Onondaga Lake Park (Willow Bay)
About this place
Willow Bay is the main waterfront picnic area of Onondaga Lake Park, the county's flagship park on the lake's west shore. County-wide picnic regulations cover cleanliness, vehicle access and refund policy but are silent on charcoal vs. propane.
Good to know
Hours
- 6:00 AMApr 1–Oct 31 · April-October: opens at 6am, closes at sunset plus 1/2 hour
- 6:00 AMNov 1–Mar 31 · November-March: opens at 6am, closes at sunset. During Lights on the Lake, entire park closes at 4:30pm
Fees
- $4 per hourBeach volleyball court reservation
- $10 per dayMarina kayak/canoe launch fee
What's here
Location
Common questions
Can you grill at Onondaga Lake Park (Willow Bay)?
Grilling rules at Onondaga Lake Park (Willow Bay) aren't stated on its official page. Picnic shelters/pavilions must be reserved through Onondaga County Parks Reservations; unreserved tables are first-come, first-served. Permit holder must produce permit on request and leave the area clean. Always confirm current rules on the official page before you go.
Do you need a permit or reservation?
Picnic shelters/pavilions must be reserved through Onondaga County Parks Reservations; unreserved tables are first-come, first-served. Permit holder must produce permit on request and leave the area clean.
Is there a fee at Onondaga Lake Park (Willow Bay)?
Yes — fees apply. For example, $4 per hour · Beach volleyball court reservation. See the official page for the full schedule.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs allowed on Shoreline Walking Trail year-round; permitted on East Shore Trail November-March only. All dogs must be leashed (max 6 feet), have a license tag, and owners must remove feces. Wegmans Good Dog Park available for off-leash dogs.
What are the hours at Onondaga Lake Park (Willow Bay)?
6:00 AM · Apr 1–Oct 31 · April-October: opens at 6am, closes at sunset plus 1/2 hour; 6:00 AM · Nov 1–Mar 31 · November-March: opens at 6am, closes at sunset. During Lights on the Lake, entire park closes at 4:30pm.
