With 180 state parks spread all over New York, it’s always a work in progress to cross all of these beautiful places off of your bucket list. By now, you’ve probably already visited spots like Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls, and Letchworth, but if you’re looking for less-crowded places to explore that you’ll have a better chance of having all to yourself, then this list is just for you. From out on Long Island to up in New York’s North Country, take a look at what a visit to literally any amazing state park in New York has to offer visitors.

1. Moreau State Park, Gansevoort
Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831, USA
diane cordell/Flickr
Tucked away up in Saratoga County, you can find Moreau State Park just off of the Northway at Exit 17S. Featuring Moreau Lake, visitors of the park can enjoy things like swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking around the water. Also inside the state park? Plenty of campsites and cabins that are available to rent out, giving you the perfect excuse to stay here a little bit longer and fully explore this beautiful state park.
2. Taconic State Park, Copake Falls
Taconic State Park, Copake, NY, USA
Taconic State Park- Copake Falls/Rudd Pond/Facebook
Right out near New York's state border, Taconic State Park gives you the opportunity to literally walk across our state line into Massachusetts! In the state park, there's a wonderful campground near the water that has campsites, RV sites, and cabins that are all wonderful to use and stay at. For a unique adventure, you can following one of the hiking trails here that take you across the state line and into Massachusetts, eventually leading you to the stunning Bash Bish Falls. No matter where in this state park you explore, you'll love being in the quiet forest and by the vibrantly hued water.
3. Cherry Plain State Park, Petersburg
Cherry Plain State Park, New York, USA
PilotGirl/Flickr
Less than an hour east of Albany, Cherry Plain State Park covers nearly 200-acres of New York and even has its own beach for you to enjoy. An underrated spot where you won't have to deal with tons of crowds, you can explore the nature trails within the park, search for waterfalls, or spend the night at one of their campsites where you can sleep underneath the stars.
4. Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo Park
Sterling Forest State Park, 116 Old Forge Rd, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987, USA
zurishi/TripAdvisor
Head downstate to Orange County and Sterling Forest State Park will surprise you with its lesser-known beauty! Only established as a state park for the last twenty years, the park actually covers more than 20,000-acres of land and features everything from waterfront views to secluded trails that you'll enjoy exploring.
5. Allegany State Park, Salamanca
Allegany State Park, Salamanca, NY 14779, USA
Ray Ordinario/Flickr
Excluding the Adirondack Park, Allegany State Park is New York's largest state park — covering nearly 65,000-acres. The state park is made up of two parts, The Red House area, and the Quaker area that each feature their own incredible attractions. Throughout the enormous park, you'll see everything from amazing biking trails, hiking trails, towering rock formations, waterfront views around the lake, historic buildings, and even a natural history museum! With a state park as large as this, you'll be glad to hear that Allegany has hundreds of campsites and cabins where you can spend the night, giving you the chance to further explore the area in the morning.

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6. Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville
Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA
Dave Smith/Flickr
With a state as large as New York, it's not hard to have natural wonders fall under your radar. Many of our residents aren't aware that out in Onondaga County there's one of the most unique lakes in the world inside of Green Lakes State Park. One of the most visually stunning lakes in our state, those who come to this state park can hike around and even swim in designated areas of Green Lake.
7. Stony Brook State Park, Dansville
Stony Brook State Park, Dansville, NY 14437, USA
lgramlich/TripAdvisor
If you've already crossed Letchworth State Park off of your bucket list and are looking for something a bit smaller yet equally charming, it's time you take a scenic 40-minute drive out to Stony Brook State Park. Part of Steuben County, the park covers more than 500-acres and has jaw-dropping hiking trails that will take you through gorges and past beautiful waterfalls. From climbing stone steps and crossing charming bridges to soaking in the sights of the waterfalls and camping here overnight, you won't regret visiting Stony Brook State Park.
8. Wildwood State Park, Wading River
Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, NY 11792, USA
Sandra Richard/Flickr
So many of our state parks out on Long Island see millions of visitors each year, so if you're looking to explore a place that's more underrated and sees less traffic - we've got the perfect spot for you. Out along the North Fork in Suffolk County, the park looks like something out of a dream with its never-ending ocean views and picturesque glacial erratics. During the summer this state park makes for a great place to relax in cool waters of the Long Island Sound, you won't want to let another year go by without seeing this place!
9. Point Au Roche State Park, Plattsburgh
Point Au Roche State Park Drive, Point Au Roche State Park Dr, Beekmantown, NY 12901, USA
Erica B/TripAdvisor
Out along Lake Champlain, Point Au Roche State Park covers nearly 900-acres of New York. A day-use state park that makes for an amazing day trip, Point Au Roche has a sandy beach for swimming, plenty of picnic areas, and easy hiking trails that take you out along the water. To find out more, check out the official Parks NY website.
10. Peebles Island State Park, Waterford
Peebles Island State Park, 1 Delaware Ave North, Cohoes, NY 12047, USA
Reilly Hamilton/Flickr
Part of both Saratoga and Albany Counties, Peebles Island State Park is a great place to get outdoors if you're right in the Capital Region. An island that covers nearly 200-acres along the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, Peebles Island features easy hiking trails that give you views of the water, local towns, and plenty of wildlife. From seeing eagle's nests to having deer walk right in front of you, this little-known island makes for a unique adventure in an unexpected place.

How many of these state parks have you visited already? To add one more park to your bucket list, read about This Waterfall Staircase Hike May Be The Most Unique Of All In New York!

Psst! Do you love exploring New York’s great outdoors? Then join our New York Nature Lovers group on Facebook to share your own nature photos, find inspiration for your next trip, and bask in the beauty of the Empire State.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in New York

Tori Jane | February 22, 2022

What are some of the best state parks in New York?  

You might want to sit down for this: New York is home to well over 100 state parks and recreation areas. 180, to be exact. If that’s not the best news you’ve ever heard, we don’t know what is! Of course, with so many to choose from, it’s a little tough to decide where to begin. No worries – we got your back. Among our favorite state parks to visit in New York are the amazing Letchworth State Park, in Carlisle. This incredible slice of paradise follows part of the Genessee River, and it’s home to several amazing waterfalls you’ve got to see to believe. Watkins Glen State Park is in Watkins Glen (predictably) and is another amazing park with a wonderful waterfall or two – or 20. Finally, check out Wildwood State Park, near Wading River. It’s an amazing beach paradise on the Long Island Sound that feels more like a tropical vacation than New York state. Need a little more inspiration? Check out this list of wonderful New York state parks you ought to visit ASAP.  

What are some of the best hiking trails in New York? 

With 180 amazing state parks and recreation areas, there’s bound to be a ridiculous number of hiking trails, right? Absolutely. In fact, New York is home to 3,900+ awesome hikes and trails, each with its own special significance, landscapes, features, and histories. Some of our favorites include the amazing Bear Mountain Loop, which is within Bear Mountain State Park. It’s 3.8 miles long and rated as moderate, so most hikers will be able to enjoy it. Then, check out the Cascade Mountain/Porter Mountain via Cascade Mountain Trail, which is a 5.6-mile trek through the amazing High Peaks Wilderness. It’s rated as hard, though, so make sure you’re able to conquer it while planning your hike before you go. Need something a little easier? We got you – the Lake Missekaska Loop Trail is 1.9 miles of easy hiking and great for folks of all skill levels. Of course, with literally thousands more to choose from, you’re sure to find something perfect even if none of these pique your interest.  

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