Hamlin Beach State Park

Location - Hamlin, Monroe County Maps - Google Map, Google Earth, Topo GPS - N 43.28848 / W 76.91065 Directions - 30 minutes west of Rochester on Lake Ontario. The Lake Ontario State Parkway runs through this state park and has it's own dedicated exit. Or use Google Directions.

Description Hamlin Beach is a favorite recreational spot for thousands of Rochesterians. Its large guarded beach, excellent fishing access, hundreds of campsites and numerous trails offer a full day's worth of activities. For Monroe County and surrounding residents, Hamlin Beach offers a few attractions that other area parks just can't. The large, developed beach gives visitors an opportunity to swim in cleaner, guarded waters that are rarely closed due to contamination. Although officially only a few sections of beach are open for swimming during the summer, the expansive sandy shore is always available for sunbathing, sandcastles, strolling and relaxing. On sunny, hot days the beach is usually packed, even with all available sections opened, but there is plenty more to do along this lakefront park. Another thing Hamlin Beach offers that other Monroe County parks don't, are the developed camping facilities. 264 electric sites, with restrooms, hot showers, a laundromat, hiking trails, a convenience store and recreation hall. Book well ahead of time to ensure a decent location. Enclosed picnic shelters are a hot-spot for parties and weddings, while smaller get-togethers crowd around the shaded picnic tables and grills. For those who left their BBQ supplies at home, or need to cool off a bit, two snack bars offer up various chips, cold drinks and ice-cream. The eastern-most end features a less crowded wooded nature trail along Yanty Creek in the Yanty Marsh. This well-developed trail is a great opportunity to spot wildlife or to escape the crowds. One could then walk the lakeside trail past the pavilions, fishing pier and swimming beaches to the west end of the park. Open fields along gently rolling hills overlook unguarded beaches and pristine views of the lake. The landscaping on this side is excellent, and it is no surprise there's often a wedding or other large event going on. You will also find this spot ideal for throwing around a football or baseball.

History Like many other upstate parks, plenty of evidence of the Civilian Conservation Corp's handiwork is apparent with their characteristic stone-work on barriers and pavilions. Their work on the park spanned 6 years and was responsible for 6  buildings and the reclamation of swampland on the eastern end. During Word War II, the site was used as a POW camp, housing up to 336 prisoners by 1946. The camp served as a labor hub, providing cheap, much-needed workers to local farms and food processing plants in the Hamlin area. The camp was dismantled when the war was over. The site became a state park in 1938 and development began to expand it even further. The Lake Ontario State Parkway was extended through the park drastically increasing the influx of visitors. The parking lot was expanded to handle the capacity and the campgrounds were built. During the 70's the park, specifically the beach, was suffering from large amounts of erosion from storms. State and Federal funding was provided and the beaches were rebuild and jetties added to help prevent further damage. Development on the Yanty Creek  Nature trail began as well. It is now a mile-long trail with educational markers along the way.

Accessibility Seasons/Hours: Year round,  Swimming from late June through Memorial Day. Beach rarely closes due to pollution. Campsites are available early May through Columbus day. Best time to visit: Spring through fall. Time: All day. Parking: 3 lots along the main road through the park. 2,500 cars Admission: $7 parking fee. Handicap accessibility: yes. Pets: Yes, on leash, with proof of inoculation. Accommodations: Restrooms, picnic areas, drinking fountains, beach access, swimming, life guards, grills, showers, snack bars, nature trails, pavilions, car top boat launch. 264 electrical camping sites with showers, laundromat, convenience store.

Trails - Easy Map: Official Park Map Markings - Trailheads clearly marked. The Yanty Creek Nature Trail is on the eastern end of the park and the trailhead is accessible by the park read. There is parking for about 6 cars at the trailhead. The trail is stone or mulch and winds around in a loop. You simply cannot get lost. Informational placards are provided along the way. The Shoreline Trail is a paved trails that runs along the lake east to west, passing by the beaches. It's a great path for biking. There are several other small trails within the campgrounds and other wooded areas.

Do not miss... The Devil's Nose is a the small bluff on the western most end of the park. Probably named so for its rock and clay shoal that extends out for of a mile into the lake, which can easily trap a sailing ship. Erosion has taken its toll on the nose, drastically reducing the size and making the area dangerous. Today this section of the park is closed to visitors.

Contact Hamlin Beach State Park 1 Camp Road Hamlin, NY 14464 Phone: 585-964-2462 Reservations: 800-456-2267

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