Reviews: Seneca Lake Resorts at Sampson State Park

Reviewed by: Claudio Pereira , Sam, on Aug 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 2

Even though the place is fantastic, the marina is a mess. Faulty power system would trip and did not allow connection to my boat. I was moved to a dock cheaper than the one booked and paid, without power, and received no compensation; they still charged $86 for one night! Gas price was a steal. $5.99 per gallon! To add insult to injury marina deckhand dropped in the water - and lost - my $150 power adaptor! Never back.

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Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

We had secured a reservation online for two nights at Samsen Seneca Lake Resorts, previously known as Sampson State Park marina, about 12 miles south of where the C-S canal enters Lake Seneca. Sessler, a commercial company, bought and renovated the marina with new docks, power and bath house in a protected basin with great protected rebuilt double ramps (which end at about the third cleat, NOT at the end of the finger dock). No long term rig storage here. It has miles of walkable roads, and new cabins with air conditioning overlooking the lake. It was a military base at one time (Sampson).

https://senecalakeresorts.com/sampson-park/marina/

You can book an online transient slip at the site above. Rates and power info at site above. Don't confuse it with another State Park Marina on the C-S canal at the north end of the lake which is much older and smaller.

Eileen says it's the ONLY marina she has ever been in where she feels she has to remove her Keen shoes because the (card key) shower is so pristine! (I don't think she'll object to me calling her a bit 'picky' regarding marina bath houses).

Saturday evenings there is a food truck and free bands.

Seneca Lake Resorts marina has gas (no diesel) with a large electronic sign that you can easily see from your boat. This is the best marina refueling innovation we've ever seen!

There is an old blue barge marked SESSLER about a half mile North of the rather narrow entrance channel. The 5 foot high steel breakwater can make it difficult to see if a boat is exiting as you attempt to enter. No tides or currents to deal with, just wind. Isolated (the old military base was large with runways etc). Bring your provisions, though there is a small camp store and limited menu campground snack and sandwich bar. This is a real gem! I think pump out is free. Call or use the website as this Guide entry needs to be completely re-done.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer