Whetstone Gulf State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Whetstone Gulf State Park is a gorgeous destination for outdoor recreation in northern New York along the town borders of Martinsburg and Turin. The 515-acre park has a stunning landscape that is marked by the Tug Hill Plateau, Whetstone Creek, and the Whetstone Reservoir. Along the southwestern perimeter of the park, a New York State Reforestation Area is visible via the South Trail. The park's grounds are heavily forested with Norway spruce and red pine trees, and there are grassy clearings in the camping area and the designated swimming area.
Spring 18-65 F
Summer 52-78 F
Fall 27-70 F
Winter 8-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Whetstone Gulf State Park
Whetstone Gulf State Park has 56 campsites that permit both tent and RV camping. The maximum RV length is 30 feet. Many of the campsites have grassy areas that are surrounded by tall trees for a sense of seclusion. Some of the camping spots have electricity hookups. Each campsite has a stone firepit and a picnic table. The restroom facility has hot water showers and flushing toilets. Campers can also use an onsite laundry room, dump station, and playground.
What to Do at
Whetstone Gulf State Park
The five hiking trails at Whetstone Golf State Park offer encompassing views of the gorge and are used for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The man-made swimming area is close to the children's play area and the dam, and it is within walking distance of the campground.
Fishing
Shore fishing is permitted on the reservoir, but it is not allowed at the designated swimming area. The reservoir is stocked seasonally with largemouth bass and tiger muskie. There is not a boat launch or dock available, but visitors may bring non-motorized boats to fish on the water. You will need a fishing license and can get one online before you arrive.
Geocaching
A cache is hidden amidst the towering trees, reservoir, and gorge at Whetstone Gulf State Park. If you want to hunt for treasure on your next camping trip, get the cache's details on the geocache app or website. Once you find one, you can sign the logbook and take a memento.
Nature Watching
Whetstone Gulf State Park is home to numerous year-round and migratory species. While camping and enjoying the trails, look for white-tailed deer, squirrels, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, chipmunks, eagles, watersnakes, beavers, bears, and rabbits.
Stargazing
While Whetstone Gulf State Park is predominantly covered by spruce and pine trees, there are pockets of clearings that provide great views of the night sky. These clearings can be found near picnic areas and on the lake's shoreline.
Hiking
The best way to appreciate the beauty of the gorge is on foot using the 2.7-mile North Rim Gorge Trail and the 2.65-mile South Rim Gorge Trail. Three other trails are available as well, including the 0.17-mile Observation Tower Trail, the 1.3-mile Fitness Trail, and the 0.68-mile Campground Trail.
How to Get to
Whetstone Gulf State Park
Whetstone Gulf State Park is located between Lowville and Boonville in northern New York, making it easy to reach from Rome, Syracuse, and Watertown. From Lowville, travel south along Highway 26. Turn right on County Road 29. Then, turn left on Whetstone Gulf State Park Road to reach the park's entrance. If you are traveling to the park from Booneville, take Highway 12D north and continue on it as it transitions into County Road 29. Turn left on County Road 29. Take another left at Whetstone Gulf State Park Road toward the park's entrance.
Entering Whetstone Gulf State Park
The park is open for summer activities from Memorial Day until mid-September. It is open for winter activities from December 15 to March 15. The campground is open from mid-May through mid-October. The beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the end of June until Labor Day weekend. Parking is available close to the trailheads as well as at the beach and park office.
Whetstone Gulf State Park Entry Fee per vehicle (peak season) : $7.0
Whetstone Gulf State Park Entry Fee per vehicle (non-peak season) : $6.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Whetstone Gulf State Park
With both winter and warm weather activities available at Whetstone Gulf State Park, this is a popular destination across all seasons. The hiking trails used by summer visitors are great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter.
Wildlife is abundant in Whetstone Gulf State Park, with both seasonal and year-round species. During your visit, you could see rabbits, bears, beavers, watersnakes, eagles, chipmunks, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, squirrels, and white-tailed deer.
There are no designated RV camping spots in the state park. The sites all accommodate both tents and RVs.
Campsites can be reserved at no additional cost, but reservations are not required. The nightly rate for New York residents is $15 to $27. Non-residents pay an additional $5 per night.
Two pets per campsite are allowed at Whetstone Gulf State Park. They must be supervised and leashed or crated at all times. Pets are not allowed in the designed swimming area.