Smith Memorial Park

About

Smith Memorial Park

Smith Memorial Park is a classic lakeside park and campground built on the slopes of Seneca Lake in the 1970s — and enjoyed by the community since the 1800s. Ninety-two acres sit on a high bluff above the water in Hector, NY, with more than 2,000 feet of shoreline reachable by moderately steep walking paths, forested hills, and a broad lakefront lawn known as the Green.

It's a town-owned park, which is part of what makes it special: unpretentious, natural, and genuinely for everyone. Day visitors are welcome dawn to dusk, campers settle in for a night or a season, and the location — right in the heart of the Finger Lakes and along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail — offers the best of both nature and socializing. Go for a paddle, hike the nearby national forest, or head out to the wine trail for live music and good food, then come back to a fire ring and a lake view.

Featured

Camping on the Bluff

Seasonal and transient camping in a quiet, wooded setting — every site is a short walk from the water.

2026 Season · May 1 – October 18

The Campground

30-amp & non-electric Water at every site Fire ring + picnic table Units 26 ft or less

All campsites sit on the bluffs above Seneca Lake, a two-to-three-minute walk downhill to the water. Because of the hilly terrain, mature trees, and narrow roads, sites suit smaller rigs — camper vans, tents, pop-ups, and small to mid-sized tow-behinds 26 feet or under. Every site has water, a picnic table, and a fire ring, with 30-amp electric available on select sites. Two bathhouses serve the campground.

Worth packing: an extra extension cord and a spare length of hose — utilities are spread out on some sites and the extra reach makes setup much easier.

Reserve a Site View Park Map

Day Visitors Welcome

What's at the Park

Open daily from dawn to dusk — you don't have to camp to enjoy the lake.

Swim Beach

A lakefront beach for swimming and lounging, with lifeguarded hours in season. Free to enjoy.

Beach Info →

Pavilions

Two covered pavilions with picnic tables — rentable for reunions, showers, and gatherings.

Rent a Pavilion →

Boat Launch

Public launch onto Seneca Lake with handicap-accessible access — day and commercial permits available.

Launch Details →

Kayak Rentals

Rent a kayak right at the park and paddle straight out onto Seneca Lake — no gear hauling required.

Rental Info →

Why Come Here

What Makes It Special

Amenities

What's Available

Plan Your Visit

Tips for Visitors

• Enter via Bond-Smith Park Road — this is the one thing worth double-checking before you arrive, since GPS doesn't always route correctly.
• Camping units must be 26 feet or less. Bigger rigs won't fit the narrow, wooded roads — check the park map before booking if you're close to the limit.
• Bring an extra extension cord and hose. Utilities are spread out on some sites, and the extra length saves a lot of hassle.
• The walk down to the water is a 2–3 minute downhill on all sites — pleasant going down, a bit of a climb coming back with beach gear.
• Firewood is sold at the park, though campers often suggest bringing your own as a backup in case what's on hand isn't well seasoned.
• Planning a reunion or party? The two pavilions can be reserved — book early for summer weekends.