Coles Creek State Park
Coles Creek State Park sits on the shores of Lake St. Lawrence in northern New York—a 1,800-acre waterfront paradise built on land shaped by one of the 20th century’s greatest engineering feats. With 232 campsites, a full-service marina, a sandy swimming beach, and world-class fishing for northern pike, bass, and walleye, this St. Lawrence River gem is the ultimate basecamp for water-lovers exploring New York’s North Country.
Born from Engineering Marvel
Coles Creek State Park exists because of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project—a massive 1950s undertaking that reshaped the river. The construction of the Robert Moses-Saunders Power Dam flooded entire villages (Canada’s famous “Lost Villages”) and created Lake St. Lawrence, the artificial lake that now forms the park’s stunning waterfront. The park opened in 1959, built on land that previously housed the historic Waddington Sawmill.
| Park Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📐 Size | 1,800 acres |
| 📅 Established | 1959 |
| 🗺️ Location | Town of Louisville, St. Lawrence County, NY |
| 🌊 Waterfront | Lake St. Lawrence (St. Lawrence River) |
| 📞 Phone | (315) 388-5636 |
World-Class Fishing
The St. Lawrence River system is a bucket-list fishing destination. Coles Creek gives you direct access to some of the best freshwater fishing in the Northeast—both from shore and by boat.
| Species | Best Season | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 🐟 Northern Pike | Spring & Fall | Protected bays; large specimens common |
| 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | June – September | Rocky shorelines; top-water action |
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | Summer | Weedy coves and creek mouths |
| 🐟 Walleye | Spring & Fall | Dawn/dusk bite; deep water edges |
| 🐟 Yellow Perch | Year-round | Great for families; ice fishing favorite |
| 🐟 Crappie & Bluegill | Spring – Fall | Near docks and submerged structures |
🎣 Ice Fishing at Coles Creek Bay
- Prime targets: Northern pike and yellow perch
- Season: January – March (when ice is safe)
- Coles Creek Bay offers protected, reliable ice conditions
- Bring a portable shelter—wind can be fierce off the St. Lawrence!
Marina & Boating
The Coles Creek Marina sits at the mouth of Coles Creek, just north of the park entrance—your gateway to Lake St. Lawrence and the broader St. Lawrence River.
| Marina Services | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚤 Boat Launch | Paved ramp with easy lake access |
| ⚓ Dockage | Seasonal and transient slips available |
| 🛶 Boat Rentals | Available at marina |
| 🌊 Water Access | Lake St. Lawrence → St. Lawrence River |
Camping – 232 Sites
Coles Creek’s campground offers both wooded and open sites, many with lake views. With 147 electric hookup sites, it’s great for both tent campers and RVs.
| Camping Option | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Total Sites | 232 tent/trailer sites |
| ⚡ Electric Sites | 147 sites (15/20/30 amp) |
| 🌊 Waterfront Sites | Available (add $6/night) |
| 🚿 Amenities | Dump station, restrooms, showers |
| 📅 Reservations | Up to 9 months ahead via ReserveAmerica |
| ⏰ Max Stay | 14 consecutive nights |
| Camping Fees | Rate/Night |
|---|---|
| 💵 Base Rate | $17 – $18 |
| ⚡ Electric (30 amp) | +$7 |
| 🌊 Waterfront Premium | +$6 |
| 📅 Weekend/Holiday | +$4 |
| 🏠 Non-NYS Resident | +$5 |
| 🔌 Full Hookup (30A) | +$13 |
💡 Save with the Empire Pass
- The Empire Pass ($80/year) gives unlimited day-use entry to all NY State Parks
- Pays for itself in just a few visits
- Available at parks.ny.gov
Swimming Beach
The park features a designated sandy swimming beach on Lake St. Lawrence—one of the best ways to cool off during hot North Country summers. Note: swimming is permitted only at the designated beach area, not from individual campsites.
Trails & Winter Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Nature Trail | Easy walk through park habitats |
| ⛷️ XC Ski Trails | 11 miles groomed (winter) |
| 🚴 Biking | Park roads and trails |
| 🏀 Sports | Basketball, baseball/softball fields |
| 👨👩👧👦 Playground | Kids’ play area near campground |
| 🍔 Concession | Food available in season |
Wildlife & Hunting
The park’s 1,800 acres of shoreline and grassland habitats support diverse wildlife—from black bears to bald eagles. Birdwatching is excellent along the St. Lawrence River corridor, one of North America’s major flyways.
| Hunting Program | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦌 Deer Hunting | Permitted in season |
| 🦆 Waterfowl | Permitted in season |
| 🐦 Birdwatching | Year-round; St. Lawrence flyway |
| 📋 Requirements | Valid NY hunting license required |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💵 Entry Fee | Vehicle entrance fee (or Empire Pass $80/yr) |
| 🕐 Hours (Mar–Labor Day) | Mon–Fri from 8 AM; Sat–Sun from 9 AM |
| 🕐 Hours (Off-Season) | Daily from 9 AM |
| 📅 Best Season | June – September (swimming, camping, fishing) |
| ❄️ Winter | XC skiing (11mi), ice fishing, snowshoeing |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed (leashed); rabies vaccination proof required |
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Coles Creek State Park?
The St. Lawrence River at Coles Creek is a premier fishing destination. You can catch northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, and bullheads. Both open-water and ice fishing are excellent. Shore fishing is possible from protected bays and piers, or launch your boat from the marina for deeper water access.
How do I make camping reservations?
Reserve campsites up to 9 months in advance through ReserveAmerica online or by calling 1-800-456-2267. Availability opens at 8 AM (Mon–Fri) or 9 AM (Sat–Sun) during peak season. Same-day reservations are accepted until 3 PM. Walk-ins are also possible but not guaranteed during summer weekends.
How much does camping cost at Coles Creek?
Camping rates range from $18 to $39 per night depending on site type and amenities. The base rate starts at $17–$18, with add-ons for electric ($7 for 30 amp), waterfront location ($6), weekend/holiday ($4), and non-NYS resident surcharge ($5). Full hookup sites with water, sewer, and 30A electric add $13.
What is Lake St. Lawrence?
Lake St. Lawrence is an artificial lake created in 1958 as the forebay for the Robert Moses-Saunders Power Dam, part of the massive St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project. The flooding that created the lake submerged a dozen Canadian villages—the famous “Lost Villages.” Today, the lake provides beautiful recreational waters for the park’s swimming, boating, and fishing activities.
Can I swim at Coles Creek State Park?
Yes! The park has a designated sandy swimming beach on Lake St. Lawrence. Swimming is only permitted at the beach area—not directly from campsites. The water can be chilly even in summer, as Lake St. Lawrence is fed by the St. Lawrence River.
Is Coles Creek open in winter?
Yes! While camping is seasonal, the park offers excellent winter activities. 11 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails are available, and Coles Creek Bay is a popular ice fishing spot for northern pike and yellow perch. Snowshoeing is also permitted on park trails.
Are dogs allowed at Coles Creek State Park?
Yes! Dogs are welcome at Coles Creek State Park but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. Dogs are not permitted on the swimming beach.
🌊 Your St. Lawrence River Adventure Awaits
Fish for trophy pike, camp on Lake St. Lawrence, and explore a landscape shaped by one of the greatest engineering projects in history. Visit the official Coles Creek State Park website for reservations and current conditions.
