This state park is the perfect size for a family camping trip, offering just the right amount of accommodations to make it comfortable for everyone. There is a network of trails that takes you all over the camp, including the various camping spaces available for rent. A comprehensive review and guide to this location will be available soon.

Check In

After some mishaps with the GPS directions, I was able to contact the park’s caretaker and meet him at their check-in building. I paid for two nights ($30, $15/night) in cash and received a hand receipt for the transaction. At this time, I discovered my first mistake, not packing my gear in my backpack. I packed all my equipment into a large plastic bin, and many of the best camping spots were located almost a mile into the park. Motor vehicles are not permitted, so I was worried about lugging a large bin with me. Luckily, there is a section of the camp that has camping areas close to a parking lot.

Camp Setup

I was able to carry my tote to one of the lean-tos and started setting up camp. I had seen the shelters online, so I knew I would be better off sleeping in a tent rather than my usual hammock. So I set up my tent and sleeping system. I use a sleeping bag, closed-cell foam pad, and an inflatable pad. This may seem over the top, but since weight is not a factor, I wanted to be more comfortable.

First Night

My first night camping was pretty relaxing. Another family was there, but the kids were quiet, and everything was tame after quiet hours started. I quickly found out that the nearby bay had plenty of stagnant water, which was attracting mosquitoes, as I was being bitten all over. Luckily, I was able to hide in my tent to read, enjoy drinks, and listen to music on my earbuds. I was asleep by about 11 and had my clothes all picked out for tomorrow’s hike.

Morning Hike

Starting Out

After a good night’s sleep, I got dressed and was on the trail at about 7:15 AM. There was a loop that went from the campground toward some large fields. Several groups had set up tents nearby, but the field was otherwise clear. Given that this used to be a Girl Scout camp, I can only imagine the games that were played there. Now, the only games played were by the groundhogs I spotted, darting around the edge of the clearing.

Tent Platforms

The trail went from the fields toward open woods and some large wooden tent platforms. This was a hit of nostalgia, as camps I stayed at in my youth had similar setups. Several tents were using them, with a few families waking up and preparing breakfast. But soon I was about to come to the highlight of the hike.

Lake Ontario

An abandoned structure loomed in the distance, and just beyond it were the shores of Lake Ontario. The trail led to a small sandy beach where I assume swimmers enjoyed many days cooling off in the summer heat. Nearby, I spotted two swans with several young with them.

The trail led inland a little, which is where I spotted a whitetail deer feeding. It was quite tame and let me walk on the trail for a while before running. At this point, I realized I had made a mistake and was not looking for more deer. Two others joined it and trotted away from me and the lake.

At this point, the trail was truly magical. I was on cliffs about 20-30 feet above the shore. The sun was just rising in the sky, making everything look gorgeous. The trail continued on to what I would consider the most coveted camping spot in the park. It was on the cliff overlooking the lake and had a pavilion nearby. Campers were already there, so out of respect, I refrained from taking any photographs.

Maxwell Bay

The trail turned inland to follow the small bay that was near my campground. The bay was pretty, but trees often obscured the view. As I continued along, I encountered the most overgrown parts of the trail, with picker bushes and other vegetation encroaching over the path. But soon I was back on the larger trail I took at the beginning of the trip. In no time, I was back at my campsite and ready to get ready for the rest of the day.

Seeing Sodus

I spent most of the day seeing the sights of Sodus and the surrounding areas. However, my day got off to a great start at Imprint Coffeehouse. The coffee and atmosphere were both great. While I didn’t have any of their food, it looked and smelled delicious.

Second Night

I came back a little after dark to find the parking lot gate closed. Luckily, it was only closed and not locked. After that initial panic, I was able to park my car and head to camp. The second night was a bit more crowded, with two additional families at the shelters. It was a little noisy until quiet hours started, but thanks to my rechargeable fan/light, I was able to stay cool in my tent and get some reading done.

Packing Up

The next morning, I had an easy pack with only a few trips to the car. There was no checkout process, so my only stop was to take pictures by the official Beechwood State Park sign. But overall, this was a great place to camp and hike.

What went well

• My rechargeable fan/light was instrumental in keeping cool throughout the night. It came with a solar panel for charging, and after being left out all day, it was ready to keep me cool all night.
• This was my first time trying out my inflatable and foam sleeping pads. While it was certainly comfortable, I’m still getting used to sleeping on a narrow surface.

Even Better If

• Packing my gear in tote bags seemed like a great idea until I realized most of the best camping spots were located over a mile into the park. Next time I’ll bring a wagon or my backpack.
• While it’s tied to my previous point, getting one of the camping spots on the cliff overlooking Lake Ontario is definitely one of my “even better if” moments. I’m excited to come back, arrive early, and hike into that spot soon!