Lake Garrison

My family, in the 1950s and early '60s, would take us down to what was known as "Garrison Lake". I was not aware that currently the name was changed to the more posh sounding "Lake Garrison"... which I would imagine you have to enunciate with your teeth clenched, as would Thurston G. Howell III. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time last Monday, with my grandchildren and three great-grandchildren enjoying the coolness of the cedar water and the shade of the picnic areas. It was all I remembered it to be. The staff was so kind and helpful! I would recommend going there for sure.

The swimming area is huge compared to other local lakes and the water doesn't start to get deep until you're pretty far out. In all honesty the beach is shorter (about 10 ft) so that gets a little crowded). My little guy really enjoyed being able to hang out in the "deep end" with minor supervision and assistance. The swimming/diving platforms were an especially nice touch. They were spread out so that they never got too crowded. Kids were up and jumping off all day. Also had at least 3 bathroom facilities plus a changing room facility. On your walk in from the parking lot there were at least 40 picnic tables and people were bbqing + playing music. The pavilion had a birthday party going on with Elmo and cookie monster. Along the beach there were park benches so you didn't have to bring your own chairs but we did anyway. The playground was a nice touch and paddle boats and canoes were available to rent. Open until 7:30pm on a Sunday was another plus. $18 to get in on the weekend wasn't bad considering all of the amenities. We arrived around 1pm with plenty of parking available. Multiple life guards were on duty until around 6pm.

Gone there years ago, as a kid. I am in my middle 60s now, over 50 plus years ago. I remember having the time of my life there. We camped there with family and friends. It looks like it changed quite a bit. Now, from what I have been reading on reviews, it looks more to be a day affair, pack, and leave. When I read about the leeches, I thought, "OMG"!! I thought about coming here for a getaway week vacation, but I think I will treasure my childhood memories rather than my thoughts change and have a bad experience!! It sounds more commercialized. That just saddened my heart.

The beach area was super small and the price($12 per person) on a weekday, was a little much. This was my first time here and I'm used to paying per carload at lakes. The "arcade" was a pole table and 1 arcade game, which was broken. The lake was fairly clean and they allowed floats and stuff. My daughter liked the playground. I enjoyed the paddle boats. $15 for a half. Not bad. If the price was more reasonable for entry, we would come back as it's only 10 mins from us.