Let me begin by saying that the reasons I didn't give a higher score have very little to do with the park itself. We had a great time, and I will definitely be back.
That said, there were some serious bummers about our stay here that tempered our experience.
PROS: Check-in on Reserve America was super easy to do(on desktop, not mobile) I had the option to pre-register my stay details a week before so I didn't have to spend an hour at the shack filling out paperwork. Most of the sites are very nice, with a number of trees and good landscaping to prevent water building up on the sites.(ours was not, more about that later) The staff was very helpful and friendly. The bathrooms are cleaned regularly, and were mostly well kept. The beach area is groomed daily to keep debris out of the sand. When the water was closed on hot days(see cons), the lifeguards set up an inflatable waterslide for the kids. There is a nice splash park in between the camp store and the camp sites.
CONS: Our site was hands down the worst site on the lot. When we pulled in, there was standing water 10'x8' in the middle of the site. This contributed to us really not spending time on the site at all. The previous tenants had a dog, and let their pup do his business and left it next to a pile of kibble on the only good spot to put the tent. I had bought a hammock to hang for relaxing, well we had one tree on our site. None of the other sites had these problems. If you like those kinds of things, make sure to pick site 23. Only 8 sites have electricity. This shouldn't be an issue for those who are actually camping, but it really threw my mom off, because she was planning on plugging in a mini fridge. If you need a site with a hookup, look on the map for the electric plug icon. The water was closed for swimming 4 out of the 5 days we were there for the Blue-green algae. Apparently, it's making people sick. Bummer for the kids.
Overall, a good experience. I wish we had a different site, and next time we definitely will.
Protips: For the best view, pick a site along the water. I believe 1-10 are all waterfront sites. For an electric site, the 11-19 sites are all rv friendly. The 20+ sites are all back away from the lake, and are a little more open. The store sells ice for 2.50/10lb bag and ice pops for a quarter! The playground near the bathroom is okay, but on the other side of the store is a much better one. Colonial Laundromat is the closest to the park and is open 24 hrs, in case your kid loses his lunch all over your bedding, like...
Read moreVerona Beach State Park, located along the eastern shore of Oneida Lake in New York, is a peaceful and scenic spot for those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, making it an attractive destination for families, hikers, and nature lovers alike.
The main highlight of the park is its beach area. While not the largest, the small, sandy shoreline provides a nice place to swim and enjoy the lake views. The water can be a bit murky at times, but the beach itself is generally well-maintained. There are also picnic areas with grills, making it an excellent spot for a laid-back lunch by the water.
For those who enjoy hiking, the park features several trails that wind through wooded areas and along the shoreline. These trails are relatively short and easy, ideal for casual walks. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals, so it’s a good place for nature observation.
One of the park’s strengths is its spaciousness. There’s plenty of room to spread out, whether you’re camping, picnicking, or just looking to enjoy the outdoors. The campsites are fairly basic but offer the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The park can get crowded during peak summer months, but it’s generally quieter during the off-season.
Overall, Verona Beach State Park is a charming, low-key destination for outdoor activities and relaxation, perfect for a day trip or...
Read moreThis is my favorite place to take my kids when I don't feel like doing multiple activities or going to multiple locations in one day - you can get there and pick a nice spot that gives you a view of the beach, the splash pad and bath house and the kids can be free to frolick and play for hours while their battle worn caregiver(s) relax in the shade or join in on the fun. It is well worth the $7 all-day fee but we like going after 5pm on weekdays or 6pm weekends because it's free, less crowded - the beach is open until 7pm and the splash pad is running until 8pm so plenty of time to enjoy the cooler part of the day without commiting to spending too many hours there (sorry kids it's closing we have to leave! Lol). Nice paved trails, decent sized sandy beach plus several playgrounds and covered pavilions make it the perfect spot to get together with friends and family and great for any party or event. Dogs on a leash are welcome which is great for pet owners to let our furry companions join in on the fun and fresh air. Grills and picnic tables all over make having lunch or dinner El fresco a walk...
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