Hamlin Beach State Park is Monroe County’s largest Lake Ontario beach and one of the region’s most versatile outdoor destinations. Spread across five distinct beach areas, the park features nearly two miles of sandy shoreline, seven miles of paved and natural-surface walking and biking trails, shaded picnic groves, playgrounds, a campground, boat launches, and the Yanty Creek Environmental Nature Trail through a coastal marsh. Recent improvements to Area One added a lakeside promenade, a walkable pier, oversized swings, and new seating overlooking Lake Ontario, creating one of the park’s most inviting places to relax. Dogs are permitted to swim at the unguarded beaches in areas one and five.
Borrow an Empire Pass from your local library before you go for free admission to New York State Parks.
Which area should you visit?
- Area One — Relax and enjoy the waterfront
- Area Two — Park office
- Area Three — Family beach with facilities
- Area Four — Quieter guarded beach
- Area Five — Shoreline walks and Devil’s Nose Trail
Area One
Quiet waterfront, unguarded beach, and lakeside promenade
Area One was recently transformed into one of Hamlin Beach’s most inviting gathering spaces. Stroll the lakeside promenade to a walkable pier that extends into Lake Ontario, pause on the oversized swings, or settle at one of the shaded picnic tables with a book. Open lawns, benches, and a wide sandy shoreline make this a peaceful place to spend an afternoon by the lake.
Area Three
Guarded swimming beach, playground, bathhouse, concessions, and picnic shelters
Area Three is the heart of the park during summer. Families gather here for the guarded swimming beach, playground, bathhouse, Yanty Marsh Store & Shore concession stand, and large picnic areas. If you’re visiting with children or planning a full beach day, this is often the best place to start.
Area Four
Guarded swimming beach and picnic shelters
Area Four offers another guarded swimming beach with a slightly quieter atmosphere than Area Three. Shaded picnic tables and shelters make it a good option for families or groups looking for a more relaxed beach experience.
Area Five
Open shoreline, paved walking paths, and Devil’s Nose Trail
Area Five is a peaceful end of the park with open lawns, an unguarded beach, and paved paths that follow the shoreline. It also provides access to Devil’s Nose Trail, which leads to a glacial bluff overlooking Lake Ontario. After years of erosion-related closures, the trail has reopened, though visitors should remain on designated paths because the bluff continues to erode.
Yanty Creek Environmental Nature Trail
This easy nature trail explores one of the park’s most ecologically important areas. The boardwalk and observation platform overlook Yanty Marsh, a coastal wetland recognized for its diversity of birds, amphibians, turtles, and native plants. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migration.
CCC/POW Camp
Just outside the main park at 968 Moscow Road, the former Civilian Conservation Corps and Prisoner of War Camp preserves an often-overlooked chapter of Hamlin Beach’s history.
From 1935 to 1941, young men with the Civilian Conservation Corps helped build much of the state park. During World War II, the camp housed German prisoners of war who worked on nearby farms and in local canning factories. Today, interpretive signs and a self-guided walking tour explain how both groups contributed to the area’s history.
Thank you to Hamlin Selection for sharing an updated map that includes the camp at 968 Marsh Road, Yanty Marsh Boardwalk, and other features that older brochures are missing.
More information about Hamlin Beach State Park
Cost: in-season, vehicle entrance fee; off-season, free
Located on Lake Ontario, roughly 35 minutes / 30 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: nysparks.com
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