Located in the northeast part of Sidney, a town in New York, East Sidney Lake is a dam that was finished in 1950 in an effort to control the floodwaters of Ouleout Creek. The dam protects the downstream communities (Unadilla, Bainbridge, Conklin, and Vestal) from flooding, while also forming a beautiful lake in the Town of Sidney that is utilized for camping and recreation.
As a result of a series of floods in 1935 and 1936, the Flood Control Act of 1936 was passed. East Sidney Dam is one of seven flood control structures in New York and eastern Pennsylvania that were authorized by the Act and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is 2,010 feet (612 meters) long and 130 feet (39 meters) above the stream bed. While the main purpose of the dam is flood control, the lake that it created draws birds, wildlife, and fish, like largemouth and smallmouth bass, common carp, brown bullhead, rock bass, and yellow perch.
If you are looking for a place to relax as well as enjoy some outdoor activities, East Sidney Lake has a lot to offer, with easy access to civilization, making it a great choice for an outdoor experience!
From Binghamton, take I88 E for 39.8 miles (64 km) to exit 11 for NY-357 toward Unadilla/Franklin. Turn right onto NY-357 E and proceed for 2.6 miles (4.2 km). Make a left turn onto Sidney Wells Bridge Rd and continue for .4 miles (.64 km). Make a right onto Triverfield Rd. and drive for .4 miles (.64 km) to Watercrest Drive. Turn right and proceed to the lake.
Parking is available at East Sidney Lake.
Public transportation is not available to East Sidney Lake.
Camping is available at East Sidney Lake Park, and you can choose to reserve a site by the day, the month or the season. Sites with and without electric hook-ups are available, as well as sites that can accommodate motorboats (with and without electric hook-ups). Choosing to camp at the lake itself ensures that you will be able to access all of the recreation opportunities available easily. There are 85 RV sites with electric hook-ups at the campground along with 14 tents sites. Plan ahead to reserve your site for the length of time you choose.
Less than 40 minutes from East Sidney Lake Park’s campgrounds is Hill Top, which offers 57 sites and can accommodate RVs and trailers that are up to 50 feet in length. Each site has a picnic table, and some of the sites include electric hookups. Drinking water and bathrooms are available at the campground and there is even a playground for younger visitors to enjoy. Camping at Hill Top Campground will allow you to experience East Sidney Lake as well as Gilbert Lake State Park.
Gilbert Lake State Park’s other campground is Deer Run. The campground has 78 sites and can accommodate RVs and trailers that are up to 50 feet in length. All of the sites include picnic tables, and some of the sites offer electric hook-ups. Bathrooms and drinking water are available at the campground, ensuring that you have the amenities that you need during your stay. Deer Run Camping Area makes a great home base for all of your adventure in the area. After a full day of fun, you can return to the campground and enjoy a relaxing evening!
East Sidney Lake provides a sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a picnic. Included is a volleyball court, so you and those that you are with can get your heart rates up and have some fun hitting the ball back and forth. A very nice thing about the beach is that should you feel hot and want to cool off, the lake’s water is right there for a quick dip or longer swim!
During your visit to East Sidney Lake, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time on the water. There is a boat launch, ensuring that it is easy to get your watercraft into the lake. Canoeing and kayaking are always pleasant ways to explore the lake, and you might want to give jet skiing a try during your visit. As you explore the lake from within it, keep your eyes out for bald eagles along with gorgeous sunsets!
East Sidney Lake is a popular place for those looking to spend time fishing. The lake has plenty for anglers to catch, like largemouth and smallmouth bass, common carp, brown bullhead, rock bass, and yellow perch. Fishing is an ideal way to spend time outside breathing in fresh air and solitude. Cast a line, take in your surroundings, and wait for a bite! Fishing provides time to relax, decompress, and perhaps even catch your dinner.
Located about 30 minutes away from East Sidney Lake in Oneonta, Robert V. Riddell State Park includes over 2,000 acres (3 miles) of fields and forested woodlands. The park is in the Susquehanna River Valley and offers opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching, and fishing (Schenevus Creek, a Class A trout stream, flows through the northern part of the park). The park is easy to get to and can be enjoyed all year long.
About an hour from East Sidney Lake is the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The museum, located in Cooperstown, preserves the history of the game, known as “America’s pastime.” During a visit, you can learn about the players, managers, umpires, and executives who have been an important part of the game over the years. Learn all about the history of this sport as you explore the museum that has been in existence for over 75 years!
When the weather isn't cooperating with your plans for outdoor adventure, a visit to the Wilber Mansion offers an interesting way to pass a rainy day. Built in 1875, the Wilber Mansion was purchased in 1999 by the Community Council of the Arts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property includes three galleries, a library, and a studio classroom. Located in Oneonta, the mansion is an easy drive from East Sidney Lake and an ideal opportunity to enjoy some indoor exploration.
