Selkirk Shores State Park

Perched along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in Central New York, Selkirk Shores State Park spans 980 acres where the Salmon River meets the great lake. This stretch of coastline delivers some of the best fishing in the Northeast — anglers travel from across the region for the legendary fall salmon runs that push up the Salmon River from late September through November.

Beyond the fishing, the park offers a genuine lakeside retreat. A sandy beach fronts Lake Ontario, giving swimmers and sunbathers direct access to the water during summer months. Bluffs rise above the shoreline, and hiking trails wind through mixed hardwood forests and along the river gorge, offering views that shift dramatically with the seasons. Birdwatchers will find the river corridor particularly rewarding during spring and fall migrations.

The park features both tent and RV campsites, along with cabins for those who prefer a roof overhead. Campsites sit among mature trees with solid spacing between neighbors — a welcome contrast to more crowded state parks. Picnic areas and playgrounds round out the amenities for day visitors and families.

Summer brings the warmest weather for swimming and beach days, but fall is arguably the park’s peak season. The salmon run draws serious anglers, the foliage lights up the bluffs, and the crowds thin considerably after Labor Day. Winter visitors can cross-country ski the trails when snow cover cooperates.

Selkirk Shores rewards visitors who appreciate a quieter, less manicured corner of New York’s park system.

Explore Nearby

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• Oswego Harbor West Pierhead Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York
• McAuley Road Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina