Long Point State Park is the premier public access point on Chautauqua Lake — a 320-acre peninsula between Bemus Point and Maple Springs with a lifeguarded beach, 4-lane boat launch, marina, and hiking trails.
It is strictly day-use only — no overnight camping or cabins in the park. Nearby campgrounds are listed below.
Long Point State Park Beach & Swimming
Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua (located at 4459 NY-430, Bemus Point) offers the following visitor details:
Lifeguard & Beach Hours: Beach is typically guarded mid-June through Labor Day, Thursday through Monday, midday to early evening, staff and weather permitting. See Current Beach Hours →
Parking & Fees: Two large lots near the beach. A vehicle use fee is collected during peak season. Empire Pass accepted. See Current Fees →
Sand & Water Quality- Beach Conditions: The beach area is tranquil, but the shoreline and water entry are shallow and notably rocky.
- Footwear Recommendation: Water shoes are highly recommended due to sharp, invasive zebra mussels scattered along the lakebed.
- Amenities: The park features a modern, clean bathhouse structure.
- Showers & Restrooms: Public restrooms and changing stalls with showers are available for beachgoers. These facilities typically remain open daily from mid-May through mid-October.
- Parking: The property includes dedicated wheelchair-accessible car and van parking spaces onsite.
- Entrances: Main day-use entrance pathways and primary facilities feature accessible entry styling.
- Terrain Note: While the main walkways out to the peninsula are well-maintained, access directly onto the natural sandy/rocky shoreline lacks specialized beach-mat paths or mobility chair ramps.
Boat Launch & Marina at Long Point
The Boat Launch & Marina at Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua features the most modern public boat launch on the lake, is a premier 4-lane concrete launch. It features generous trailer parking, seasonal marina slips, marine fuel, kayak/boat rentals, and a small waterfront restaurant.
Marina & Launch Features
- 4-lane concrete ramp — the most modern on Chautauqua Lake, open seasonally, 24 hours a day. Large trailer parking lot with temporary docking.
- Marina slips: Seasonal and transient slips managed by the park. See Current Slip Info →
- Fuel & amenities: On-site concessionaire with fuel dock, marine supplies, bait, groceries, pump-out station, and small restaurant.
- Rentals: Kayak and boat rentals through marina concession. Full-service motorized rentals nearby at Chautauqua Marina in Mayville.
- Contact: Park office (716) 386-2722 • Marina (716) 294-1374
Nearby Camping & Cabins — Long Point Is Day-Use Only
Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua is strictly a day-use park, meaning overnight camping and cabins are not permitted on the property. However, the park features a modern boat launch, a marina for seasonal and transient slip rentals, a guarded beach, hiking trails, and picnic pavilions.If you are looking to stay overnight near the park and Lake Chautauqua, several highly-rated campgrounds and cabin rentals are located nearby:
Chautauqua Lake KOA Holiday
Address: 5652 Thum Rd, Dewittville, NY 14728Phone: (716) 386-3804
Website: Chautauqua Lake KOA Holiday
Located in Dewittville (about 4 miles north of Long Point State Park), this resort-style campground offers spacious RV/tent sites with full hookups, rustic cabins, and safari tents. Amenities include a pool, mini-golf, and themed weekends.
Get Maps Directions
Camp Chautauqua
Address: 3901 NY-394, Mayville, NY 14757Phone: (716) 789-3435
Website: Camp Chautauqua
A family-run lakeside campground situated just a few miles away, offering everything from non-hookup tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with 50-amp power, Wi-Fi, and lake access.
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Chautauqua Gorge Campground
Address: 8054 Hannum Rd, Mayville, NY 14757Phone: (716) 489-8635
Website: Chautauqua Lake KOA Holiday
Located in nearby Mayville, NY, this heavily wooded, 45-acre retreat is situated along Chautauqua Creek and features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals.
Get Maps DirectionsHiking Trails & Nature at Long Point
Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua is a 320-acre day-use park located on a glacial moraine peninsula that juts into the lake near Bemus Point, New York. The park features gentle, family-friendly hiking trails, sweeping water views, and a rich lakeside environment.
Key Hiking Trails
- The Peninsula Loop Trail (The Tip)A 1-mile flat loop that leads directly out to the narrow tip of Long Point. It provides dramatic, panoramic, lake-level views of Chautauqua Lake. Inland trails wind through a mature, dense hardwood forest featuring large oaks, maples, and beeches.
- Long Point Main Loop 2.3-mile easy trail that takes about 45 to 60 minutes to complete. The trail has an elevation gain of 154 feet, winding through scenic woodlands and old-school singletrack paths.
