Westcott Beach State Park
00 review12224 NYS RT.3, SACKETS HARBOR, New York, 13685, United States
Westcott Beach State Park
$200.00 - $1,400.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Cottages range from $200 per night to $1400 per week during peak season. Additional vehicles are $7 per night, and there is a $7 fee for boat trailers.
About this campground
Perched along the pristine shores of Lake Ontario, Westcott Beach State Park beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning waterfront vistas and diverse recreational offerings. Whether you're casting a line for prized bass, watching children laugh on the playground, or gathering for a sunset picnic, this lakeside haven delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Well-maintained hiking trails wind through the landscape, inviting exploration of this natural sanctuary where memories are made against the backdrop of one of North America's Great Lakes.
Westcott Beach State Park provides various camping options, including individual campsites, group camping, and full-service cottages. A mix of tent camping and RV sites is implied by the park's description, as well as opportunities for group accommodation.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Westcott Beach State Park, where echoes of America's past resonate through the nearby Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. This proximity to one of the War of 1812's most significant naval battles enriches your camping experience with layers of cultural heritage. Visitors can easily combine outdoor recreation with historical exploration, discovering the stories of soldiers, sailors, and settlers who shaped this strategic Lake Ontario shoreline into the peaceful retreat it is today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Lake Ontario's seasonal moods at Westcott Beach, where each season paints the landscape in distinctive hues. Summer arrives with warm, humid days perfect for swimming and beach activities, while autumn brings crisp air and spectacular foliage. Winter transforms the park into a serene wonderland with occasional snow dustings, and spring awakens the landscape with moderate temperatures ideal for hiking. The park enjoys predominantly dry conditions throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for outdoor adventures in any season.
ElevationThe park's gentle topography creates an accessible outdoor experience for visitors of all ages and abilities, with terrain that welcomes both leisurely strolls and more ambitious adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry unfolds across Westcott Beach's diverse landscape, where rolling wooded hills cascade down to meet expansive grassy meadows. The protective embrace of Henderson Bay creates a natural amphitheater that frames breathtaking views of Lake Ontario's endless blue horizon. Ancient trees provide cooling shade along the trails, while open meadows invite wildlife watching and offer perfect spots for spreading a blanket to watch clouds drift across the vast sky. This harmonious blend of forest, field, and waterfront creates an ever-changing canvas that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.
Geological RegionNestled at the eastern gateway of Lake Ontario in Jefferson County, Westcott Beach State Park showcases the region's distinctive geological character. The landscape tells a story written by glaciers and time, where rolling wooded hills meet the vast expanse of one of the world's great freshwater seas. Henderson Bay's sheltered waters have carved out a unique coastal ecosystem, while inland, the terrain alternates between forested ridges and sun-drenched meadows. This dynamic intersection of land and water creates diverse habitats and stunning vistas that define the character of New York's Thousand Islands region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park is noted for its handicap-accessible features, making most facilities accessible for people with disabilities.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPet-friendly sites are available in the Plateau Loop.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights, followed by a mandatory 48-hour departure.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 2 pets per site. Guest limits otherwise unspecified.
Groups
Agroup campsite is available, but no details about capacity or vehicle limits were provided beyond the general park rules.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo specific information provided on layout beyond mention of the Plateau Loop.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak seasons vary by cottage: Friday-Friday, Saturday-Saturday, and Sunday-Sunday schedules apply.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Reserve America or by calling the RA Call Center at 1-800-456-2267.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up reservations are possible for campsites within 3 days of arrival, allowing 1-night stays.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after booking if departure is outside the 9-month maximum window.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Activities you can enjoy
Westcott Beach State Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and group camping. Seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available during winter. "Visitors can enjoy beach swimming, boating… and cross-country skiing," according to official statements.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available and double as cross-country skiing routes in winter. However, no specific details about trail lengths or difficulty levels are provided.Fishing
The park is known for its excellent black bass fishing opportunities in Lake Ontario. The marina accommodates anglers, emphasizing its popularity among fishing enthusiasts.Swimming
Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty. The sandy beach is a popular destination, but the park notes that swimming may be prohibited in cases of water quality issues or lack of lifeguard coverage.Biking
Biking is listed among the facilities within the park, but no specific details on biking trails or paths are provided.Boating
Boating facilities include a boat launch and dockage. Specific types of boats supported or regulations were not detailed.Winter Activities
The park supports cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter season.Water Sports
Canoeing, sailboarding, and water skiing are supported within the park's facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated areas.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include water quality changes affecting swimming, and wildlife considerations due to pet regulations.
Active alertsSwimming may be prohibited due to lifeguard staffing or water quality issues, with no refunds offered.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 16.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger station on site, emergency contact number: 315-646-2239. Additional services are likely available in Sackets Harbor.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season schedules apply to cottages and vary by weekday start.
Trash and recyclingThere is a mandatory recycling program in effect at the park. Additional information about trash facilities was not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Lake Ontario and Henderson Bay, offering beach swimming, boating, and fishing.
Common complaintsLimited data from user reviews. Robin Thomas praised the campground as 'beautiful,' 'convenient,' and 'dog-friendly.'
HostRanger station contact available at 315-646-2239.
Campground Map
12224 NYS RT.3, SACKETS HARBOR, New York, 13685, United States
Driving directionsThe park is located off Route 3, three miles west of Sackets Harbor, at Henderson Bay.
Route 3 leads directly to the campground, located three miles west of Sackets Harbor. Roads appear to be paved and accessible year-round.Nearby places
Sackets Harbor (3 miles), Henderson (5 miles), Watertown (10 miles)
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores, boating supplies, and restaurants are within 10 miles of the campground. Watertown offers more comprehensive options for supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Westcott Beach State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the park is described as a 'beautiful campground' with a 'convenient location,' according to user Robin Thomas. The park's pet-friendliness is also emphasized.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the park's beautiful setting, convenient location, and pet-friendly policies.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Ensure pets have proof of rabies inoculation at check-in. Pet owners should note that pets are not allowed in day-use or beach areas, and they should bring proper leashes.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews explicitly highlighted seasonal trends or differences in the camping experience.
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful campground. Convenient location. Very dog friendly." - Robin Thomas
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite reviews or preferences were disclosed.
Accessibility Features
The park's accessibility is noted positively, aligning with its official description as being handicap accessible.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet-related policies are emphasized, including leash rules, proof of rabies inoculation, and pet restrictions in certain areas.
Last updated August 10, 2025