Lock 23 Brewerton - Image 1
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Lock 23 Brewerton

4.9
·7 reviews·Brewerton, United States

A vital stop on the historic Erie Canal, Lock 23 offers scenic views, camping, and the fascinating spectacle of boats navigating the waterway.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Lock 23 Brewerton - Image 1

Lock 23 Brewerton

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vital stop on the historic Erie Canal, Lock 23 offers scenic views, camping, and the fascinating spectacle of boats navigating the waterway.

4.9
(7 reviews)

"Great place to fish or go on a picnic. Friendly staff and busy weekends if you are looking to watch the boats."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Bridge Status

Be aware of potential delays at nearby lift bridges like Phoenix. Check status before you go! 🚦

Best for Boat Watching

Weekends are busy and great for watching boats lock through. Arrive early for good spots! ⛵

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 7 reviews

Type

Local Government Office

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Witnessing the Lock Operation

Witnessing the Lock Operation

Lock 23

Experience the fascinating engineering of the Erie Canal as boats are raised or lowered. A must-see for any canal enthusiast!

Proximity to Oneida Lake

Proximity to Oneida Lake

Brewerton

Enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of Oneida Lake, just a stone's throw from Lock 23.

Canalside Camping and Picnics

Canalside Camping and Picnics

Near Lock 23

Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with excellent canalside camping and picnic areas.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Lock 23

Lock 23 operates seasonally, typically from May to November. Check the official NYS Canal System website for exact opening and closing dates. Weekends can be busy with boat traffic, especially during summer months. Consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

Navigating Lock 23 and Nearby Bridges

Lock 23 is part of the Erie Canal system and involves locking through. Be aware that nearby lift bridges, like the one in Phoenix, can sometimes experience delays or temporary closures due to mechanical issues, impacting boat traffic. Plan for potential waiting times.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Watch busy boat traffic
Crowd
High
When
Winter (for fishing)
Why
Unique winter fishing spot
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

New Yorkers… mark ur calendars, bc canals open MAY 16.   ur probably thinking “isn’t the Erie Canal old news?” and you’re WRONG. you’re SO WRONG. YOU can experience the canal that TRANSFORMED America by boat during navigation season, by land through the Canalway Trail, or by learning more about its history at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse.   sooooo what are you waiting for??? check out canals....
@nygov
24.3K likes • 219.1K views

Check Bridge Status

Be aware of potential delays at nearby lift bridges like Phoenix. Check status before you go! 🚦

Best for Boat Watching

Weekends are busy and great for watching boats lock through. Arrive early for good spots! ⛵

Reply to @gay_007_ #albanyny #eriecanal #nyc (a capital in the center of a state with good river transport, sorry western NY)
@philbuildthefuture
644 likes • 8K views
Day 6! Took off from Sylvan Beach bright and early at 6am, entering Lake Oneida and ETA at Lock 23 (Brewerton) in the Syracuse area around 9:45am. See you soon Syracuse!! #RalphWilsonParkBridge #BridgeBuffalo #ErieCanalJourney #ConnectingOurCommunities #NYSCanalCorp #ErieCanal #EngineeringMarvel #Lock23 #ShipbyCanal #HistoricPassage #BuffaloProud #NYProud #LetsGoBuffalo #ILoveNY #NYCanals #GoB...
ralphwilsonparkbridge
73 likes • 3.1K views

Fishing Opportunities

Great spot for fishing, even when the lock is 'temporarily closed' in winter. :fishingpoleand_வத:

Friendly Lockmasters

Lockmasters are often friendly and happy to explain the process. 🌊

Lock 23 on the Oneida River in Brewerton NY on a gorgeous Christmas Day.
judymcadoopelton.fireside
0 likes • 235 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Bridge Status

Be aware of potential delays at nearby lift bridges like Phoenix. Check status before you go! 🚦

Best for Boat Watching

Weekends are busy and great for watching boats lock through. Arrive early for good spots! ⛵

Fishing Opportunities

Great spot for fishing, even when the lock is 'temporarily closed' in winter. :fishingpoleand_வத:

Friendly Lockmasters

Lockmasters are often friendly and happy to explain the process. 🌊

Scenic Camping

Enjoy beautiful canalside camping and picnic spots. ⛺

What Travellers Say

4.9
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lock 23 Brewerton for its scenic canalside camping and picnic areas, and the friendly, helpful lockmasters. It's a great spot to observe the fascinating operation of the Erie Canal locks. Some note potential delays with nearby bridges, and while the lock has seasonal operating hours, the area remains a good spot for fishing year-round.

