Southwick Beach State Park

4.31

61 reviews

8119 SOUTHWICKS PLACE, WOODVILLE, New York, 13650, United States

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping New York

Quick Facts

259 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

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

259 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Southwick Beach State Park

$0.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The park is free during the off-season but charges $8 per car during the summer season unless visitors have an Empire Pass.

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

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Reserve America

Provider

3158465338

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 61 reviews

1128 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousbeach

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

8119 SOUTHWICKS PLACE, WOODVILLE, New York, 13650, United States

Southwick Beach State Park

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.

Best Time to Camp at Southwick Beach State Park

Experience 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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in NY

Summer is peak season with ideal beach, swimming and water activities; reviews highlight summer draws.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder weather, good trails and fewer crowds make fall attractive for hiking and sunsets.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 20% in NY

Spring offers wildlife viewing and fewer crowds; good for hiking and early paddling.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with cross-country skiing/snowmobiling options, but beach less appealing in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer season includes peak pricing and reservation rules. No exact date ranges provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, with specific rules for off-season access.

About Southwick Beach State Park

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCamping areas include Beach Loop and other loops with varying facilities and proximity to the beach.

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.

AccessibilityThe park has handicap-accessible facilities, including accessible restrooms and trails. A user review highlights accommodations for those with mobility issues.

Site SizeSpacious campsites are noted, with specific instances of site size challenges for RV leveling.

PrivacyCampsite privacy varies; some loops are noted as more exposed, while others provide a sense of seclusion.

Recommended SitesBeach Loop sites are recommended for direct beach access and privacy. Avoid sites near the sewage pump station due to odor issues.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

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.

HikingNature 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.

FishingFishing is supported in the surrounding waters. User reviews mention that fishing opportunities are abundant, though water conditions can vary by day.

SwimmingSwimming 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.

BikingBiking is permitted on trails, which vary in length and terrain. Visitors are encouraged to bring water for longer rides.

BoatingVisitors 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 viewingThe park provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation, particularly in the nearby Lakeview Wildlife Management Area.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRust-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.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be contained within designated areas only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced at 10:30 PM with strict ranger oversight.

Emergency ServicesClosest 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.

Trash & RecyclingThe park has a recycling program, and users note that facilities are generally clean and well-maintained.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Lake Ontario with direct beach access.

Weather at Southwick Beach State Park

Reviews

4.3

61 reviews

Recommended

Southwick Beach State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Based on 61 reviews

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...

Based on 61 reviews

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...

Based on 61 reviews

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...

Based on 61 reviews

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.

Based on 61 reviews

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...

Based on 61 reviews

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.

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

Facilities are noted as handicap-accessible, with clean, spacious restrooms in newer loops.

Based on 61 reviews

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.

Based on 61 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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