Want to go boating? Visit Sampson State Park while you're in the Finger Lakes
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  • Writer's pictureSara Aber

Want to go boating? Visit Sampson State Park while you're in the Finger Lakes


Do you want to go boating? Sampson State Park is your place!


Sampson State Park is a stunning destination located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in Romulus, New York. Formerly a Naval training center during World War II, this park is now a popular recreational area that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and amenities. The park features 309 campsites, including 245 electric sites and 64 non-electric sites, as well as 10 cabins for rent that offer stunning views of the lake. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting, as well as picnic areas, a swimming beach, a recreation hall, and a nature center. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guided hikes, fishing derbies, and educational programs. Nearby attractions include wineries, museums, and historical sites such as the Corning Museum of Glass, Watkins Glen State Park, and the Women's Rights National Historical Park. With its beautiful scenery and many amenities, Sampson State Park is a must-visit destination in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Here's everything you need to know about this popular destination:

  1. History: Sampson State Park was originally a Naval training center during World War II. After the war, the land was used for various purposes until the 1960s when the state of New York purchased the land and turned it into a state park.

  2. Location: Sampson State Park is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, about 50 miles southwest of Syracuse and 50 miles northwest of Ithaca. It is easily accessible from major highways including the New York State Thruway and State Route 414.

  3. Activities: Sampson State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. The park has two boat launches and a marina, as well as several miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of Seneca Lake and the surrounding countryside.

  4. Campsites: Sampson State Park has 309 campsites, including 245 electric sites and 64 non-electric sites. The campsites are located in several camping loops, each with its own amenities such as showers, restrooms, and playgrounds.

  5. Cabins: In addition to campsites, Sampson State Park also offers 10 cabins for rent. The cabins are located near the lake and offer beautiful views, as well as amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and air conditioning.

  6. Amenities: Sampson State Park has many amenities for visitors, including picnic areas, a swimming beach, a recreation hall, and a nature center. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guided hikes, fishing derbies, and educational programs.

  7. Nearby attractions: Sampson State Park is located near many other attractions in the Finger Lakes region, including wineries, museums, and historical sites. Some popular destinations include the Corning Museum of Glass, Watkins Glen State Park, and the Women's Rights National Historical Park.

Sampson State Park is a beautiful and popular destination in the Finger Lakes region, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're camping, boating, or just enjoying the views, Sampson State Park is a must-visit destination in New York State.




Courtesy of the New York State Parks website

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