Selkirk Back Door

For New Yorkers seeking to connect with nature, enjoy stunning lakeside views, and experience the tranquility of the outdoors, finding the right campground is essential. In the charming town of Pulaski, NY, you'll find Selkirk Back Door, which serves as a gateway to the broader recreational opportunities of Selkirk Shores State Park. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview for local residents considering this campground for their next adventure, blending factual information with a friendly, professional tone.

Introduction / Overview

Selkirk Back Door appears to be a specific entrance or area within or closely associated with Selkirk Shores State Park, a well-known camping destination in Upstate New York. While the name "Selkirk Back Door" might imply a less formal entry or a specific section, the broader context points to Selkirk Shores State Park as the primary facility. This park is recognized for its picturesque location on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, offering campers a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.

The campground itself is generally described as clean, providing a pleasant environment for visitors. It caters to a variety of campers, from those pitching a tent to those in RVs. A key highlight consistently mentioned by visitors is the opportunity to witness spectacular sunsets over Lake Ontario, a truly memorable experience. While some facilities, like bathrooms and shower houses, have been noted as needing updates, the overall cleanliness and natural setting remain strong draws for campers looking for an authentic outdoor experience in the region.

Location and Accessibility

Selkirk Back Door (or more broadly, Selkirk Shores State Park) is located at Pulaski, NY 13142, USA. Pulaski is a town in Oswego County, New York, renowned for its proximity to the Salmon River, a world-class fishing destination. The campground's location on Lake Ontario’s eastern shore is a significant draw, offering direct access to the Great Lake's recreational opportunities.

Accessibility to the park is generally straightforward from major New York State roadways. For instance, from the New York State Thruway (I-90) West, visitors typically take Exit 34A, then Route 481 North to I-81 North, exiting at Exit 36 for Pulaski. From there, Route 13 West leads to Route 3, and then a short drive south on Route 3 brings you to the park entrance. This makes it a convenient destination for residents from Syracuse, Rochester, and even further afield within New York.

Within the park itself, the "Back Door" description suggests a specific access point. Reviews indicate that this gate is primarily for pedestrians, bikes, and smaller golf carts, limiting vehicular access to enhance the peaceful atmosphere for those inside. This controlled access can contribute to a safer and quieter environment within certain sections of the campground. The setting offers a balance of natural seclusion with reasonable proximity to the amenities and charm of Pulaski and surrounding communities, making it an appealing spot for both adventurous and relaxed campers.

Services Offered

As a New York State Park campground, Selkirk Back Door (Selkirk Shores State Park) provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable camping experience. While specific details about "Selkirk Back Door" itself are limited, the overall park amenities typically include:

• Campsites: The park offers a variety of campsites, including those suitable for tents and RVs.
• Electrical Hookups: Many sites are equipped with electric hookups (e.g., 30-amp and 50-amp options) for RVs.
• Water Access: While individual site water hookups might not be universal, fresh water fill-up stations are typically available within the campground.
• Sewer Hookups / Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs, and some sites may offer sewer hookups.
• Restrooms and Showers: Public restrooms and shower facilities are provided for campers. It's noted that these facilities, while functional, may benefit from updates.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically comes with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor meals and campfires.
• Camp Store: A camp store is often on-site for basic supplies and firewood.
• Playground: There is a playground available for children, indicating a family-friendly environment.
• Fish Cleaning Station: Given the park's location near prime fishing waters, a fish cleaning station is a convenient amenity for anglers.

Features / Highlights

Selkirk Back Door, as part of Selkirk Shores State Park, boasts several appealing features that make it a notable camping destination in New York:

• Spectacular Lake Ontario Sunsets: This is a consistently praised highlight. The campground's position on a bluff overlooking Lake Ontario provides breathtaking views, especially at dusk.
• Access to Lake Ontario: The park offers easy access to Lake Ontario for various water activities, including fishing (salmon and trout are popular), boating (with boat launch sites nearby), and potentially swimming (though swimming availability can vary based on lifeguard presence and water quality).
• Hiking and Biking Trails: The park features several miles of marked trails that wind through meadows and woodlands, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. In winter, these trails are utilized for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
• Birdwatching Opportunities: Situated on a direct migration route for numerous bird species, Selkirk Shores is a haven for birdwatchers.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With a playground for kids and often recreational programs during peak season, the campground aims to provide activities for families.
• Clean Campground: Despite some older facilities, the campground is generally described as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay.
• Varied Site Options: With different loops and both open and wooded sites, campers can choose an environment that best suits their preferences.
• Controlled Pedestrian Access ("Back Door"): The specific "Back Door" entrance, being limited to pedestrians, bikes, and smaller golf carts, contributes to a quieter and safer atmosphere in that particular section of the campground.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a New York State Park campground, Selkirk Back Door (Selkirk Shores State Park) operates under the state park system's fee structure. Specific promotional offers in the traditional sense (like discounts or sales) are not typically advertised. However, visitors can consider the following:

• Empire Pass: For frequent visitors to New York State Parks, purchasing an Empire Pass can offer significant savings on vehicle entry fees throughout the year, though camping fees are separate.
• Off-Peak Season Rates: Like most campgrounds, rates might be slightly lower during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) compared to the peak summer months.
• Advance Reservations: While not a promotion, making reservations well in advance, especially for popular times, is crucial to securing a spot. Reservations for New York State Park campgrounds can be made through the ReserveAmerica platform.

It's always recommended to check the official New York State Parks website or the ReserveAmerica platform for the most current pricing, reservation policies, and any updates regarding park operations or potential revitalization projects that might impact access or amenities (e.g., closures for renovations, as has been indicated for some facilities after Labor Day 2024 through the 2025 season at Selkirk Shores State Park).

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather the most up-to-date information regarding Selkirk Back Door (Selkirk Shores State Park), you can use the following details:

• Address: Pulaski, NY 13142, USA (This refers to Selkirk Shores State Park's general location. The specific physical address for the park is 7101 NY-3, Pulaski, NY 13142, USA).
• General Information Phone: (315) 298-5737
• Reservations: Reservations for New York State Park campgrounds are typically made online through the ReserveAmerica website or by calling their call center at 1-800-456-2267.

Given potential updates or seasonal changes, it is always advisable to contact the park directly or check the official New York State Parks website before planning your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers, Selkirk Back Door (as part of Selkirk Shores State Park) offers an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Lake Ontario and the tranquility of an Upstate New York camping experience. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. First, its relatively accessible location makes it a feasible weekend getaway or a longer vacation destination without requiring extensive travel. Second, the array of activities, from exceptional fishing and scenic hiking to birdwatching and enjoying stunning sunsets, caters to diverse interests, ensuring there's something for everyone in the family.

While some facilities might be older, the consistent feedback regarding cleanliness and the inherent natural beauty of the park outweigh these minor points for many. It provides a genuine outdoor experience with essential amenities. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, a family adventure, or simply a chance to witness one of New York's most beautiful natural phenomena – a Lake Ontario sunset – Selkirk Back Door is a highly recommended and suitable choice for local New Yorkers. It’s a place where memories are made under big skies and by beautiful waters, right in our own backyard.

Selkirk Back Door

Pulaski, NY 13142, USA