This Serene New York State Park Offers A Scenic Beach And Camping Near Lake Erie

Lake Erie may be best known for its proximity to Niagara Falls, but the lake itself has plenty to do and see too. New York State Route 5 runs along New York's border with Lake Erie. A serene stop on this route with a beach, camping, and family-friendly activities is Evangola State Park, just under 30 miles from Buffalo (an underrated city in western New York). You can even get to the park from Buffalo via the Lakeshore Express, a bus route operated by the regional NFTA-Metro system.

Outdoor enthusiasts have been visiting the 733 acres of Evangola State Park even before it officially became a state park in 1954, and the beach has long been a highlight. Angola shale cliffs line this naturally-formed beach, creating a uniquely secluded and peaceful feel. Swimming is popular during the summer months up until Labor Day each year. While Lake Erie is the second smallest of North America's Great Lakes by area, its water still reaches beyond the horizon line. It feels as if you're swimming in the ocean — but without the salt. Lifeguards are onsite during swimming hours, which are from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day in summer. Bring a beach chair and an umbrella for the ultimate day of beachy relaxation on Lake Erie.

Camping so close to beautiful Lake Erie is another reason why Evangola State Park is so alluring. Included across the park's 82 campsites (50 with electrical hookups), there are showers and restrooms, tennis and basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic areas. There are even cabins and yurts available for rent. Book your accommodation of choice through Reserve America. While all options are available from mid-May through mid-October, fall is the perfect time to go camping here. Aside from fall foliage, this season brings lovely wildflowers to the park.

It may sound strange, but aside from hanging out on the beach or camping, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the nature of Evangola State Park is on its Wild Buck Disc Golf Course. Even those who are not disc golf enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the course because of its untouched, woodsy surroundings. You can buy discs at the onsite store between holes 5 and 6. This store also offers camping supplies, but you can play disc golf without booking a campsite.

Evangola State Park was once known as Camp Forty Acres. Organized by the YWCA, the camp served as an interracial recreational space for women working in defense factories during World War II. To learn more about this unique piece of history, stop at the Evangola Nature Center. The building that houses this nature center began as a YWCA in 1929, and apart from discussing the aforementioned history, it now hosts engaging activities like wildflower walking tours, crafts, and scavenger hunts. Check Evangola State Park's social media pages to see all of what goes on at the nature center.

Fun at Evangola State Park is not limited to the warmer months. The Great Lakes usually receive significant amounts of snowfall, turning multiple lakeside places into underrated winter getaways. Under the powdery snow, Evangola becomes a winter wonderland too. Follow the Rim Trail along the cliffs of Lake Erie to see unique windswept icicles on trees and fences. Snowmobilers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers can also meander through the park's woods along the Snowmobile Trail. While its total length is 3.5 miles, even exploring a portion of the trail is worth braving the cold.