Southwick Beach State Park

Southwick Beach State Park is a large recreational area on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario that features a wide sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. The property includes camping areas, event pavilions, and trails through natural landscape.

The land was owned by the Southwick family beginning in 1870 until the state acquired it in 1960. It then became a public park administered by New York State.

The park serves as a summer gathering place where families and friends come to enjoy the lake and spend time outdoors together. Swimming, camping, and picnicking are central to how people use this shoreline.

The park is open seasonally from May through Columbus Day, and visitors can set up camp or use day facilities during this time. Check conditions before arriving, especially during fall when weather changes quickly.

The park protects rare coastal sand dune systems with unusual plants like sand dune willows that grow nowhere else in the state. These specialized ecosystems are hard to find along American lakes.

Location: Jefferson County

Operator: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Phone: +13158465338

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/southwickbeach/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 43.76900,-76.20400

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45