Fair Haven Beach State Park

4.53

77 reviews

ROUTE 104A - P.O. BOX 16, FAIR HAVEN, New York, 13064, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping New York#3 Spring Camping New York Swimming Camping New York +9 more

Quick Facts

410 ft

Price

$9 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

184 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

410 ft

Price

$9 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

184 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Fair Haven Beach State Park

$9.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites cost $20 per night for RV sites; $9 per day entrance fee for beach use. Cabin rental prices vary based on size and season. Cabins and...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 77 reviews

2273 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanbeachstafffriendly

"The park receives high praise for its scenic beauty, variety of activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some users noted issues with campsite privacy and restroom maintenance."

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Campground Map

ROUTE 104A - P.O. BOX 16, FAIR HAVEN, New York, 13064, United States

Fair Haven Beach State Park

ROUTE 104A - P.O. BOX 16, FAIR HAVEN, New York, 13064, United States

Driving directionsThe park is located on Lake Ontario, southwest of Oswego on Rte 104A, 2 miles north of Fair Haven.

Accessible via paved roads from Route 104A. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain mentioned.

Nearby places

Fair Haven (2 miles), Oswego (30 miles)

Nearby supplies

Camp store within facility sells firewood and ice

town of Fair Haven offers additional supplies including shops and restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Fair Haven Beach State Park

Fair Haven transforms with the seasons, offering year-round adventures for every outdoor enthusiast. Winter blankets the park in snow, creating perfect conditions for snowmobiling through frosted forests and ice fishing on frozen waters, with temperatures hovering around 30°F. As spring awakens the landscape, summer arrives with warm 79°F days ideal for swimming in Lake Ontario's refreshing waters and launching boats for aquatic adventures. Each season paints the park in different colors, ensuring no two visits are ever the same.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: popular for swimming, beach use, rentals, and family activities; high review praise in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Scenic views and trails remain attractive in fall; fewer crowds than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Trails, pond and early-season lakeside scenery available; swimming limited until season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with snowmobiling and snowshoeing, but main beach activities are seasonal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season requires 7 or 14-night minimum stays for cabins/cottages.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round with seasonal swimming availability.
Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Fair Haven Beach State Park

Where pristine sandy beaches meet towering bluffs and rolling woodlands, Fair Haven Beach State Park creates an outdoor paradise along Lake Ontario's stunning shoreline. This diverse natural playground invites adventurers to cast their lines into crystal-clear waters, dive into refreshing swimming spots, and explore miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through varied landscapes. From sunrise beach walks to sunset forest explorations, every corner of this park offers a new discovery.

The park offers a variety of camping options, including primitive, RV, tent, group camping sites, and cabin lodging. Sites include 46 electric sites and 138 non-electric sites, with additional cabins and cottages.

Historical SignificanceBeyond the park's natural wonders, history buffs will discover fascinating stories waiting nearby. The impressive Fort Ontario State Historic Site stands as a testament to centuries of military heritage, while Battle Island State Park offers its own glimpse into the region's storied past. These neighboring attractions create a rich tapestry of cultural exploration that perfectly complements your outdoor adventures.

Weather and SeasonsFair Haven transforms with the seasons, offering year-round adventures for every outdoor enthusiast. Winter blankets the park in snow, creating perfect conditions for snowmobiling through frosted forests and ice fishing on frozen waters, with temperatures hovering around 30°F. As spring awakens the landscape, summer arrives with warm 79°F days ideal for swimming in Lake Ontario's refreshing waters and launching boats for aquatic adventures. Each season paints the park in different colors, ensuring no two visits are ever the same.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates natural vantage points and diverse ecosystems throughout the landscape, offering visitors changing perspectives as they explore from shoreline to woodland heights.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry is on full display across Fair Haven's remarkable landscape. Ancient woodlands shelter winding trails and hidden glades, while Sterling Pond mirrors the sky in its tranquil waters. A meandering creek cuts through the terrain, creating peaceful spots for contemplation. The park's crown jewel remains its spectacular Lake Ontario shoreline, where windswept dunes give way to soft sandy beaches, perfect for barefoot strolls and sandcastle dreams. This stunning mosaic of ecosystems creates endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography.

