Fair Haven State Park

Introduction

Fair Haven State Park features one of the most beautiful public lakefronts in Upstate New York, with towering shoreline bluffs, sandy beaches, and adjoining hilly woodlands. The park has 1,500 feet of beautiful sandy beach, as well as campgrounds and cabin areas nestled among the woodlands. From spring to fall, you can go fishing, boating, swimming and diving boards, biking, hiking, picnicking, and camping, and in the winter, you can go snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and ice fishing.

Two sandy beaches are separated by a diving channel with two boards, and boat rentals include row boats, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks that are only available for use on the inland Sterling Pond waterway.

Activities in Fair Haven State Park

Swimming

Fair Haven Beach State Park is popular for swimming, with a 600-foot swim area supervised by lifeguards. Swimming is a great way to relax and cool off during the warmer months of the year, especially after a hike or bike ride in the park. There’s even a diving board in the pool! Visitors of all ages will enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.

Spend some time on the water

Spending time on the water in a vessel of your choice is a popular activity at Fair Haven Beach State Park. There is a boat launch and marina within the State Park where you can rent rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes. Watercraft are only permitted to be used on the inland Sterling Pond waterway, where you can travel at your own pace while taking in the scenery and solitude of the area. Bring your fishing rod if you enjoy fishing; you might catch a bite!

Play a Game of Golf

Springbrook Greens State Golf Course is located within Fair Haven Beach State Park, making it simple to play a round of golf while visiting. The course, which has 18 holes (traditional wooded play and links-style holes), has been owned and operated by the State of New York since 2006. A round of golf is reasonably priced, and the course is challenging. Take in the breathtaking scenery (like the 11th hole which overlooks Sterling Marsh).

Hiking

No matter what time of year you visit Fair Haven Beach State Park, you can spend some time hiking. The Lakeshore Trail, which takes you along the shoreline where you can look up and see bluffs that rise above you, is one of several trails available at the State Park. Explore the trails at your own pace, taking in views of the water as well as the forested areas of the Park.

Pay a visit to the Safe Haven Museum and Education Center

The Safe Haven Museum and Education Center in nearby Oswego tells the story of 982 refugees, the majority of whom were Jewish, who fled Europe in August 1944 through the US Government’s “Safe Haven” programme and arrived at the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter. The Safe Haven Museum and Education Center tells the stories of those who stayed at Fort Ontario until February 1946.

State Historic Site of Fort Ontario

The Fort Ontario State Historic Site is a short distance away from Fair Haven Beach State Park. The star-shaped fort was built in the 1840s, and improvements were made in 1863 and 1872.

The current Fort Ontario was built on the original’s ruins and improvements. Throughout World War II, the fort was occupied by the United States Army and served as the country’s only refugee camp for victims of the Nazi Holocaust. The fort was designated as a state historic site in 1953.

Flowers

It should not be overlooked that Fair Haven is home to some very interesting plants that, while not uncommon, are unique to the beach, pond, and woodland habitats. Many are quite lovely and make for great photo opportunities.

Pets

Pets must be leashed at all times in the park.

Volleyball

West Beach has a volleyball net installed.

Weddings

Weddings and reunions are among the many group events that can be held at the park. Receptions can be held in rented tents or in Sabin Hall, which has an indoor fireplace.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer and small mammals such as raccoons, chipmunks, squirrels, and opossums. Sterling Creek is known to be frequented by otters. There are numerous reptile and amphibian species, as well as a diverse range of butterflies and odonates. Most of the year, birding is excellent in the park. During migration, birders should be able to spot a variety of passerines and raptors in the bluffs’ woods and the scrub along the entrance driveway. During the summer, the bluffs’ woods are home to nearly every woodpecker, thrush, and vireo species known in the Finger Lakes, as well as the majority of woodland warblers and birds such as blue jays, pee wees, goldfinches, northern orioles, turkeys, and many species of hawks and owls. Sterling Pond is home to Canada geese, mallards, and mute swans, and kayakers can spot herons, red-winged blackbirds, and other marsh birds in the cattails. The lake shore is frequented by herring gulls, ring-billed gulls, and other common terms.

Fair Haven State Park Camping

Electric Camping Area on the Bluff

The Bluff Electric Camping Area, which has electric hook-ups, is a great option for those looking to camp at Fair Haven Beach State Park. Sites at the campground are located along rolling woodlands and provide easy access to the Park’s recreation activities as well as a place to relax before and after a day of adventure. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet long are welcome, and each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. There are restrooms and running water at the campground. The campground has 46 campsites, and reservations can be made online.

Non-Electric Camping Area at Lakeview

The Lakeview Nonelectric Camping Area is Fair Haven Beach State Park’s third camping option. Lakeview, located to the east of the Bluff Electric Camping Area, can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet long. Restrooms are available in the camping area, and while there are no showers, it is a short walk to the Bluff Electric Camping Area, which has showers.

Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit, and the campground has water. Enjoy easy access to the lake and other activities, as well as beautiful views and fresh air!

Non-Electric Camping Area at Drumlin

The Drumlin Non-Electric Camping Area is located west of Sterling Pond. The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length. While there are no hookups available at the campground, there is water and restrooms with showers.

Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit, and those travelling with children will appreciate the campground’s play area. You can easily access the beach and swimming area from your campsite, as well as boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Cabins on the Pond’s Edge

Fair Haven Beach State Park’s Pond Shore Cabin Area is nestled within its eden-like confines. And these cabins are nothing more than a manmade haven surrounded by Mother Nature. You and your camping-possy will be the envy of your city-going peers and Instagram followers because you’ll be located near the park’s fifteen hundred feet of well-manicured, sandy beaches that line Lake Ontario.

Trails

Take advantage of this 8.2-kilometer loop trail near Sterling, New York. It takes an average of 1 hour 47 minutes to complete this route, which is generally considered easy. This trail is ideal for camping, hiking, and walking, and you won’t run into many other people while exploring. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.

• 8.2 km in length
• 96-meter elevation gain
• Loop route type

Location

Fair Haven Beach State Park is located On Lake Ontario, 2 miles north of Fair Haven on NY 104A, southwest of Oswego.

Car Driving

I-690 W from Syracuse for 13.7 miles to the NY-31 E/NY-370 E exit towards Baldwinsville; after exiting, turn right onto NY-31 W/NY-370 W for 13.1 miles. Continue on Conquest Victory Town Line Rd for.3 miles, then turn right to stay on NY-370 W. Continue for 3.3 miles on this two-lane road. When you reach NY-38 N, turn right and travel 8.4 miles to NY-104A E, where you will turn left. Continue for a short distance until you reach NY-104A W. Turn left onto NY-104A W, a two-lane paved road. You will pass the Sterling Christian Church and then the Fair Haven Village Grill. After 2.5 miles, turn right onto State Park Road to reach Fair Haven Beach State Park.

Parking

Fair Haven Beach State Park has parking available.

Public Transport

Fairhaven Beach State Park does not have public transportation.