Former Beachwood Girl Scout Camp, Sodus Point, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers who appreciate a camping experience that is rugged, steeped in history, and centered on natural beauty, the site of the former Beachwood Girl Scout Camp, now officially known as Beechwood State Park, represents a truly unique destination in the Finger Lakes region. Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario in Sodus Point, New York, this park spans approximately 288 acres and holds the compelling remnants of nearly 70 years of history as a beloved youth camp.

Unlike typical, fully-developed state parks, Beechwood is intentionally maintained as a preserve, offering a raw, back-to-nature experience. The property was a thriving Girl Scout camp from 1929 until the mid-1990s, and its closure led to a unique situation where many of the old camp buildings—cabins, lodges, and lean-tos—remain on the grounds, slowly being reclaimed by nature. This juxtaposition of decaying structures and lush, evolving wilderness creates an atmosphere that is both beautiful and intriguing, attracting hikers, history enthusiasts, and primitive campers alike.

Management of Beechwood State Park is a local effort, overseen by the Town of Sodus under a lease agreement with New York State. This local management ensures that while formal development has been minimal, essential maintenance, such as clearing trails and securing buildings, is performed to make the area accessible and safe for public use. Visitors often praise the experience of walking the multiple trails, with one path leading to beautiful views of Lake Ontario and another offering great fun for both walking and camping. For those in New York looking for an affordable, adventure-filled, and slightly off-the-beaten-path outdoor experience, Beechwood State Park provides a perfect getaway.

Location and Accessibility

Beechwood State Park is situated along Lake Ontario in Wayne County, New York, specifically near the community of Sodus Point. While the general location is given by the GPS coordinates 7XC9+2M, Sodus Point, NY 14551, the park is physically located on Lake Road, approximately two miles west of the main Sodus Point village. This location places it squarely in the northern Finger Lakes region, a highly accessible area for many New York State residents.

Accessibility by car is straightforward, with parking available at two main points along Lake Road—an east entrance near Maxwell Creek and a west entrance further down the road. It’s important for local users to note that the park is intentionally underdeveloped. There are no large signs or grand entrances, adding to its preserved, natural feel. From the parking areas, well-worn, grassy paths and mowed trails lead visitors into the heart of the former camp.

The park’s eastern boundary is Maxwell Creek, which flows into Lake Ontario, providing a key point of accessibility for water activities. Its proximity to the nearby Chimney Bluffs State Park also means that travelers exploring the natural wonders of the Lake Ontario shoreline can easily combine a visit to both locations, experiencing two distinct but equally compelling aspects of New York's preserved coastline. For New York residents, this location offers a convenient escape to a unique area that feels far removed from the hustle of city or even suburban life.

Services Offered

Due to its designation as a preserve, Beechwood State Park offers minimal, self-sustaining services, aligning with its primitive camping focus. The park is intended for those who come prepared to be self-sufficient and appreciate a stripped-down, traditional outdoor experience.

Primitive Tent Camping: The park permits primitive tent camping anywhere on the grounds, though the Town of Sodus currently directs campers to designated areas. The fee is notably low at $15.00 per night, making it highly affordable for New Yorkers. Reservations are not generally required, but campers must check in with the on-site caretaker upon arrival (3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Red Barn entrance).
Minimal Facilities: Basic facilities include two public toilets located at the eastern entrance's picnic area.
Campfire Access: Fire rings are available in close proximity to many of the structures and lean-to areas, providing spots for legal and safe campfires.
Canoe/Kayak Access: An access point for launching canoes and kayaks into Maxwell Creek and Maxwell Bay is available near the eastern entrance, providing a direct link to Lake Ontario.
Pet-Friendly: The park is dog-friendly, allowing a maximum of two leashed dogs per campsite, provided owners have current proof of rabies inoculation at check-in and adhere to a strict leash policy (no longer than 6 feet) and cleanup rules.
Caretaker Presence: A caretaker is on the property to manage check-ins, oversee the grounds, and enforce park rules, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all visitors.

Features / Highlights

The features of Beechwood State Park are a blend of natural landscape and historical ruins, creating a powerful, evocative atmosphere:

Historic Camp Ruins: Visitors can explore the remnants of the former Camp Beechwood, including old cabins, Adirondack lean-tos, a dining hall, and even an abandoned in-ground pool, providing a unique "urban exploration" feel within a state park setting.
Lake Ontario Shoreline: The park boasts over 3,500 feet of natural, undeveloped shoreline along Lake Ontario, offering stunning, often dramatic views from the bluffs, which are constantly shaped by natural erosion.
Extensive Trail System: Several miles of mowed hiking trails and former dirt roads wind through the property's diverse ecosystems—including old-growth forest, a white pine plantation, and open meadows—all ideal for hiking and exploration.
Maxwell Creek Access: The park's eastern boundary on Maxwell Creek provides excellent access for fishing and paddling, giving visitors a chance to connect with the local waterways.
Birding Opportunities: The park is a prime location for birdwatching, especially during migration periods, with Bald Eagles, Red-Tailed Hawks, and numerous waterfowl species commonly sighted.
Affordable Adventure: With no entry fee and a low nightly camping cost, it is one of the most cost-effective outdoor adventure spots in the New York State Parks system, perfect for budget-conscious explorers.

Contact Information

As the park is managed by the Town of Sodus, inquiries regarding camping rules, availability, or general information should be directed to the Town offices.

General Location Address: 7XC9+2M, Sodus Point, NY 14551, USA (This is the GPS coordinate for the immediate area.)

Primary Management Contact (Town Clerk): (315) 483-6934

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Beechwood State Park is an invaluable resource for New York State residents, especially those looking to escape the overly manicured and crowded environment of highly developed campgrounds. For the local New Yorker, this park offers a unique opportunity for "heritage camping"—a chance to connect with the past while enjoying the present wilderness. It is an affordable and accessible spot for families, student groups, or solo adventurers who want to practice genuine, leave-no-trace primitive camping in a beautiful, historically rich setting.

The appeal for locals lies in its layered experience. You are not just hiking a trail; you are walking the paths of a 70-year-old Girl Scout camp, adding a fascinating element of discovery and exploration to a simple day trip or overnight stay. Furthermore, its location in the Finger Lakes, coupled with its proximity to other natural treasures like Chimney Bluffs, makes it a centerpiece for a weekend getaway in the region. The park embodies a commitment to preservation and local management, making it a beloved hidden gem—a truly distinct, affordable, and engaging New York experience that encourages self-sufficiency and respect for history and nature.