W.J. Hayes State Park is a clean and family-friendly outdoor destination that offers a variety of activities for visitors. The park features a great beach with shallow water that is perfect for kids, while still providing enough depth for adults to swim comfortably further out. The swimming area is spacious, allowing families to enjoy swimming without feeling crowded. Entrance fees are affordable, with a small fee for car entry, and the park accepts card payments but not cash, so visitors should bring a trash bag as there are limited trash receptacles near the shoreline. The park also has a small playground near the beach and clean bathrooms with changing rooms, though they are not always spotless. Dogs are welcome, and there are doggy bags available. The picnic areas are well spread out with shaded tables, making it easy for families to find space for groups of different sizes. Visitors enjoy walking around the park, where they can see turtles, swans, and fish, and appreciate the well-maintained walking areas. The park also hosts events like Father’s Day celebrations with paddleboards, floating, sports, food, and fun activities. Overall, W.J. Hayes State Park is a popular spot for camping, picnicking, swimming, and family outings, with friendly staff and a variety of amenities that make it a great choice for outdoor recreation.
We just got back from 4 days there . Very clean park with great walking areas and enjoyed walking to the area where the turtles, swans and little ones fishing . Definitely would go back !!
July 2025
Great place to stay! Very clean lot's to do . Excellent service. Great camping spots!
July 2025
Great beach! The water stays pretty shallow for a long way, so it's perfect for kids. And we love the affordable concessions so we don't have to worry about packing lunch every time we go. Can't wait to check out the campground.