Oswego County, NY · Great Lakes

Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond)

A 1,500-foot natural sand beach on Lake Ontario separating North/South Sandy Pond from the open lake — part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune & Wetland System, the only significant freshwater dune complex in the northeastern US.

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

93% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 72. Southwest wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. West wind 17 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Weather

72°F air — ideal beach weather
93% rain — wet day — beach day is off
21 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything

Water

70°F water — swimmable, refreshing

Safety

Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 12:34pm edt until july 19 at 4:00am edt by nws buffalo ny

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Best for photography today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 12:34PM EDT until July 19 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY

NWS · In effect through Jul 19, 8:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...West winds 15 to 20 knots and waves 3 to 6 feet expected. * WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Ontario from Mexico Bay to the Saint Lawrence River. * WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 4 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions that could capsize or damage small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

72°F

Fog/Mist

Wind

21 mph

Rain

93%

This Afternoon

UV Peak

6 High

Peaks 03 PM · burn in ~33m

Burn-free before 02 PM & after 06 PM

Tomorrow

67°F

Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

70°F

Refreshing

Water Quality

Clean

42 #/100mL · E. coli

USGS · sampled 10mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:39 AM

Sunset

8:42 PM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

72°

Showers And Thunderstorms

93%

Sun Jul 19

67°

Mostly Sunny

Mon Jul 20

72°

Mostly Sunny

Tue Jul 21

74°

Showers And Thunderstorms

79%

Wed Jul 22

68°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

73%

Thu Jul 23

69°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

18%

Fri Jul 24

74°

Sunny

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 21 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
recommended Rain cover + dry bag 93% chance of rain

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

NY State Park lot; Empire Pass accepted.

Dogs

Dogs not permitted in bathing, picnic, or building areas (service dogs only). Permitted on leash (6 ft max) in non-restricted day-use areas.

Entry Fee

NY parking fee in season; Empire Pass $80/year (2026).

Address

3387 County Rte 15, Pulaski, NY 13142

Amenities

restrooms (bathhouse)picnic areapavilion (rentable)community room (rentable)car-top boat launch

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond) today?

Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond) dog-friendly?

Dogs not permitted in bathing, picnic, or building areas (service dogs only). Permitted on leash (6 ft max) in non-restricted day-use areas.

Is there an entry fee at Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond)?

NY parking fee in season; Empire Pass $80/year (2026).

Are there lifeguards at Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond)?

No lifeguards are stationed at Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond)?

Amenities at Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond) include restrooms (bathhouse), picnic area, pavilion (rentable), community room (rentable), car-top boat launch.

When is the water warmest at Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond)?

Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.

Where is Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond) located?

Sandy Island Beach State Park (Sandy Pond) is in Oswego County, NY, at 3387 County Rte 15, Pulaski, NY 13142.