Lakeside State Park
Location: In the Town of Carlton; near Waterport; Orleans County; New York.
Maps: Google Map, Topographic, Interactive; Camping Map; Park & Trail Map
GPS Coordinates:
- Entrance: N 43.36687 / W 78.23581
- Day visitor parking area: N 43.36719 / W 78.24341
Directions: About 30 miles west of Rochester and 10 miles north of Albion. The Lake Ontario State Parkway ends at this west-most exit. NY-18, the Roosevelt Highway, has an exit at the park. Or use Google Maps.
Parking: spaces for dozens of cars in the two lots, one near the pavilions on the west side of the park, and one lot in the east camping area.
Weather
Information / Accessibility / Accommodations
Seasons/Hours: Year round. Campgrounds are open from late April to late October.
Best time to visit: Year round.
Admission: $6 parking fee (not collected in the off-season).
Handicap accessibility: yes.
Pets: yes, on leash, with proof of inoculation.
Swimming: no swimming allowed.
Accommodations: Restrooms; picnic areas; drinking fountains; fishing; 2 disc gold courses; beach access (no swimming); grills; nature trails; playground; pavilions; 274 electrical camping sites with showers; laundromat; showers; dumping station; convenience store.
Camping: Book a campsite at this park
Hiking / Walking Trails
Difficulty: Easy.
Markings: Little to no markings.
Distance: About 5 miles.
Description: The hiking trails are generally partial loops and with no steep grades. There are two trails in the camping area that wind in and out of the campsites, and a single trail on the western end of the park by the pavilion. The trails weave in and out of wooded areas and two of them offer excellent views of the lake.
Map: Park Map
Description
Lakeside State Park is easily overlooked by visitors attracted to the sandy beach and accessible swimming at the nearby Hamlin Beach State Park. Although this 743 acre lakefront park offers an excellent panoramic view of Lake Ontario and 274 campsites (some with beautiful lake views), it lacks a public swimming area. This shortfall is obvious on hot summer days when Lakeside is near-empty while there are packed crowds at Hamlin’s shores. Still, the
The park does offer numerous fishing and picnic opportunities as well as 4 miles of hiking and biking trails. For some, the absence of a crowded beach makes this park a quiet, peaceful getaway from nearby Hamlin. The biggest draw these days is the acclaimed Shore Winds Disc Golf Course, which features 2, 18-hole courses on the west end of the park overlooking the lake.
In winter this park is popular for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
History
This park simply started out as farmland, orchards, and lakeside cottages. With the popularity of nearby Hamlin State Park growing, the state began buying land in 1962 and established a park in 1968. In the campground area you can still see evidence of the land’s past in the form of concrete foundations from old cottages.
Lakeside State Park Interactive Map
Fishing
Fishing is allowed at the park. Prime spots are along the shoreline by the camping area or by the Wind Rush Alley disc golf course.
More Lake Ontario Parks & Beaches
Find a new summer hangout spot or place to swim in our comprehensive guide to Lake Ontario Parks and Beaches in New York State.
Interesting Stuff
Photography Tips
Wooded trails
- The wooded bluff near the pavilions on the west side of the park is great for a hike, and is frequented by wildlife. Get there early morning for birds, and just before dusk to see rabbits.
Storms
- The vast, unobstructed view of the lake from the small bluff just west of the lighthouse is perfect for catching storms passing over Lake Ontario.
More tips
- See the Articles and Message Board sections for more photography tips.
Who to Contact
(for information):
Lakeside State Park
Waterport, NY 14571
Phone: 585-283-6673
Camping Information: 1-800-456-2267
