Jamesville Beach Park
Nestled just south of the hamlet of Jamesville in LaFayette, New York, Jamesville Beach Park is a beloved Onondaga County park
offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Managed by Onondaga County Parks, this scenic spot borders
the 224-acre Jamesville Reservoir, providing visitors with stunning waterfront views and a variety of activities year-round, though
it’s primarily open from April to October.
A Brief History and Overview
While detailed historical records are sparse, Jamesville Beach Park has long served as a community hub in the Syracuse area. The park’s development ties into the region’s natural landscape, shaped by the reservoir, which sits at an elevation of 700 feet. It’s part of Onondaga County’s extensive park system, emphasizing outdoor recreation and environmental preservation. The area around Jamesville has a rich geological history, with nearby attractions like the Jamesville Quarry hinting at the region’s industrial past, but the park itself focuses on leisure and nature.Features and Attractions
At the heart of the park is its 100-yard (300-foot) lifeguarded beachfront, featuring a shallow water zone from 0 to 4 feet deep, a deeper section up to 10 feet, and a 3,000-square-foot inflatable raft area for added fun. The protected waters of the reservoir make it ideal for non-motorized boating. Surrounding the beach is a wide-open grassy expanse bordered by trees, perfect for picnics, sunbathing, or simply relaxing.The park boasts an array of facilities, including athletic fields for sports, volleyball courts, playgrounds for children, and an 18-hole disc golf course that’s popular among locals and visitors alike. Hiking trails wind through the wooded areas, leading to scenic overlooks of the reservoir and connecting to nearby paths. Pet owners will appreciate the designated off-leash dog areas, though leashes are required on trails.
Activities and Events
Summer is prime time at Jamesville Beach, with swimming supervised by lifeguards and boat rentals available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Options include paddle boats, row boats, canoes, and kayaks, allowing explorers to paddle across the calm reservoir waters.Beyond the beach, the park hosts exciting annual events that draw crowds from across the region. In June, the Syracuse Balloon Festival lights up the skies with colorful hot air balloons, while the Ironman Triathlon challenges athletes with swimming, biking, and running segments incorporating the park’s terrain. Fall brings the Canine Carnival, a fun-filled day for dogs and their owners. Year-round, visitors can enjoy disc golf, hiking, or winter activities like cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
Visitor Information
Admission fees are modest, typically around $7 per vehicle during peak season, with discounts for seniors and free entry for pedestrians and cyclists—check the official Onondaga County Parks website for current rates and hours. The park is easily accessible from Syracuse, about a 15-minute drive south, making it a convenient escape for city dwellers.Whether you’re seeking a lazy beach day, an active adventure, or a family outing, Jamesville Beach Park delivers. Its combination of natural serenity and diverse amenities makes it a must-visit destination in Central New York.
Jamesville Beach Park
Daily Admission
Peak Season
$7 per vehicle
$35 per bus
Veterans & Active Military
Free Admission for one vehicle/car
Present military I.D., Onondaga County FAVOR card, discharge papers or another form of official military identification.
Seniors
Free. Please note: At this time, Jamesville Beach will not be open for swimming in 2021.
(Monday-Thursday only, excluding holidays)
$2 per vehicle
Non-Peak Season Free
Jamesville Beach Park
Park Hours:
April: 9am - 6:30pm
May - August: 9am - 8:30pm
September: 9am - 7:30pm
October: 9am - 6:30pm
November - March: Closed. The Dog Park/Off Leash Area will remain open during this time.
Jamesville Beach Park
Athletic Fields
Canoeing / Kayaking
Disc Golf
Dogs Allowed
Fishing
Picnic Areas
Playgrounds
Swimming
Trails (Walking/Hiking)
Volleyball
Physical Address:
3992 Apulia Road
Jamesville, NY 13078
Mailing Address:
4110 West Shore Manor
Jamesville, NY 13078
(315) 435-5252
Fax: (315) 435-1419
For more info, the latest hours, programs/events, etc. - go to
Jamesville Beach
Dogs Allowed
Pets must be on a leash not longer than 6', inoculated for rabies and never be left unattended. Mutt mitts and receptacles are provided for cleaning up after your dog. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, playground, in buildings or in the beach picnic areas during beach season. Pets are not allowed at special events. There is an designated off leash area in the park.
Off-Leash Area Rules
Under visual and voice control of owner, pets may run free in the Special Event Field section of the the park EXCEPT during Special Events. Pets are not allowed at Special Events.
Pets must be controlled by owners at all times.
When leaving the off-leash area, dogs must be leashed, see information above.
Owners must clean-up after their pets. Clean-up mitts and waste stations are located throughout the park.
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