Selkirk Shores State Park
Lakeside park with campsites, multi-use trails, and stunning Lake Ontario sunsets. Undergoing renovations for an enhanced visitor experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await
Selkirk Shores State Park
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lakeside park with campsites, multi-use trails, and stunning Lake Ontario sunsets. Undergoing renovations for an enhanced visitor experience.
"Absolutely gorgeous park with breathtaking views of Ontario Lake. You don’t want to miss the sunsets here!"
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Lake Ontario's beach is rocky near the shore. Water shoes or crocs make entry much more comfortable.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
The nature trails are beautiful but can be buggy. Pack insect repellent for a more enjoyable hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Ontario Sunsets
Lakefront
Witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets over Lake Ontario. A truly unforgettable spectacle.
Renovated Beach & Playground
Beach Area
Enjoy the updated beach facilities and a new playground, perfect for family fun and relaxation.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore well-marked, easy-to-follow trails offering beautiful scenery and a sense of isolation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Renovations
Beach Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Lake Ontario's beach is rocky near the shore. Water shoes or crocs make entry much more comfortable.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
The nature trails are beautiful but can be buggy. Pack insect repellent for a more enjoyable hike.
🛒 Camp Store Hours
The campground's general store is only open Thursday-Sunday. Plan ahead for essentials.
🌅 Sunset Views
Don't miss the incredible sunsets over Lake Ontario; they are a major highlight for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Lake Ontario's beach is rocky near the shore. Water shoes or crocs make entry much more comfortable.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
The nature trails are beautiful but can be buggy. Pack insect repellent for a more enjoyable hike.
🛒 Camp Store Hours
The campground's general store is only open Thursday-Sunday. Plan ahead for essentials.
🌅 Sunset Views
Don't miss the incredible sunsets over Lake Ontario; they are a major highlight for visitors.
🔌 Electric Hookups Only
Campsites primarily offer electric hookups. Be mindful of water usage if you're not near a water source.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Selkirk Shores State Park is praised for its breathtaking Lake Ontario sunsets, beautiful scenery, and well-maintained trails. Recent renovations have significantly improved facilities like the beach playground and bathrooms, though some campers note campsites can be close together. The rocky beach entry is a common point, with water shoes recommended.
"As of August 2025 they have done so much updating! I spent my childhood here and was sad to see things becoming run down. I was so happy last week to see all the work being done here! New playground near the beach, bathrooms by the beach have been renovated, campgrounds are being updated, New greeting station is being built, and more in the works! So glad to see New life here!"
Matt Tripp
"Great beach and trails!! Many, many picnic sites. Wonderful staff. Absolutely gorgeous park!!!"
Co Ap
"Beautiful state park with breathtaking views of Ontario Lake. You don’t want to miss the sunsets here- they were some of the best I’ve ever seen. The swimming at the beach was rocky- bring crocs or other water shoes, after about 3 feet into the water it turns sandy. The water isn’t deep at all but it cooled us all off. Lots of places on the beach to sit, and enjoy the view.
We stayed at the campground for a couple of days and overall it was good. The only complaint is that the sites are VERY close together, especially in the chipmunk loop. We tent camped while everyone else had a RV, we definitely felt like an outlier lol. We drove around to scope out which sites we would be more comfortable with for next time. Bathroom and showers were great- kept clean.
Easy hiking trails, with beautiful scenery is worth trying out! Trails are marked and it was easy to follow the map, also, being bug spray.
The staff were wonderful! Shout out to them. The park office has ice and wood you can purchase. The actual camp store in the campground is only open Thursday-Sunday.
We know in 2025 they are having major renovations and will be closed but in 2026 we will definitely be back!"
Holly Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Selkirk Shores State Park is located in Pulaski, NY. It's accessible by car via Route 3. The park is well-signed from the main road.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's best to travel by car. Nearby towns like Oswego may have more transit options, but a car is recommended for reaching the park itself.
Oswego, NY is a nearby city, approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Selkirk Shores State Park. Pulaski is the closest town.
Yes, there are ample parking facilities available throughout the park, especially near the beach, picnic areas, and trailheads.
Absolutely! Selkirk Shores State Park is open to day-use visitors. You can enjoy the beach, trails, and picnic areas without staying overnight.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a vehicle entrance fee for New York State Parks. Check the official Selkirk Shores State Park website for current fees and operating hours, especially during renovation periods.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds and the beach may have seasonal hours. Always verify current hours on the official park website, particularly during 2025 renovations.
