Posted on August 24, 2026
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has completed $9.5 million in upgrades to Selkirk Shores and Southwick Beach State Park on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, including campground upgrades, restoration of historic facilities, construction of a new park office and a new accessible trail.
Selkirk Shores State Park in Pulaski, Oswego County, spans 980 acres overlooking the lake and features a swimming beach, 130 campsites, 24 cabins, a boat launch, hiking trails, playground, and year-round recreation opportunities.
Its location near the Salmon River and along a major migratory bird flyway makes it a popular destination for anglers, boaters, and birdwatchers. More than 2.2 million visitors have enjoyed the park over the past two decades.
Highlights of the $7.4 million in improvements at Selkirk Shores include:
A new park office featuring a drive-up check-in station, 24-hour ADA-accessible restroom, and convenient firewood and ice vending;
Two new, larger campground restroom buildings with accessible showers, baby changing stations, and dishwashing areas;
Restoration of the historic lakeside pavilion, including replacement of deteriorated logs and roof shingles, reglazed windows and doors, and accessibility improvements;
Renovation of two historic day-use restroom buildings originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including roof repairs, log replacement, and accessibility enhancements;
Upgrades to campground loops with improved drainage, additional water spigots, and crushed stone campsite pads; and
Electrical, roofing, and masonry improvements to park cabins.
Southwick Beach State Park in Henderson, Jefferson County, lies along an unusual stretch of sandy Lake Ontario beach. The 464-acre park includes 3,500 feet of beach, and is visited annually by about 100,000 people.
Highlights of the $2.1 million in improvements Southwick Beach State Park include:
The Southwick Beach Connector Trail now connects the campground to the beach via a 0.37 mile, 9-foot-wide universally accessible boardwalk. The trail is fully accessible and allows campers to get from two of the campground loops directly to the beach safely without walking on the main roads through the park.
At the terminus of the trail, Mobi-mats are installed to transition beach goers down to the sand. Day users can also enjoy the trail for recreation during their visit.
The trail traverses a 70-acre wetland and provides wildlife viewing, interpretive signage and environmental education opportunities along the way.
