Campground

- 7322 Sprongs Bluff, Sodus, NY 14551

For New Yorkers looking for an authentic and budget-friendly wilderness experience, the Campground at 7322 Sprongs Bluff in Sodus, NY—officially known as Beechwood State Park and managed by the Town of Sodus—offers a unique and compelling retreat. This is not your typical RV park; this 288-acre expanse is a natural preserve built on the grounds of a historic, abandoned Girl Scout camp that operated for nearly seven decades. This fascinating history creates an atmosphere that is both "eerie but serene," as described by past visitors, with plenty of unique structures and trails to explore.

The key to enjoying this location is understanding its unique character: it is a dedicated primitive camping site. This means it intentionally provides minimal modern infrastructure, focusing instead on pure, restorative nature. Importantly, the town has taken significant steps to manage the property, with a dedicated Caretaker who is "on patrol to keep it safe and clean," and past problems like graffiti have been removed. This commitment ensures a secure environment for campers who appreciate nature in its raw form. The modest camping fee of $15.00 per person per night makes this one of the most affordable and distinctive camping opportunities on the shores of Lake Ontario.

If you value seclusion, history, and natural beauty over modern amenities, this hidden gem in Wayne County provides a perfect escape.

The Campground is situated at 7322 Sprongs Bluff, Sodus, NY 14551, USA, placing it directly on the bluffs overlooking the stunning shores of Lake Ontario in Northern New York. This location in the Town of Sodus is part of the picturesque region near the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes.

• Address: 7322 Sprongs Bluff, Sodus, NY 14551, USA
• Scenic Setting: The property features thousands of feet of undeveloped shoreline and is characterized by wooded areas, meadows, and hills, offering panoramic views of the lake.
• Accessibility: The park is managed by the Town of Sodus, with check-in handled by the Caretaker at the main entrance (Red Barn) from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Access requires checking in to ensure a safe and controlled environment.
• Nearby Attractions: The location is just a short drive from Sodus Point, offering access to the largest bay on Lake Ontario, local restaurants, boat rentals, and the historic Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum. Additionally, the stunning Chimney Bluffs State Park is located nearby, providing more incredible hiking and views of dramatic shoreline bluffs.

The location offers an authentic upstate coastal camping feel, perfect for explorers interested in both the lake's history and its natural environment.

As a designated primitive camping area, the services offered at the Campground prioritize safety, preservation, and the bare necessities for an authentic outdoor stay. It is essential for campers to be fully prepared, as minimal comforts are provided.

• On-Site Caretaker/Security: A dedicated Caretaker is on patrol to maintain a safe and clean environment and manage check-ins, directly addressing past concerns about the property.
• Designated Camping Only: Camping is strictly allowed only in marked, designated primitive areas, which helps preserve the grounds. Campers must inform the Caretaker of their site choice and may not change location without permission.
• Vehicle Management: A maximum of two vehicles are allowed per site, and they must remain in the designated parking lot with assigned tags while camping.
• Affordable Nightly Fee: Camping costs $15.00 per person per night, with a limit of seven consecutive night stays.
• Basic Facilities: While primitive, the grounds include designated camping circles, picnic shelters, and a central pavilion, which is a remnant of the former camp.
• Pet Policy: A maximum of two dogs is allowed per campsite, but they must always be on a leash (no longer than 6ft) and current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in.

The charm of the Campground at Sprongs Bluff lies in its unique history and natural assets, offering more of an exploration destination than a typical recreational park.

• Historic Former Girl Scout Camp: The property was known as Camp Beechwood from 1929 until the mid-1990s. Exploring the quiet trails and finding the remnants of old camp buildings, lodges, and even a deteriorating former pool provides a fascinating, almost nostalgic, "eerie but serene" experience.
• Extensive Walking and Hiking Trails: The preserve features several miles of mowed and natural walking paths, perfect for hiking and exploring the 288 acres of forest and meadows. Visitors highlight the "lots of walking trails" available.
• Lake Ontario Access: The park boasts 3,500 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Ontario, offering spots for fishing and swimming. Access to Maxwell Creek also provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
• Dedicated Fishing: The area is known for fishing access both along the shoreline and on the adjacent Maxwell Creek.
• Natural and Secluded Setting: The environment is rugged, natural, and beautiful, providing an authentic feeling of being deep in the woods, away from the typical noise and crowds of modern campgrounds.
• Commitment to Safety and Cleanliness: Current management has actively addressed and removed the signs of past decay (like graffiti) and has a Caretaker present to ensure the grounds are secure and the rules—especially quiet hours (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM)—are respected.

For all inquiries, including current rules, camping availability, and check-in procedures, campers should contact the Town of Sodus, which manages the facility.

Address: 7322 Sprongs Bluff, Sodus, NY 14551, USA

Phone: Prospective campers should contact the Town of Sodus municipal offices for the appropriate Caretaker number or office contact, as a direct public line for the site is often for a Caretaker only. Using the town's official contact information is recommended for reliable, up-to-date guidance on the park.

For New York residents, the Campground at Sprongs Bluff is an exceptional and highly suitable getaway, especially for those who identify as adventure seekers, history buffs, and primitive camping enthusiasts.

• Unmatched Value: At just $15.00 per person per night, this location is an incredibly affordable option for a multi-day trip, making nature accessible to budget-conscious locals across the state.
• A True Escape: The intentional focus on primitive camping and the lack of traditional RV amenities force a genuine disconnection from screens and modern life. It’s an authentic way to "take a hike," fish, and enjoy the solitude of Lake Ontario's bluffs.
• Local Heritage and Exploration: The historical layer of the abandoned Girl Scout Camp offers a fascinating exploration opportunity unique to this New York site. It allows visitors to engage with local history and a unique architectural landscape in a way that typical parks cannot.
• Safety and Peace of Mind: With the active presence of a Caretaker and clear rules regarding waste, noise, and safety, locals can be assured that the "beautiful and safe" environment is proactively maintained, a significant improvement from its abandoned state years ago.

In summary, if you are a New Yorker looking for an affordable, interesting, and deeply natural primitive camping adventure with a touch of local history near the Great Lakes, this unique preserve in Sodus is an outstanding choice.

Campground

7322 Sprongs Bluff, Sodus, NY 14551, USA