Lakeside State Park
00 reviewRt. 18, WATERPORT, New York, 14571-9712, United States
Lakeside State Park
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
The nightly fee is $25 per site. One-night stays can be booked online or via the Call Center within three days of arrival.
About this campground
Perched along the sweeping shores of Lake Ontario, Lakeside State Park beckons with breathtaking panoramic vistas where water meets sky in an endless blue horizon. This well-appointed haven seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern conveniences, featuring hot showers to refresh after a day of exploration, convenient dumping stations for RV travelers, and thoughtfully placed picnic tables perfect for lakeside dining. Families delight in the playground areas while everyone appreciates the park's commitment to accessibility with paved loops that welcome visitors of all abilities to experience the waterfront magic.
The campground accommodates various types of camping, including RV and tent camping. Designated loops allow pets, and family-friendly options are available. Sites offer a mix of wooded and open settings, with some loops providing lake views.
Historical SignificanceWhile nature takes center stage at Lakeside State Park, the surrounding landscape whispers stories of agricultural heritage, where generations of farmers have tended the fertile lands that frame this waterfront sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of seasons at Lakeside, where warm summer breezes carry the scent of nearby orchards and invite endless days of swimming and sunbathing. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant hues, the park transforms into a photographer's paradise. Winter brings its own enchantment, blanketing the grounds in pristine snow that beckons cross-country skiers to glide through frosted forests and snowmobilers to explore miles of groomed trails under crisp, starlit skies.
ElevationThe park's gentle terrain follows the natural contours of Lake Ontario's shoreline, creating an accessible landscape that invites exploration without demanding strenuous climbs.
Natural Features and SceneryA dynamic landscape unfolds across Lakeside State Park, where sun-dappled woodlands give way to expansive waterfront vistas and peaceful meadows. Though recent Emerald Ash Borer management has opened the canopy, creating more sun-filled spaces throughout the park, this transformation has revealed new perspectives of the shimmering lake and allowed wildflowers to flourish in the increased light. The remaining trees frame spectacular sunset views over Lake Ontario, while the open areas provide perfect spots for stargazing on clear nights.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Lake Ontario's fertile shoreline, Lakeside State Park sits at the intersection of water and farmland, where rolling orchards heavy with fruit stretch toward the horizon. This unique position offers visitors the best of both worlds: the endless expanse of one of the Great Lakes combined with the pastoral charm of working farms. The park's diverse terrain showcases the region's natural abundance, from sandy beaches carved by centuries of waves to rich soils that support the surrounding agricultural tapestry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park highlights handicap-accessible amenities including picnic tables and pavilions. Specific site adjustments for individuals with disabilities are not detailed.
Sites SizeSites vary in size. Users describe large, spacious sites in Loops A and D, while other loops like B are noted for being smaller or swampy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels differ by loop. Loop D offers well-separated and secluded sites, whereas Loop B is considered more crowded and less private.
Total Campsites274 campsites
Recommended CampsitesStick to loops A, D, and E for shade and privacy. Avoid loop C as it is buggy and has smaller sites.
Best CampsitesLoops A and D offer lake views, while B loop is cited as swampy and mosquito-prone.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is available until 9 PM on the day of arrival.
Check-out
Check-out is required after 10 AM the following day.
Stay Limit
Acamping party may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights, after which they must leave for 48 hours.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people per site is generally allowed in New York State Parks.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe park is divided into loops, some designated as pet-friendly (D, E, F, G) and others as non-pet loops (A, B, C).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with activities available for winter (snowmobiling, cross-country skiing) and warmer months.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or through the Call Center using the Reserve America platform.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up reservations are not available; all reservations must be made online or through the Call Center.
Cancellation PolicyAny reservation that departs outside the 9-month window cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after booking.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Lakeside State Park offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. During winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular. The park is also home to two disc golf courses and provides scenic vistas of Lake Ontario.
Hiking
The park features four miles of hiking trails. Some trails are described as well-maintained, forming a maze around the park's perimeter. However, a few reviews mention a lack of challenging or extensive trails.Fishing
Fishing is permitted along the lakefront, although specific details about fish species or fishing spots are not provided.Biking
The park has paved loops suitable for biking and scooters, making it family-friendly. However, narrow roads may lead to impatient drivers when campers are parking.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a common activity, with users reporting sightings of birds, raccoons, and other critters. The park's natural surroundings enhance the experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in fireplaces. Cutting trees or branches is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsEmerald Ash Borer has caused tree removals; standing water can lead to active mosquito populations.
Active alertsEmerald Ash Borer tree removal has left the canopy more open; restoration plans for new trees are underway.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 17.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
There is no explicit mention of emergency services within the authoritative material or reviews.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but specific details about locations and schedules were not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLake Ontario is the central water feature, but swimming is prohibited. Access to the water is difficult due to steep embankments.
Common complaintsBathrooms and showers are often cited as needing improvement, with issues like inconsistent water temperature and cleanliness. Some sites flood during rain.
HostNo specific information about campground hosts is available.
Campground Map
Rt. 18, WATERPORT, New York, 14571-9712, United States
Driving directionsThe park is located on Lake Ontario, off of the Lake Ontario State Parkway, 10 miles north of Albion on Route 18 West.
Roads to the park are paved and accessible; there is no mention of any seasonal closures or extreme terrain challenges.Nearby places
Albion (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Hamlin Beach State Park (approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The Circle R Fruit Farm is 2 minutes from the park entrance and offers fresh produce, ice cream, and short-order foods. There is a camp store on-site with limited supplies.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Lakeside State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's spacious sites, scenic views, and family-friendly amenities. However, complaints about the lack of beach access and outdated bathroom facilities are common.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include beautiful views of Lake Ontario, well-maintained campsites, and ample recreational activities such as disc golf and hiking trails.
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of beach access despite the park's name, outdated and sometimes unclean bathroom facilities, and flooding issues in some loops during rain.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend reserving sites in Loops A and D for better lake views and privacy. Avoid Loop B due to swampy conditions and limited space. Bring extra supplies as the camp store has limited hours.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer offers the best camping experience with accessible trails and beautiful sunsets. Fall is noted for its scenic foliage and quieter atmosphere. Winter activities like...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'The sunsets are beautiful, and the sites were spacious.' 2. 'The shower is either on or off. The water is constantly a lukewarm temperature and no hotter.' 3. 'Loop D has some nice lake views.'...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Loops A and D are frequently praised for their spacious sites and lake views. Loop B is criticized for being swampy and crowded.
Accessibility Features
The park offers accessible facilities, but specific feedback from users with disabilities is not detailed.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in designated loops (D, E, F, and G), with a maximum of two pets per site. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policies but caution that proof of rabies inoculation is required at...
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Last updated August 10, 2025