🌤 Weather at Selkirk Shores State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–65 °F | 52–78 °F | 30–71 °F | 11–34 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Pulaski, 4 mi away, elevation 399 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Green Lakes State Park features two rare meromictic lakes – among only 36 worldwide – where water layers never mix. The stunning blue-green colors, 20 miles of trails through Central NY’s largest old-growth forest, and extensive camping make this Syracuse-area park a natural wonder.
Park Overview
| Green Lake | 2.3-mile loop |
| Round Lake | 0.8-mile loop (National Landmark) |
| Trail Miles | ~20 miles |
| Campsites | 137 sites + cabins |
| RV Sites | 72 full hookup (Pinewoods) |
The Meromictic Lakes
Green Lake and Round Lake are remarkably rare – their water layers never mix seasonally. The striking blue-green color comes from high calcium carbonate. Round Lake is a National Natural Landmark. Scientists study these lakes for climate research.
Hiking
- Lake Trail Loop – 3.25 miles (Green + Round), 90 min
- Vista Trail – Views to Tug Hill, Oneida Lake
- Old-Growth Forest – Central NY’s largest stand
Camping
Pinewoods Campground: 72 RV sites with water/electric/sewer (40-60 ft rigs). Cabins available. Season: May-October. Rates from $35/night.
Things to Do
New York’s state park system is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation, spanning glacier-carved gorges in the Finger Lakes, the wild Adirondack backcountry, dramatic Hudson Valley cliffs, sweeping Long Island beaches, and Niagara Falls. Activities range widely: hiking dramatic gorge trails with waterfalls at every turn, swimming at supervised lake and ocean beaches, fishing in world-class trout streams and bass lakes, camping in old-growth forests, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, mountain biking through rolling terrain, rock climbing at the Shawangunk Ridge, kayaking the Thousand Islands, and golfing at scenic state park courses. Many parks also feature historic estates, Revolutionary War sites, and nature centers with educational programs.
Best Time to Visit
New York’s parks transform dramatically with the seasons. Summer (June–August) is peak season for swimming, waterfalls, and camping — gorge parks like Watkins Glen and Letchworth are busiest during this time. Fall (September–October) brings world-class foliage, especially in the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley, peaking mid-to-late October. Spring (April–May) delivers peak waterfall flow and wildflower blooms, though many gorge trails don’t fully open until mid-May. Winter (December–March) turns Adirondack parks into cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paradises. Note that many gorge trails and swimming areas are closed November through May for safety — always check the park website before visiting.
Visitor Tips
New York state parks charge per-vehicle parking fees ranging from $6 to $10, depending on the park and season. An Empire Pass ($80/year) provides unlimited access to all state parks and is a smart investment for regular visitors. Camping reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica up to 9 months in advance. Popular parks like Watkins Glen and Letchworth sell out months ahead for summer camping. Many gorge parks have mandatory parking reservations on peak weekends — check the park website before driving out. Dogs are allowed in most parks on leash but are typically prohibited on beaches and in gorge trails.
Explore More New York State Parks
Selkirk Shores State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New York. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New York guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Selkirk Shores SP — on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Salmon River — provides camping with dramatic bluff views over the lake. The Salmon River — New York’s premier salmon and steelhead fishery — draws anglers from across the Northeast. Bald eagles gather in winter to feed on spawned salmon. Snowy owls winter on the lakefront.
Nearby Attractions
Pulaski — 5 miles east — is the “Salmon Capital.” Sandy Island Beach SP — 5 miles west. Salmon River Falls — 10 miles east — has the 110-foot waterfall. Mexico Point SP — 10 miles west.
More parks nearby: Sandy Island Beach State Park is a short drive away, while Mexico Point State Park lies a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Selkirk Shores State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 131 campsites + 24 cabins. — Electric/non-electric breakdown and RV length limits not specified on official page; max 6/site. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 24 cabins; minimum age 21 required to rent; pets NOT permitted in Cabins 29 & 30 (implying allowed in others). Linen/cookware provision not stated. |
| Pets | Max 2 pets/campsite; crated or leashed max 6 ft; rabies proof required upon request. |
| Reservations | ReserveAmerica (800-456-2267) or (315) 298-5737; booking window not stated. |
| Special sites | No group camp, boat-in, or winter camping stated. |
| Season notes | 2026: Acorn & Bird loops May 15–Oct 25; Chipmunk & Dragonfly loops May 15–Oct 18. Cabins May 15–Oct 18 (Cabins 12–15 and 24 through Oct 25). |
Camping questions about Selkirk Shores State Park
Can you camp at Selkirk Shores State Park?
Yes. Selkirk Shores State Park has 131 campsites + 24 cabins.. Electric/non-electric breakdown and RV length limits not specified on official page; max 6/site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Selkirk Shores State Park?
ReserveAmerica (800-456-2267) or (315) 298-5737; booking window not stated.
Are there cabins at Selkirk Shores State Park?
24 cabins; minimum age 21 required to rent; pets NOT permitted in Cabins 29 & 30 (implying allowed in others). Linen/cookware provision not stated.
Are pets allowed at the Selkirk Shores State Park campground?
Max 2 pets/campsite; crated or leashed max 6 ft; rabies proof required upon request.
Source: parks.ny.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Selkirk Shores State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in most state parks and campgrounds (maximum two pets per site where allowed), but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 ft required, pet under control at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on guarded beaches, boardwalks, pools or spray-grounds
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- No uniform statewide rule — pets are prohibited in buildings and most cabins, but some parks designate pet-friendly cabin areas (e.g. Letchworth Cabin Area C); check with the individual park
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required upon request; maximum two pets per campsite; some parks (e.g. Wildwood State Park) do not allow pets at all
Are dogs allowed at Selkirk Shores State Park?
Pets are permitted in most state parks and campgrounds (maximum two pets per site where allowed), but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ny.gov. More: New York state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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