Camping Companions

On the shore of Lake Ontario in a sleepy little town lays one of the most unique camping experiences in Niagara County. Golden Hill State Park is a 510-acre state park on the south shore of Lake Ontario. Reservations can be made at http://www.reserveamerica.com. What makes this campground so unique is the Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse that resides right inside the park, steps away from all of the campsites. You can even tour the lighthouse for $1.00 per person and climb the stairs to the top to look out at the expanse of Lake Ontario. Visit the museum on-site to learn more about the lighthouse’s history. A standard campsite at Golden Hill consists of electric and water hookups for $22. per night. Some sites are pull-through, others are back in. Non-electric waterfront sites are $21. per night. There are 6 yurts for $100. per night each, plus for the ultimate accommodations, rent the lighthouse cottage. Call for pricing and availability. Pets are not allowed in the cottage, but up to two pets can accompany you while camping. Just don’t forget your dog’s rabies certificate. The park offers the most adorable playground designed to resemble the lighthouse it shares its park with. The bathhouse is very clean and has historic pictures of the lighthouse printed on tiles lining the walls. The sunsets here are like none other. Personally, we don’t see any reason to ever leave the park, but if you must…

Click the link at the bottom of the blog for our video tour

Just down the road there is a boat launch, fishing, frisbee golf, pavilions, and picnic area. There is a $7.00 fee to launch your boat. We would not recommend kayaking in Lake Ontario. The waves can get quite large and weather at times can be unpredictable. To learn about a better alternative, read on.

If you forgot something, head to nearby Miller’s Bulk Food & Bakery. This Amish run market has some of the freshest meat, produce, bakery goods, and bulk food around. Also sold there is Amish made furniture, outdoor sheds, birdhouses, firewood and more.

Venture a little further out to Leonard Oaks Estate Winery where you can sample wine, cider, and wine slushies. They also offer baked goods, as well as fresh produce at the market next door. Learn more about their brand new Wine & Cider Club by clicking here.

The nearby town of Medina has much to offer. You can kayak up to an impressive waterfall by dropping in at Glenwood Lake and paddling up Oak Orchard River. This easy paddle is so refreshing when the mist from the falls washes over you. You can drive or walk under the Erie Canal through the Medina culvert, which was built in 1853 as a cheaper alternative to building a bridge over the Erie canal and is the only road that goes under the canal. Step back in time at the Medina Railroad Museum. Business hours are Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00pm. They are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. The vintage locomotive and train cars from 1947 to 1957 features five passenger cars and two first class cars that provide a view of the passing landscape. The highly rated Double Dips is the place to go for ice cream in the area, and afterwards, ride your bicycle along the Erie Canal bike path to burn off those calories. Sunday church can be attended at St. John’s Episcopal Church which is weirdly known as the church in the middle of the road. If you forgot to pack something, Tops Markets in Medina is where to go in a pinch, although Miller’s is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

We hope you enjoyed this tour of Golden Hill. Click on the link below to see our video tour. Pressed for time? We also have a 60 seconds or less highlight video. We’ve love it if you would subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow along on Facebook.