Campsite reservations can usually be made through the New York State Parks reservation system. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for peak season.
New York State Parks may offer discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, or annual passes. Inquire with the park office or check their website for details.
If you are arriving late for camping, follow any posted instructions for self-check-in. For day use, ensure you have paid any required fees if self-pay stations are available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach, hiking the scenic trails, picnicking, camping, and fishing. The park also offers beautiful sunset views over Lake Ontario.
The beach is suitable for cooling off, but the entry can be rocky. Water shoes are recommended. The water is not very deep. Swim at your own risk as lifeguards are not always present.
The trails are generally considered easy and well-marked, making them suitable for most fitness levels. They offer beautiful scenery and a peaceful experience.
Campgrounds offer electric hookups, and there are well-maintained bathrooms and showers. The park also has a general store with limited items and a playground.
Yes, fishing is permitted in designated areas. You'll need a valid New York State fishing license. Check park regulations for specific fishing spots and rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full-service restaurant within the park, there is a general store in the campground that sells some essentials. The Lakeside restaurant and ice cream stand are conveniently located across Route 3 near the park entrance.
The nearby town of Pulaski offers various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. The Lakeside restaurant and ice cream stand are also popular choices.
Yes, the park has numerous picnic sites available, making it a great spot for a day trip meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.
The campground's general store carries a few commonly needed items, but it's not a full grocery store. It's best to stock up on groceries in Pulaski or Oswego.
Many picnic sites are equipped with grills and/or fire pits. Check the amenities listed for specific picnic areas when planning your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lake Ontario shoreline offers stunning opportunities for sunset photography. The trails also provide scenic woodland shots.
Golden hour, just before sunset, is ideal for capturing the dramatic colors over Lake Ontario. Early mornings can also offer beautiful light and fewer people.
Drone usage is typically restricted in New York State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor privacy. Always check the park's specific drone policy before flying.
You might spot various birds, small mammals, and aquatic life along the lake. Be patient and respectful of their habitats.
Yes, once renovations are complete and areas are accessible, you're welcome to photograph the updated facilities. Check for any temporary restrictions during construction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The easy-to-navigate hiking trails are perfect for family walks, and the picnic areas offer convenient spots for meals. Campgrounds are available for longer stays, providing a base for exploring the park. Keep in mind the campground sites can be close together, so consider this when booking. The park's ongoing renovations promise even more family-friendly amenities in the future.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's an entrance fee for day use, it's a small price for access to the beach, trails, and stunning sunset views. The nearby town of Pulaski offers grocery stores for stocking up on supplies at competitive prices. For those looking to save on accommodation, camping is the most budget-friendly option.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the sunsets, the park's nature trails offer opportunities to capture woodland scenes and potentially wildlife. The renovated areas, once fully accessible, may also present interesting photographic subjects. Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's serene beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Beach and Lake Ontario Shoreline
The shoreline also presents fantastic opportunities for photography, especially during sunset. The vast expanse of Lake Ontario provides a dramatic backdrop for capturing stunning colors. Be mindful that storms can impact the beach's sandy composition, and the park often works to maintain it. Despite these minor challenges, the beach remains a popular spot for visitors seeking lakeside enjoyment.
Camping Experience at Selkirk Shores
Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of the bathrooms and showers, which are a significant plus for campers. The park provides electric hookups at most sites, but water hookups are minimal, requiring campers to be mindful of their water usage and utilize the dump station when needed. The park office sells ice and firewood, and there's a general store within the campground, though its hours are limited to Thursday through Sunday.
For those seeking a more rustic feel, the park aims to provide an 'isolated feel' similar to more remote locations, despite its accessibility. The proximity to Pulaski for groceries and other necessities adds to the convenience. Future visits in 2026 are anticipated to offer an even better camping experience due to ongoing upgrades.
Exploring the Trails and Natural Beauty
Many visitors recommend bringing bug spray, especially during warmer months, as the wooded areas can attract insects. The trails provide a sense of seclusion, contributing to the park's overall tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer walk, the park's trail system offers a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
Beyond the trails, the park's natural beauty is evident in its diverse landscapes, from the bluff-top campsites to the Lake Ontario shoreline. The park's ongoing renovations are also aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, with updates to facilities and amenities that will further complement the natural surroundings.
Social
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