How to keep everyone happy on vacation? Finding great fishing close to other types of family fun -- that can be tough! Lucky for those headed to New York, world-class fisheries can be found just minutes from a wide variety of popular family attractions.

Vast tracts of public land are open for boating, hiking and camping. Farmers' markets and flea markets add their unique flavor to the vacation menu. You might find a free children's story hour at the local library, only a short drive from the excitement of riding in a sailplane or watching racecars tear up the track.

Non-anglers in the family may hike behind waterfalls, create their own glass sculptures or learn about the generation of nuclear energy. Or they can explore old forts, lighthouses and railway museums, maybe even check out some of New York's water parks, nature-based recreation programs and forestry exhibits.

With record-breaking fisheries all around, chances are good that vacationing anglers can land truly spectacular specimens of their favorite species, even while providing the family with happy summer-vacation memories that will last a lifetime.

Here's a look at some of the best family fishing, hiking and camping opportunities in New York. Start planning your next family vacation today!

A GREAT LAKE VACATION
When it comes to world-class fishing, it doesn't get much better than Lake Ontario. State-record Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, brown and rainbow trout have all been pulled from this great lake. The lake is also home to many other species, including steelhead and lake trout, Pacific salmon, walleyes, northern pike, black bass and panfish.

Selkirk Shores State Park's campsites overlook a bluff on Lake Ontario and offer excellent swimming and scenic sunsets in addition to fantastic fishing. The park has tent and trailer sites, and cabins. Small boats may be launched from the Pine Grove site, and larger boats from Mexico Point on the Salmon River. A pavilion, picnic tables, a playground and organized recreation programs are available. Hiking-biking trails are plentiful. Selkirk is on a direct migration path of many birds, so nature watchers will have a wide variety of feathered species to enjoy. Call (315) 298-5737 for camping information.

If the attractions of Selkirk aren't enough to keep the family entertained, Sandy Island Beach State Park, Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Southwick Beach State Park, Westcott Beach State Park and Fair Haven Beach State Park are all nearby.

Sandy Island Beach State Park is part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland System, a 17-mile stretch from the town of Richmond north along the lake into Jefferson County. The dunes were formed by the winds and waves of a giant inland sea that existed long before Lake Ontario. This is the only significant freshwater dune site in the northeastern United States. Walkovers and viewing platforms have been erected to protect the fragile dune ecosystem, and hikers are welcome.

The park also has a beach, fishing, picnic tables, canoeing, kayaking and recreation programs. Call (315) 387-2657 for more information.