Swimming and beachcombing along Lake Ontario's southern shore draw most visitors to Southwick Beach State Park Campground, a state-managed facility outside Woodville, New York, open from mid-May through early October. The campground sits close enough to the water that beachfront sites are among the most requested, and the lake's relatively calm summer waves make it accessible for families with young children. Campers who have visited for years note that the sandbar extends well offshore, giving swimmers a long, gradual entry into the water.
Sites vary in their distance from the beach, with an electric loop situated roughly half a mile back. That separation can work in a camper's favor during busy weekends, when sites closer together near the shore see more foot traffic and noise. One reviewer's experience is worth noting: loud music continued past midnight with no staff present to enforce quiet hours, and a rainy stretch left multiple sites flooded. The bathhouses, however, draw consistent praise. Reviewers across multiple visits describe the bathrooms as well-maintained and the showers as reliably hot.
Full hookups are available, including electric, water, and sewer connections, with a maximum RV length of 40 feet. The park also has short hiking and biking trails, a playground near the beach, and a camp store that accepts cash only. Nightly rates run $20 to $35. Campers looking for places to camp around Southwick Beach State Park have options nearby, including Up The Creek Campgrounds about a mile to the south, which provides a different setting for those who want to compare.
Description
Southwick Beach State Park is spacious and popular, known for outstanding swimming and sunning on its long, sandy beach. Campers and day-users enjoy picnicking, hiking, and games on the playing fields. The park is adjacent to the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, home to environmentally-sensitive coastal sand dunes. Nature trails, hiking trails, cross-country ski trails, and snowshoeing trails adjoin the wildlife management area and its trail system, which visitors are encouraged to use. During the winter, snowmobilers are permitted in the park. Deer hunting is allowed south of the park entrance in season.
Park Rules & Information: - <u> BEACH LOOP SITES 2-30 :</u> Starting with the 2024 season, the Beach Loop sites (at Southwick Beach) will have a 2-night minimum all season.
- Swimming is permitted only when lifeguard is on duty.
- No person under age 21 shall possess or consume alcohol. Kegs or beer balls are not allowed at the campsite.
- There is a recycling program in effect.
<font color="red"><b>ATTENTION PET OWNERS:</b></font>
- Current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in (metal tags will not be accepted).
- At any time during your stay, pet owners may be required to provide proof of rabies inoculation upon request. Be sure to have this information available to present to park staff.
- Where pets are permitted, there is a maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and under control at all times.
- Do not leave pets unattended and always clean up after them.
SWIMMING: Each year the campground makes every effort to provide safe swimming opportunities by testing the water and by keeping the swimming areas staffed with lifeguards. Please be aware that if the safety of our swimmers is compromised due to lack of lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited. Swimming cannot be a guaranteed activity; therefore, we cannot offer refunds on camping stays. We apologize for this inconvenience as it may occur with little advance notice.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouthwick Beach State Park Campground is located in New York near Ellisburg
Directions
From I-81 North, take exit 40 to NY 193. Follow NY 193 W to Southwicks Place into Park. 315-846-5338
Address
8119 SOUTHWICKS PLACE
Woodville, NY 13650
Coordinates
43.76500042 N
76.196 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 28 min from Watertown, NY
- 52 min from Syracuse, NY
- 1 hr 24 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 53 min from Rochester, NY
