Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In New York
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Lisa Sammons
Author
The New York state parks are some of the most incredible of all the American parks. There are virtually endless things to do in the Empire State, whether you love outdoor activities like biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, snowshoeing, exploring golf courses, or taking the little ones to playgrounds. We’ve got 22 national parks in New York State, and obviously, New York City is a major tourist destination, but we still have such a wide array of state parks that are worth a visit. How many state parks are in New York State? We have 215 state parks and historic sites, each of which has its own attributes and special qualities that make it worthy of a visit. We’ve done our best to gather up some of the best state parks in New York that are perfect for any time of year – check it out:
Most Popular State Parks In New York
Whether you’re in upstate New York or the Hudson highlands, you’ll find incredibly scenic recreation areas all over the Empire State. Some of these magnificent parks are some of the most visited in America, and it’s easy to see why. From our towering mountains to our sandy beaches, there’s no place like New York. The following parks offer up some of the highest visitor counts of any park in the USA:
1. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park, 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
This one's a no-brainer for anyone looking to explore the best state parks in New York. There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls State Park, the chief of which is to see its famous falls. You'll find a few wonderful hikes along the Niagara Gorge. The Maid of the Mist boat tour is perhaps the most famous boat tour in the country and provides amazing views of the scenery here. Rides on Maid of the Mist are offered from May through November, making this one of the best state parks in New York in the fall.
2. Robert H. Treman State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
With a dozen waterfalls and even a swimming hole to enjoy in the summertime, there are plenty of things to do at Robert H. Treman State Park that make it one of New York State's most beloved parks. The tallest waterfall here, Lucifer Falls, stands at a massive 115 feet and is one of the tallest cascades in the Finger Lakes region. This is also a great place for camping, fishing, and hunting.
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3. Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses State Park - Long Island, Robert Moses Causeway, Babylon, NY 11702, USA
The fact that there are five miles of beach at Fire Island's Robert Moses State Park means it's one of the best state parks in New York in summer. If you're looking to enjoy fun on the water, you'll find plenty of things to do in Robert Moses State Park. There are playgrounds, volleyball courts, a golf course, and more here that are perfect for enjoying with the whole family.
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4. Allegany State Park
Allegany State Park, 2373 ASP, US-1, Salamanca, NY 14779, USA
With 64,800 acres, there's certainly no shortage of things to do in Allegany State Park. If you love the outdoors, this is definitely the place for you, with opportunities for biking, camping, hiking, and more. There's so much space here that it's possible to find peace even when there are plenty of visitors. There are several roads through the park, so you can even admire the park's beauty without getting out of your vehicle.
Best State Parks In New York To Camp
Camping in New York is an epic adventure, and there’s certainly plenty of fun to be had in our many state parks. Whether you’re a fan of roughing it in a tent or prefer glamping in the comfort of a cozy cabin, you won’t find trouble finding campsites at these state parks in New York:
5. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
You'll find tons of things to do in Watkins Glen State Park: it's easily one of the most beautiful places in New York. The magnificent gorge was created during the Ice Age, and the Gorge Trail here is one of the best hikes in the state. It's a two-mile trail with incredible views. The experience of walking behind a waterfall is so magical! With so much to explore, it's no surprise that this is such a popular area for camping. Whether you're in a tent, cabin, or RV, spending the night here is an enchanting experience you won't soon forget.
6. Glimmerglass State Park
Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co Rd 31, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
While the summertime campsite here is wonderful, there are plenty of things to do in Glimmerglass State Park, no matter the season. It's home to Hyde Hall Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in New York (and actually all of America!). Even though the campground isn't open in the colder months, the abundance of areas for snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing make this a great state park in New York in winter. The nature trail here is wonderful, as the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
7. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park, 106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
The sprawling Buttermilk Falls State Park is one of the best state parks in New York in summer thanks to its wonderful swimming hole. Lifeguards are on duty here throughout the summer months, meaning it's safe for even the youngest of visitors. There are plenty of things to do at Buttermilk Falls State Park at any time of year, as the park has stunning overlooks, amazing hiking trails, and plenty of waterfalls to check out.
Best State Parks In New York To RV
While many people love pitching a tent and connecting with nature sans amenities, some of us prefer the comfort of camping in an RV. Even if you don’t own your own RV, RV Share allows you to rent a camper and enjoy the thrill of camping in an RV for a few nights. While most state parks with campgrounds allow RV camping, these are a few that are particularly beloved by those who enjoy the camper life:
8. Stony Brook State Park
Stony Brook State Park, 10820 NY-36, Dansville, NY 14437, USA
Whether you're visiting for a day trip or spending a few nights here in an RV or tent, you'll find plenty of things to do at Stony Brook State Park, one of western New York's most beautiful gems. Hikers will love the three miles of trails ripe for exploration here, with both the Gorge Trail and Rim Trail providing excellent views. There are 88 campsites available, plus cabin rentals, for those who want to stay overnight.
