Lake trip · Washington County, New York
Where to stay at Southern Section Lake
Southern Section Lake covers - in Washington County, with water clarity of about 2 ft. Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below. The water-quality readings cover nutrients and algae; they are not a stay-or-skip rating. Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Places to stay near Southern Section Lake
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Southern Section Lake in Washington County, New York — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Southern Section Lake
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
About the water
Southern Section Lake has nutrient and algae measurements on record from state and federal monitoring. Water clarity is about 2 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 13.5 µg/L. A water-quality reading is not a swimming clearance. The state water agency and county health departments post current advisories; check them before you swim. The readings are not a reason to skip cabins and rentals around the lake.
Best time to visit
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Southern Section Lake →
About Southern Section Lake
Fishing & license
New York fishing license
A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older fishing for freshwater fish species; children 15 and younger fish license-free. Resident seniors age 70+ qualify for a reduced $5 annual license, and free licenses are available to legally blind NY residents, active-duty members of the NYS Organized Militia/U.S. Reserve Forces, and enrolled members of the Shinnecock, Unkechaug, or Haudenosaunee Nations on NY reservations; resident veterans with a 40%+ service-related disability pay $5. · New York fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, and many species (yellow perch, sunfish, crappie) are open year-round. Statewide, inland trout streams are open April 1 - Oct 15 (catch-and-release, artificial lures only Oct 16 - Mar 31); black bass harvest runs June 15 - Nov 30 (catch-and-release, artificial lures only the rest of the year); walleye, northern pike, and pickerel run May 1 - Mar 15.
Prices as published by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2026.
Camping & RV near Southern Section Lake
Search public campgrounds and RV sites near Southern Section Lake on Recreation.gov, then compare cabins, resorts, and rentals on the map above.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Southern Section Lake in Washington County, New York are on the map above with live availability and nightly prices. Waterfront rentals put you on the dock; lodging in the nearest town is usually cheaper with more choice.
Southern Section Lake has nutrient and algae measurements on record from state and federal monitoring. A water-quality reading is not a swimming clearance. The state water agency and county health departments post current advisories; check them before you swim.
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Explore Southern Section Lake
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LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Southern Section Lake: how to pick a clean lake, the water-quality signals that matter, best swimming and fishing windows, and where to stay.
Lodging availability and prices are provided by Stay22 and its booking partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia); LakeQuality may earn a commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Water-quality readings are independent of lodging listings. Always check current health-department advisories and managing-agency conditions before you travel.