Geological RegionPerched at nature's crossroads where woodland meets water, Fair Haven showcases the dramatic geological story of Lake Ontario's shoreline. Majestic high bluffs rise above the water, carved by centuries of wind and waves, while gentle sandy beaches stretch along the coast. The park's hilly woodlands roll inland, creating a fascinating geological transition zone that tells the ancient story of glacial forces and time's patient sculpting of this magnificent landscape.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly mentioned.

Check-out

Not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

Acamping party may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles allowed per campsite
additional cars will be charged.

Groups

Group campsites are available, but specific limits on the number of people or vehicles are not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree separate campgrounds and a 30-unit cabin colony. Includes bluff loop and Drumlin area.

Reservation PlatformsReserve America for campsites and cabins. Pre-registration available online.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served available for campsites booked within 7 days of arrival.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled within 18 days after booking outside of the 9-month maximum window.

AccessibilityMost facilities, including restrooms and cabins, appear to be accessible. However, detailed accessibility information is not explicitly documented.

Site SizeThe park offers a variety of site sizes, with some sites described as 'good sized' and capable of accommodating RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies between sites. Some reviews note limited privacy with 'campsites are way close together,' while others indicate areas offering more seclusion.

Total Campsites184 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites close together for privacy. Drumlin sites should be selected carefully based on flatness and proximity to restrooms.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including sunbathing, swimming, and diving boards at its beaches. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are also popular.

HikingHiking trails in the park cater to varying skill levels, with some described as 'fun little hiking trails' and 'nice walking trails in different areas.'

FishingFishing is allowed in designated areas, including Little Sodus Bay and Sterling Pond. Specific details about fish species are not provided.

SwimmingSwimming is available in designated areas with lifeguards. However, it is subject to water quality and lifeguard availability. Reviewers appreciate the clean water and extended sandbars.

BikingBiking is allowed on designated trails, but details about trail lengths and difficulty are not specified.

BoatingBoating activities include rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks, which can be rented for use on Sterling Pond. There is also access to Lake Ontario.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers opportunities to observe birds, deer, and other local wildlife. One reviewer mentioned discovering a bird nest near the dunes.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWarnings include unsafe swimming conditions due to lifeguard absence or water quality. Signs warn against walking on ice shelves during winter.

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours start at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available throughout the park, but some users mention issues like 'garbage still left at campsite.'

Water FeaturesClose to Lake Ontario and Little Sodus Bay. Also features Sterling Pond and creek.

Camp HostUser reviews praise friendly staff but no specific host information was provided.

Weather at Fair Haven Beach State Park

Reviews

4.5

77 reviews

Top-Rated

Fair Haven Beach State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The park receives high praise for its scenic beauty, variety of activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some users noted issues with campsite privacy and restroom maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 77 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include 'beautiful sunsets,' 'clean beach,' 'friendly staff,' and 'plenty of activities for kids.'

Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include campsite proximity ('not much privacy'), inconsistent maintenance of restrooms, and occasional noise disturbances.

Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve campsites early, especially in summer. Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience. Bring proof of rabies inoculation for pets.

Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping, but the park offers year-round activities, including winter sports.

Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Fair Haven State Beach Park is a captivating destination offering stunning views of Lake Ontario.' - Allen Reed 2. 'Beautiful park, clean beach, and nice sand without rocks.' - Cindy Madar 3....

Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 426 is highly recommended for tent camping, described as 'one of the best.' Site 420 is praised for its scenery but noted to be distant from restrooms.

Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

Restrooms and cabins appear accessible, but detailed reviews from users with disabilities are limited.

Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leash but not in beach areas. Some reviewers appreciated the park's dog-friendly policies.

Based on 77 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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