RECREATION
The sand dunes along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario are an integral part of a coastal barrier environment that consists of beaches, sand dunes, embayments and wetlands. This barrier system, which extends for roughly 17 miles, contains the largest and most extensive freshwater sand dune formations in New York State. Discover more about this fascinating coastal environment, including it's flora and fauna, public trails and boat routes, and how you can help protect this area.
Visit the Dunes!
The Eastern Lake Ontario Dunes and Wetlands Area offer many recreational opportunities for kayakers, canoeists, birdwatchers and others. The ELODWA is comprised of six recreational areas that are open to the public for recreational use: two state parks, three wildlife management areas (WMAs) and one beach preserve. Numerous ELODWA guidebooks and maps are available with information on the recreational use of this area, which can be found on this website or partnering websites. Links below can provide information about the different areas that are available for public use.
Protect the Dunes and Wetlands!
The resources of the ELODWA are critical to the health of the Eastern Lake Ontario ecosystem. To help protect these fragile and easily damaged resources, please: stay off the dunes; picnic only at designated areas; swim only at designated areas with a lifeguard; stay on designated trails and walkways; carry out what you carried in; leave everything you find (except litter); only in designated areas should you hunt and fish (away from the dunes), camp and make fires, and land boats.
Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a 1,771-acre area managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The primary purposes of Deer Creek WMA are wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. Deer Creek WMA is open to fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking/canoeing and walking/hiking trails.
Sandy Island Beach State Park (South)
Nestled between Lake Ontario and North Sandy Pond lies Sandy Island Beach State Park. There are two beaches encompassing 229 acres including a southern beach where visitors can park their car and walk to the beach. Sandy Island Beach State Park’s southern beach is open year round, with certified lifeguards on duty mid-May to Labor Day. There is a concession stand, bathrooms, and changing areas for your convenience. Sandy Island Beach State Park also offers accessible picnic areas and shelters for rent.
Sandy Island Beach State Park (North)
At the northern beach, Sandy Island Beach State Park is accessible by canoe, kayak, or boat. For your safety please keep the shallow channel clear to allow boats to enter and exit Lake Ontario. There is a small bird sanctuary which is temporarily closed during shorebird nesting season. Walkovers and viewing platforms have been built to protect the fragile dune environment. There are many opportunities to view wildlife including an array of rare migratory birds.
Lakeview Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Lakeview Marsh WMA is a 3,461-acre area managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The primary purposes of Lakeview Marsh are wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. Lakeview Marsh WMA is open to fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking/canoeing and walking/hiking trails.
Southwick Beach State Park
Southwick Beach State Park is a 500-acre area managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day for swimming and camping, and the entire year for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Black Pond Wildlife Management Area
Black Pond is a 526-acre area managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. There are two ways to access Black Pond: either walk two miles north on the beach from Southwick Beach State Park to get to the area, or the handicapped accessible boardwalk located off of Bolton Road in Henderson.
El Dorado Beach Preserve
El Dorado Beach Preserve is a 360-acre area managed by the Central and Western New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. El Dorado Beach Preserve is accessible two ways, either walk in designated areas only from the north end of Black Pond WMA, or from the parking lot and trail on Grand Jean Road in Henderson.
Please download... Sand, Wind, Water: A recreational guide to Eastern Lake Ontario's dunes and wetlands ...for additional information.
This booklet contains maps, information about the dunes and wetlands, public access, and much more.
For accessibility information please contact the specific operation/managment organization for the recreational area you are interested in visiting. Direct links to these organizations can be found on individual pages.