- Perimeter Loop longer 4.1-mile moderate route that traces the shoreline and passes through historical sections of the former Minturn estate.
Nature and Wildlife
- Glacial Geology: The peninsula itself is a natural lateral moraine formed by a retreating glacier thousands of years ago.
- Thick Woodlands: The mature forest canopy consists of beech, maple, spruce, poplar, and oak trees.
- Birdwatching: Over 120 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Common sightings include the Bufflehead Duck, Tundra Swan, Purple Martin, Spot Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons, and various migratory warblers.
- Woodland Animals: Home to white-tailed deer, foxes, wild turkeys, and numerous songbird species.
- Observation: The transition zones where the forest meets the lake provide the best vantage points for wildlife photography.
Winter Cross-Country Skiing
- When winter arrives, the park transitions from a summer beach destination into a quiet snow sport haven.
- Terrain: The gentle, rolling terrain of the wooded trails and open picnic areas is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Trail Maintenance: Trails are ungroomed but widely used by local enthusiasts, creating natural tracks in the snow.
- Scenery: Skiing along the peninsula offers stark, beautiful views of the frozen lake and snow-draped hardwoods.
Essential Park Logistics
- Hours & Access: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Day-use only, no overnight camping.
- Trail Navigation: Paths can be poorly marked or obscured by leaf litter in certain wooded sections. It is highly recommended to look at the official NYS Long Point Trail Map before heading out.
- Amenities: The park features a beach, bathhouse, modern 4-lane boat launch, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions. Dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept on a leash.
Fishing & Picnic Areas
Long Point offers some of the best shore fishing on Chautauqua Lake, especially for walleye and muskellunge. Three reservable picnic pavilions, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a playground round out the day-use area.
Other shore fishing + picnic parks nearby: McCrea Point Park in Jamestown, Lakeside Park in Mayville, and Midway State Park in Bemus Point.
Long Point State Park Hours, Fees & Parking
Open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Boat launch open 24 hours seasonally. Vehicle entry fee collected peak season — Empire Pass accepted. Launch included with entry.
See Current Hours & Fees on NY State Parks →
Directions: Long Point to Bemus Point, Mayville & Jamestown
Long Point State Park: 4459 NY-430, Bemus Point, NY. About 5 minutes from Bemus Point, 15 minutes from Mayville, 25 minutes from Jamestown.
📍 Get Maps Directions to Long Point →
Chautauqua Lake Guide: Institution, Mayville & Bemus Point
Focus: Arts • Education • Summer Lectures • Lakeside Towns • Boat Tours • Walleye & Musky Fishing
Culturally, Chautauqua is famous for its historic institution centered on arts, education, and summer lectures, alongside premier walleye and muskie fishing.
→ Chautauqua Lake Guide: Institution, Mayville & Bemus Point
Jamestown: Lucy Museum & Comedy Center
Focus: I Love Lucy History, National Comedy Center, Downtown Dining
Lucy Museum + Comedy Center, downtown dining, and McCrea Point Park.
Long Point State Park FAQs
Can you camp at Long Point State Park?
No. Long Point is strictly day-use only — no overnight camping or cabins in the park. Nearby campgrounds include Chautauqua Lake KOA Holiday, Camp Chautauqua, and Chautauqua Gorge Campground.
Is there a lifeguarded beach at Long Point?
Yes. The beach is typically guarded mid-June through Labor Day, Thursday through Monday, midday to early evening, staff and weather permitting. Water shoes are recommended — the entry is shallow and rocky with zebra mussels. See current hours on NY State Parks.
Is there a boat launch at Long Point State Park?
Yes. A 4-lane concrete ramp — the most modern on Chautauqua Lake — open seasonally, 24 hours a day, with trailer parking and temporary docking. Marina slips, fuel dock, and rentals are available through the on-site concessionaire.
Is there a fee to enter Long Point State Park?
Yes, a vehicle use fee is collected during peak season. Empire Pass is accepted. Launch is included with entry. See current fees on NY State Parks — fees change.
What are the best hiking trails at Long Point?
Peninsula Loop (1 mile, flat, to the tip of the point), Long Point Main Loop (2.3 miles, easy, 45-60 minutes), and Perimeter Loop (4.1 miles, moderate, shoreline + former Minturn estate). Trails are ungroomed in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Are dogs allowed at Long Point State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome on trails and in day-use areas but must be kept on a leash. Check current beach rules for dogs on the swimming beach — rules vary by season.