adventurers with the fascinating characters who shaped this lakeside haven.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Golden Hill in spectacular new colors, creating a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland where snowshoe trails wind through hushed forests and snowmobile tracks carve paths across frozen meadows. As spring awakens the shoreline, anglers cast their lines into waters teeming with possibility. Summer brings warm breezes perfect for lakeside camping adventures, while autumn's golden light creates magical moments for hikers exploring the park's scenic trails.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates natural vantage points that enhance every view, offering accessible exploration for visitors of all abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryWhere ancient rocky cliffs meet the endless blue horizon of Lake Ontario, Golden Hill State Park showcases nature's artistry at every turn. Weathered limestone formations frame spectacular waterfront panoramas, while expansive meadows ripple like green seas in the breeze. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in spotting industrious beavers engineering their wetland homes and brilliant bluebirds darting through sun-dappled clearings. Each vista reveals another postcard-perfect scene, from sunrise painting the water in shades of gold to moonlight silvering the waves.

Geological RegionNestled along Niagara County's captivating southern shoreline, Golden Hill State Park showcases Lake Ontario's raw geological beauty. Ancient forces sculpted this dramatic landscape, where resilient limestone cliffs rise defiantly from the water's edge, creating a rugged coastline that tells the story of millennia. The park's distinctive rocky shores and lakeside bluffs offer visitors a front-row seat to witness the ongoing dialogue between land and water, where each wave continues the eternal work of shaping this remarkable terrain.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 3 PM.

Check-out

Before 11 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of 2 pets per site
campsite guest limits not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSmall, intimate campground layout with a mix of waterfront, utility, and dry sites. Includes yurts and Lighthouse Cottage.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Reserve America website and call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites can be reserved for one-night stays if booked within 7 days of arrival.

Cancellation PolicyReservations with departure dates outside the 9-month maximum window cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after the reservation was made. Specific penalty information is not provided.

AccessibilityRestrooms and other facilities are noted as accessible, and the park appears to cater to diverse needs.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some offering extra space and privacy, such as site C-45, which is noted for being a corner spot with waterfront views and ample space.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across the park, with some sites offering more seclusion than others. One user mentioned, "The only 'bad' thing about this campground was a lack of trees at each campsite and your neighbors were closer than I would have liked.

Total Campsites61 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with waterfront views for sunsets. Avoid sewer-adjacent sites like Site 35.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Golden Hill State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities, making it suitable for all seasons. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and even cultural experiences like lighthouse tours. The park also features a playground, disc golf course, and seasonal winter activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

HikingHiking at the park includes shoreline trails and a nature trail. While some users found the trails to be more like 'rocked roads,' others appreciated the scenic walks along the lake.

FishingFishing is permitted, but opportunities are limited near the boat launch/marina. One reviewer stated, 'There's not a great fishing area at the boat launch/marina part of the park.'

BikingBiking is available and enjoyed by visitors, though specific details about trails are limited.

BoatingBoating is supported with a dedicated boat launch area. One user appreciated the proximity to water activities, stating, 'Great place to kayak.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include spotting beavers and unique birds. A user noted, 'We saw wildlife beavers.'

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe historic Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse is a major cultural attraction with guided tours available. One user said, 'Definitely recommend the lighthouse tour. That was really neat and the overlook is phenomenal.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited water access due to steep cliffs. Wildlife encounters possible. Some trails are muddy in spring.

Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

Fire PolicyFirewood must be purchased outside the park or at the camp office. Campfires allowed, but specifics are unclear.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station: 716-795-3885. Closest hospital or police station information is null.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, and the grounds are described as well-maintained and clean. One review highlighted, "The workers are always riding around and checking on everyone. They are friendly also."

Water FeaturesCampground is adjacent to Lake Ontario but has steep rocky cliffs limiting direct access to the water.

Camp HostResident hosts conduct lighthouse tours and are described as friendly and helpful.

Weather at Golden Hill State Park

Reviews

4.4

107 reviews

Recommended

Golden Hill State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's cleanliness, scenic views, and unique amenities like the lighthouse and yurts. However, some users mention downsides such as limited privacy at campsites and the absence of on-site firewood sales.

Review Summaries

Based on 107 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the park's cleanliness, scenic views, and unique amenities. The lighthouse and its tours are a standout feature, along with the clean bathrooms and spacious campsites.

Based on 107 reviews

Common Concerns

Users commonly noted the lack of privacy at campsites, limited fishing opportunities, and the absence of firewood sales within the park. Some also mentioned that there is no beach access.

Based on 107 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend touring the lighthouse, bringing firewood or cash to purchase it locally, and selecting campsites carefully for privacy and views. One user advised, 'Stay away from the following...

Based on 107 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is praised for its vibrant sunsets and lake views, while winter offers unique recreational activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Fall is noted for its serene atmosphere and fewer...

Based on 107 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Sunsets at Golden Hill are magnificent.' 2. 'The bathrooms here are the cleanest I have ever seen at a campsite!' 3. 'The yurts I saw sleep 6 people.' 4. 'Definitely recommend the lighthouse...

Based on 107 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site C-45 is highlighted as a corner spot with privacy and waterfront views. Conversely, sites 30-33 are critiqued for blocked water views.

Based on 107 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are briefly noted, with clean and accessible restrooms being a key highlight.

Based on 107 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at most campsites with a maximum of two pets per site. Users appreciate the pet-friendly atmosphere but noted that pets are not permitted in the Lighthouse Cottage.

Based on 107 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Golden Hill State Park? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 13, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in New York

Campgrounds

Golden Hill State Park