"One of my favorite locks along the canal. Just near Oneida Lake and great canalside camping. Good picnic area and very friendly lockmaster. Easy access from road, but not near any busy road. Out there."

Gordon Middleton

"Great place to fish or go on a picnic. Friendly staff and busy weekends if you are looking to watch the boats. Google lists the lock as "temporarily closed," but in the winter you can still go and fish."

Tmoney

"I loved looking how the canal lock works"

Andrew “Spanky” Mencher

What People Like

Friendly lockmasters
Scenic canalside camping
Watching boats lock through

What People Dislike

Occasional bridge delays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lock 23 is located in Brewerton, NY, along the Oneida River. It's accessible by road, offering easy access for visitors arriving by car. For those traveling by boat, it's a key point on the Erie Canal system. Reddit

The lock operates seasonally, typically from May to November. While the lock itself may be closed in winter, the area is still accessible for activities like fishing. Reddit

Operating hours vary by season and are subject to change. It's best to check the official NYS Canal System website for the most up-to-date information on lock schedules. TikTok

Lock 23 is situated near Oneida Lake, offering beautiful views and recreational opportunities. The Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse is also a worthwhile visit to learn about the canal's history. TikTok

Lock 23 is part of the Erie Canal system, which connects to the Hudson River. Albany is further east on the Hudson River, and while navigable, it's a significant journey from Lock 23. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no admission fee to visit the Lock 23 area for viewing or picnicking. If you are transiting the lock with a vessel, there may be associated canal system fees. Reddit

For recreational boaters, transiting the locks on the Erie Canal system generally does not incur a direct fee per lockage, but it's always wise to confirm with the NYS Canal Corporation for any updates. TikTok

Lockage is typically on a first-come, first-served basis. However, during peak season, it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as waits can occur. Reddit

While general access to the viewing areas is usually straightforward, specific accessibility details for all parts of the lock facility should be confirmed with the NYS Canal Corporation. Reddit

If the lock is listed as temporarily closed, it might be due to maintenance or seasonal shutdown. However, as noted by visitors, the area may still be accessible for other activities like fishing. Reddit

🎫 🛟 Onsite Experience

Visitors can watch boats lock through, enjoy picnicking, fishing, and camping. It's a great spot to appreciate the engineering of the Erie Canal and the surrounding natural beauty. Reddit+1

Yes, Lock 23 is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers can cast their lines in the Oneida River and surrounding waters. Reddit

Yes, there are canalside camping facilities available near Lock 23, offering a peaceful overnight experience. Reddit

Weekends, especially during summer, can be busy with boat traffic and visitors. Weekday mornings tend to be more relaxed and less crowded. Reddit

Occasionally, nearby lift bridges, such as the one in Phoenix, can experience temporary issues or delays, which might impact boat traffic flow. It's wise to check for any advisories. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the impressive scale of the lock operation, boats transiting, and the scenic views of the Oneida River and Oneida Lake. Early morning and late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Watching boats navigate the lock is a primary attraction and makes for dynamic photographs. Be mindful of safety and any posted restrictions. Instagram

The surrounding area offers pleasant landscape views, especially along the Oneida River and the approach to Oneida Lake, making it suitable for landscape photography. Instagram

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour shots. Midday can be harsh but still offers opportunities to capture the lock in action. Instagram

The areas around the lock walls and the adjacent banks typically offer good vantage points. Exploring the immediate vicinity can reveal unique perspectives. Instagram

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