Westcott Beach Plateau Camping, Smithville, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Northern New York Camping Escape

For New York residents seeking a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle, a journey upstate to the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario offers an ideal retreat. Westcott Beach Plateau Camping, a distinctive section of the larger Westcott Beach State Park, is a premier destination offering a serene, high-elevation camping experience. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the stunning Henderson Bay, this campground provides more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it offers spectacular views, a tranquil, wooded atmosphere, and direct access to a wealth of state park amenities.

The "Plateau" loop specifically stands out for its elevated position, which grants campers a breathtaking panorama of Lake Ontario and the surrounding rolling, wooded hills. It's a favorite among those who prioritize a quiet, forested environment and stunning natural beauty. As noted by one satisfied customer, it's a "Beautiful campground" in a "Convenient location," and importantly for many New Yorkers with four-legged family members, it is "Very dog friendly" within the specific loop's rules.

Westcott Beach State Park, which encompasses the Plateau Camping area, is considered a flagship facility in the Thousand Islands / Lake Ontario region, ensuring visitors have access to a high standard of recreation and comfort. The camping season typically runs from May through the Columbus Day weekend, making it a perfect spot for spring, summer, and fall getaways.

Location and Accessibility: Gateway to the Thousand Islands

Westcott Beach Plateau Camping is strategically located in Northern New York State, within the boundaries of Westcott Beach State Park in Jefferson County. The official address for navigation to this beautiful retreat is:

15402 Plateau Rd, Smithville, NY 13605, USA

While the physical address directs you to the specific Plateau camping loop, the park itself is easily accessible off of NY Route 3, just a short drive west of the historic village of Sackets Harbor. For New York users traveling from downstate or other parts of the state, the drive offers a scenic journey into the heart of the 1000 Islands region. Its proximity to Lake Ontario positions it perfectly for visitors interested in waterfront recreation, fishing, and exploring the natural and historical sites of the greater region.

The park is well-maintained by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), meaning road access within the park is clearly marked. The Plateau Loop is distinct from the main beach-side camping areas (Gypsy and Triangle loops), sitting on the western side of NY-3 on an elevated landform, contributing to its quiet and scenic advantage. The park’s main contact station handles check-in for all camping loops.

Services Offered

Westcott Beach Plateau Camping, as part of the broader State Park, provides essential services to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all visitors. The following amenities are available to campers:

Individual Campsites: Options for both RVs (up to 50 feet in length in the main park, with the Plateau loop primarily accommodating RVs and trailers) and tents, all typically equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
Electrical Hookups: All sites within the Plateau Loop feature 20-amp electric hookups.
Modern Restrooms and Showers: The Plateau Loop has its own modern restroom facility with showers, ensuring cleanliness and convenience.
Sanitary Dumping Station: While individual sewage hookups are not available in the Plateau Loop, a centralized dump station for RVs is provided within the park (located in the main Gypsy/Triangle loops area) for camper use.
Freshwater Spigots: Access to potable water is available throughout the camping area.
Accessible Facilities: Most park amenities, including showers, playgrounds, and picnic areas, are designed to be handicapped-accessible.
Camp Store/Concession: A new concession kitchen and camp store, built as part of recent park improvements, provides food and essential supplies.
Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic spots are available, including reservable pavilions for groups.
First Aid Station: A dedicated station is staffed for immediate medical assistance.

Features / Highlights

The special characteristics of the Westcott Beach Plateau Camping experience make it a sought-after destination. Its key highlights include:

Spectacular Lake Views: The Plateau's elevated position provides a marvelous overlook offering commanding, often breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the Henderson Bay area—a must-see feature of this camping section.
Pet-Friendly Loop: Unlike the day-use and beach areas of the park, the Plateau Loop is specifically designated as a pet-friendly camping area, welcoming leashed dogs, a major convenience for local New York dog owners.
Direct Beach Access: Campers have convenient access to the long, sandy beach of Westcott Beach State Park for swimming (during designated hours with lifeguard coverage) and sunbathing.
Boating and Fishing Opportunities: A small marina is adjacent to the beach, with a boat launch site and dockage available to accommodate anglers keen on Lake Ontario's excellent black bass and other sport fishing.
Extensive Recreational Trails: The park features several miles of hiking trails that wind through wooded hills and meadows, which double as popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paths in the winter off-season.
New Full-Service Cottages: Recent park improvements have added accessible, full-service cottages to the park's offerings, located nearby on the bluff with spectacular lake views, providing a comfortable alternative to traditional camping.
Children’s Playground and Activities: A well-equipped playground and open playing fields make the park family-friendly, catering to younger visitors.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, and more detailed park information, New Yorkers can use the following details:

Address: 15402 Plateau Rd, Smithville, NY 13605, USA (Part of Westcott Beach State Park)

Phone: Park Office / Contact Station phone numbers are available via the New York State Parks official system for current operating hours and details. The general park contact number is (315) 646-2239.

Reservations for campsites and cottages are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, and are managed through the New York State Parks reservation system.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Westcott Beach Plateau Camping is an exceptional choice for New York locals, offering a high-quality, authentic outdoor experience without sacrificing essential comforts. Its location in the Thousand Islands region makes it a fantastic long weekend or week-long destination for those seeking to explore the vast natural beauty of upstate New York. The 'Plateau' offers a quieter, more wooded setting than the main beach loops, appealing to residents who truly want to feel immersed in nature while enjoying the convenience of electrical hookups and modern restroom facilities.

For families, the blend of beach access, playgrounds, and safe hiking trails provides endless recreation. For anglers, the adjacent marina and Lake Ontario's reputation for excellent fishing are a significant draw. Furthermore, the explicit pet-friendly nature of the Plateau Loop is a major advantage for local dog owners who often struggle to find welcoming campgrounds. As a well-invested-in New York State Park, the facilities are reliable, clean, and increasingly accessible. This campground is not just a place to sleep; it’s a full recreational hub and a peaceful vantage point for experiencing one of Lake Ontario's most spectacular shorelines, making it a perfect, close-to-home getaway for all New Yorkers.