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The New York State Parks Department runs 180 beautiful state parks and many of these offer overnight camping; making them fantastic getaways. Selkirk Shore State Park is one of these excellent getaways. This park is set on the shore of Lake Ontario and borders both the Salmon River and Grindstone Creek. Located at the gateway to the Thousand Islands, Selkirk Shores is a breathtaking destination worth exploring.
Camping
Selkirk Shores State Parks has 155 campsites and 24 cabins available. The cabins are really nice, especially by State Park standards. They are in a secluded wooded area, with quite a bit of distance between them. The camping area is surrounded by woods but the sites themselves are more or less out in the open with gravel driveways. Many have concrete slabs. The campsites line both sides of an elongated circle with a green area in the center.
My family used to camp at this state park many (many, many) years ago. My earliest camping memory came from this particular campground. I was approximately two years old. My parents parked their pop-up camper over one of those concrete slabs. They put me to bed that night, and I accidentally rolled out of the end of the canvas sides and landed on the concrete. I ended up with a good concussion and a traumatic memory. I have not camped at Selkirk Shores since I was little, but when I returned to visit the campground for this article, I know exactly where I was. Crazy how those memories dig in deep.
Beach
There is a beach with posted lifeguards for swimming. A long fishing pier can also be accessed from the beach. There is a large picnic area behind the beach that is shaded by large trees with an abundance of picnic tables. There is also access to Grindstone Creek and surrounding wetlands.
Hiking
At first glance, this might not seem to be a hiking destination; but with almost 10 miles of hiking trails, visitors can really stretch their legs and enjoy the wide variety of terrain. Selkirk Shores State Park is a significant wildlife area. It is not only an Audubon Important Bird Area and a bird conservation area protecting all sorts of marsh birds, but it is also an essential part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland System. Much of this is a fragile and invaluable natural area consisting of beaches, dunes, and wetlands.
On The Water
There is a boat launch at Selkirk is located on the Salmon River, this is only for small boats. Larger boats must launch from Mexico Point State Park. This portion of the Salmon River is great for kayaking and canoeing. The Salmon River also offers fantastic fishing, with steelhead and of course, salmon.
Winter at Selkirk Shores
Winter is an excellent time to visit Selkirk Shores. There is the obvious draw of the gorgeous frozen lakeshore of Lake Ontario. However, there are so many other winter activities that bring people to this state park such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. This park is fairly large, so there is lots of room for people to engage in their favorite winter activities.
Personally, it was the lakeshore that drew us there. The ice that forms around the rocks and trees creates unique “sculptures” along the beach and it is stunning. You can walk the beach and really enjoy the splendid beauty that winter in New York brings to this park.
Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Hiking and Walking
Don’t let the ice and snow stop you from enjoying the breathtaking beauty of winter. These traction grips help outdoor adventurers explore icy terrain safely.
If you plan to walk the lakeshore, I highly recommend that you wear microspikes or Yaktrax on your shoes to keep you from slipping on the ice. Also, as the weather gets colder, the ice shelf will get larger. For your safety, always stay close to the shore and don’t walk out into the lake.
Out and About with Nova
Nova loved exploring this park, and as a chow chow, she is built for the snow and cold that comes with a walk along Lake Ontario in the Winter. If your dog is not a “winter” breed, be mindful of their paws freezing and that they don’t get too cold. It is imperative that if your dog should get wet, you get them back to your vehicle immediately so they do not get hypothermia. Otherwise, this is a fun outing for both owner and pet, with spectacular views and a place to enjoy the raw beauty of winter.
Getting to Selkirk Shores State Park
Address: 7101 NY-3, Pulaski, NY 13142
Have you visited or camped at Selkirk Shores? What did you think of it? Do have a favorite place to camp in New York?
Other Places to Visit
Robert Wehle State Park
Robert G. Wehle is one of those state parks where first impressions can be deceiving. Upon first glance, this park looks like any other dog-friendly park, but venture a ways into this park and you will be greeted with the most stunning beauty, cliffs that have been artistically carved by the wind and water from Lake Ontario.
Mexico Point State Park
Mexico Point is truly a unique state park that has some special features such as a dog beach, a haunted house, and the grave of a man who may have had a hand in turning the tide of the Revolutionary War.
Pixley Falls State Park
Pixley Falls is located in a beautiful state park of the same name. This park is not particularly large, but it is perfect for taking in the Falls can be seen from multiple vantage points, and offer visitors a fantastic but relatively short hike into nature to see a gorgeous cascading waterfall.