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9. Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
Taughannock Falls is the tallest waterfall in New York, and actually one of the tallest in the country. It's a beautiful sight, but it's not the only thing to do at Taughannock Falls State Park. This epic park has sledding hills, trails for cross-country skiing or hiking, amazing overlooks, and a beautiful lake perfect for boating. It's an all-season getaway not far from Ithaca that's worthy of a road trip for those who love the outdoors.
10. Sampson State Park
Sampson State Park, 6040-6144 NY-96A, Romulus, NY 14541, USA
This is a fascinating park that has so much space to enjoy, but one of the highlights is the on-site military museum that's typically open on weekends. This area was once home to a military base and the museum contains artifacts from that time period. You'll also find plenty of recreational options, with playing fields for a variety of sports, opportunities for fishing and hunting, and some of the best sunsets and sunrises in the Finger Lakes area. The trails are perfect for hiking and biking, and the numerous campsites make it a great place to spend the night.
Best State Parks In New York For Hiking
New York’s state parks offer miles of hiking trails that are perfect for those looking to explore. You’ll see all kinds of amazing scenery in our many state parks, from waterfalls to rivers, beaches, and more. If you’re a big fan of hiking, get tons more info from our friends at Alltrails, where you can find trail maps, photos, and more.
11. Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, New York, USA
From hot air ballooning to hiking, there are virtually unlimited things to do at Letchworth State Park. While many think of exploring the trails, playgrounds, swimming pools, and campsites here during the warm months, we think it's one of the best state parks in New York in winter thanks to the incredible scenery. There are tons of winter activities available, too, like snowmobiling and more. The park is about 17 miles long and follows the Genesee River as it winds through the deep gorge.
12. Chimney Bluffs State Park
Chimney Bluffs State Park, 7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590, USA
This state park spans just under 600 acres and lies between Rochester and Syracuse. The magnificent scenery here is incredibly unique, and there are plenty of things to do at Chimney Bluffs State Park. There are lakefront trails that show off the park's unusual rock formations, but you can also enjoy hikes through the forest, too. This year-round park is perfect to visit during any season.
13. Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, USA
If you love hiking, you'll be in heaven here. There are so many great things to do in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, with some incredible scenery here, no matter the season. While many of the trails here are closed during the winter months, we think it's one of the best state parks in New York in winter thanks to the opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you do go in the warmer months, though, you'll find more than 50 miles of trails to entertain nature lovers.
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14. Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
Thanks to all the things to do at Saratoga Spa State Park, it's almost impossible to visit this amazing place and not fall completely in love. It's one of the best state parks in New York in spring and summer thanks to the packed events calendar. There's something for everyone to do here, whether you love nature, culture, or history, and there's even a campground for those who want to spend multiple days in this idyllic place!
Little-Known State Parks In New York
With so many state parks in New York, it makes sense that some will end up falling through the cracks and not getting as much attention as the more popular sites. The following underrated state parks in New York are just as worthy of a visit as the better-known attractions, and have the added benefit of fewer crowds:
15. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, USA
If you love flowers, you'll find so many things to do at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park. It's one of the most beautiful places on Long Island, and one of our favorite state parks in New York in spring. There are multiple greenhouses on the park's sprawling 400-acre estate, which contains a historic home and miles of nature trails. This is such a stunning area, particularly when all the flowers are in bloom!
16. Robert G. Wehles State Park
Robert G. Wehle State Park, 5182 State Park Rd, Henderson, NY 13650, USA
If you're the type of person who loves being the first among your friend group to find new hot spots, you'll find plenty to adore about Robert G. Wehle State Park. With over 1,100 acres, this former estate is located right along Lake Ontario and has a residential compound available for rent. There are currently 10 miles of hiking and biking trails here, and hunting is allowed in season.
17. Orient Beach State Park
Orient Beach State Park, 40000 Main Rd, Orient, NY 11957, USA
One of the best things about Orient Beach State Park is how many unique activities there are here. With kayak trails, bird watching galore, and seasonal splash pads for the little ones, there's no end to the fun you can have at this gem. There are four lighthouses here and it's a wonderful spot to go for a stroll and enjoy nature.
How many of these state parks in New York have you visited in person? Are there any we left off that you think deserve a mention? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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