Short Drive to Rochester and Syracuse

Discover the allure of Seneca Lake, named in honor of the Seneca Indian Nation, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Schuyler, Seneca, Yates, and Ontario Counties in western New York. Boasting a strategic location, this captivating lake is positioned within a short, two-hour drive from both the vibrant cities of Rochester and Syracuse.

The Grandeur of the Largest Finger Lake

Seneca Lake stands as the largest among the famous Finger Lakes, spanning an expansive 43,243 acres with an impressive shoreline stretching 76 miles. Surpassing in size, it also claims the title of the second deepest lake in New York, reaching an average depth of 445 feet.

Festivals, Concerts, Sky Diving, and Golf

Engage in the vibrant energy of Seneca Lake’s communities, where a myriad of events awaits throughout the year. From the harmonious notes of the Geneva Music Festival and the athletic feats of the Wineglass Marathon to the cultural celebration of the Ithaca Festival, there’s always something captivating happening by the lake.

For the adventurous spirits, Skydive Finger Lakes offers an exhilarating experience of free-falling and parachuting. Golf enthusiasts can hone their skills at the Bonavista State Park Golf Course, a scenic haven for golfers looking to enjoy the greenery and test their abilities.

Perfect Family Spot

Embrace the essence of family living at Seneca Lake—a perfect haven for those in search of a family home or vacation spot. With its picturesque surroundings, recreational opportunities, and vibrant community events, Seneca Lake beckons families to create lasting memories by its shores.

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 76 miles
  • Average Depth: 445 feet
  • Deepest Depth: 618 feet
  • Acreage: 43,243 acres
  • Ownership: Public
  • Public Boat Ramps: 8
  • Counties: Ontario County, Schuyler County, Seneca County, Yates County
  • Fish: Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout
  • Sailing Clubs: Seneca Yacht Club, Watkins Glen Yacht Club
  • Condos Available: Yes
  • Notable Events: Memorial Day Celebration, Geneva Music Festival, Ithaca Festival, Annual Holiday Shopping Spree, Hammondsport Holiday Cookie Walk, Wineglass Marathon, Labor Day Bonfire, 4th of July Birthday BBQ Bash
  • Permit is not required to use the lake.
    Jet skis are allowed.
    Motorized boats are allowed.
    Houseboats are allowed.
    Boating restrictions (Yes). — must register boat (See https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/documents/NYSBoatersGuide.pdf)
    Dock restrictions (Yes). — must obtain permit (See http://www.senecacountyswcd.org/Permit%20Assistance.pdf)

  • Resources Nearby

    Syracuse Hancock International Airport

    Phone: (315) 454-4330
    Address: 1000 Col Eileen Collins Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13212

    Ovid Airport

    Phone: (315) 220-0052
    Address: 2562 Parish Rd, Ovid, NY 14521

    Back-Achers Campsite

    Phone: (607) 243-7926
    Address: 2830 Jared Rd Himrod, NY 14842

    Blueberry Patch Campground

    Phone: (607) 546-4470
    Address: Finger Lakes National Forest, Picnic Area Rd Burdett, NY 14818

    Cheerful Valley Campground

    Phone: (315) 781-1222
    Address: 1412 NY-14 Phelps, NY 14532

    Clute Park and Campground

    Phone: (607) 535-4438
    Address: 155 S Clute Park Dr Watkins Glen, NY 14831

    Paradise Park Campground

    Phone: (607) 535-6600
    Address: 4150 Cross Rd Reading Center, NY 14876

    Potomac Group Campground

    Phone: (607) 546-4470
    Address: Finger Lakes National Forest, Potomac Rd Hector, NY 14841

    Sunset On Seneca Campsites

    Phone: (607) 582-6030
    Address: 8449 Lower Lake Rd Lodi, NY 14860

    Waterloo Harbor Campground

    Phone: (315) 539-8848
    Address: 1278 Waterloo Geneva Rd Waterloo, NY 13165

    Watkins Glen/ Corning KOA Resort

    Phone: (607) 535-7404
    Address: 1710 NY-414 Watkins Glen, NY 14891

    Big Oak Public Golf Course

    Phone: (315) 789-9419
    Address: 33 Packwood Rd Geneca, NY 14456

    Bonavista State Golf Course

    Phone: (607) 869-9909
    Address: 7194 Co Rd 132 Ovid, NY 14521

    Geneva Country Club

    Phone: (315) 789-8786
    Address: 4147 W Lake Rd Geneva, NY 14456

    Silver Creek Golf Club

    Phone: (315) 539-8076
    Address: 1790 E River St Waterloo, NY 13165

    Watkins Glen Golf Course

    Phone: (607) 535-2340
    Address: 3401 NY-14 Watkins Glen, NY 14891

    Frog Hollow Marina

    Phone: (607) 535-2671
    Address: 40 Fairgrounds Ln Watkins Glen, NY 14891

    Glen Harbor Marina

    Phone: (607) 535-2751
    Address: 517 E 4th St Watkins Glen, NY 14891

    Hidden Harbor Marina

    Phone: (315) 539-8034
    Address: 1076 Waterloo Geneva Rd Waterloo, NY 13165

    Inland Harbor Marina

    Phone: (315) 789-7255
    Address: 608 Waterloo Geneva Rd Waterloo, NY 13165

    Montour Falls Marina Campground

    Phone: (607) 210-4124
    Address: 97 Marina Dr Montour, NY 14865

    Roy's Marina

    Phone: (315) 789-3094
    Address: 4398 Clarks Point Geneva, NY 14456

    South Seneca Marina

    Phone: (607) 535-6690
    Address: 157 Lembeck Lake Watkins Glen, NY 14891

    Stivers Seneca Marine

    Phone: (315) 789-5520
    Address: 401 Boodys Hill Rd Waterloo, NY 13165

    Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital

    Phone: (315) 531-2000
    Address: 418 N Main St Penn Yan, NY 14527