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
Location: Niagara Falls
Need To Know: This was the first state park in America and it remains one of the most-visited in the country.
Wow Factor: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls are all within the park and they're some of the most beautiful waterfalls in America.
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
Location: Ithaca
Need To Know: Many of the trails here are inaccessible during the winter, so if you're interested in hiking, make sure to visit in the warmer months.
Wow Factor: Robert H. Treman State Park is home to twelve waterfalls, making this the perfect place for anyone looking to chase waterfalls.
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.
3. Robert Moses State Park
Location: Babylon
Need To Know: There are several fields here that provide amazing picnic areas or great places just to enjoy the park.
Wow Factor: This park's beach is one of the best in the state, and with so much room, there's plenty of space for crowds to spread out.
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.
4. Allegany State Park
Location: Salamanca
Need To Know: Allegany State Park is divided into two sections (the Quaker Run Area and the Red House Area).
Wow Factor: This park has been nicknamed "the wilderness playground of Western New York" thanks to its incredible scenery.
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
Location: Watkins Glen
Need To Know: The park has 305 campsites for rent, plus cabins for those who prefer glamping. The camping season runs from May to October.
Wow Factor: This park features an incredibly beautiful gorge, plus waterfalls galore and miles of hiking trails.
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
Location: Cooperstown
Need To Know: Glimmerglass State Park's camping season runs from May to October.
Wow Factor: The beautiful Otsego Lake is the crown jewel of this 593-acre state park.
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
Location: Ithaca
Need To Know: The camping season runs from May to October, and during peak season, the cabins have minimum-night stays.
Wow Factor: This park is home to ten waterfalls, including its namesake, the 165-foot-tall Buttermilk Falls.
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
Location: Dansville
Need To Know: Most areas of the park are closed to the public during the winter months, so this is one you'll want to visit when it's warmer.
Wow Factor: The park's three waterfalls make for quite the stunning sight!
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.
9. Taughannock Falls State Park
Location: Trumansburg
Need To Know: The cabins and campsites here overlook beautiful Cayuga Lake. Camping here runs from mid-May to early October.
Wow Factor: The park's eponymous waterfall is absolutely incredible. It plunges 215 feet into the gorge below, providing some incredible views.
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
Location: Romulus
Need To Know: With 243 electric campsites, there's plenty of room to spread out at this underrated state park. The camping season runs from mid-May through mid-October.
Wow Factor: This sprawling park spans more than 2,000 acres on the shores of Seneca Lake.
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
Location: Livingston County and Wyoming County
Need To Know: This massive park is one of the best state parks in the entire country.
Wow Factor: This is nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East," and it's every bit as impressive as that moniker would have you believe.
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
Location: Wolcott
Need To Know: This park is day-use only, so there are no camping facilities on-site.
Wow Factor: Chimney Bluffs State Park features a strikingly beautiful landscape. It's home to unique rock formations along the shores of Lake Ontario.
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
Location: Kerhonkson
Wow Factor: Minnewaska State Park Preserve lies within the Shawangunk Mountain range, providing amazing scenery with some truly rugged trails.
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.
14. Saratoga Spa State Park
Location: Saratoga Springs
Need To Know: Saratoga Spa State Park may lack the difficult hiking trails that you'll find in some of the parks on this list, but as a National Historic Landmark, it's absolutely perfect for anyone looking to find an easy stroll in historic surroundings.
Wow Factor: The park is home to several theaters, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, and several springs.
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
Location: Oyster Bay
Need To Know: Guided tours are offered of Coe Hall from April to September.
Wow Factor: The park's Camellia Greenhouse has the largest collection of camellias in the northeast.
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
Location: Henderson
Need To Know: This is a newer state park in New York, so you might not find as many amenities as you would at more long-standing parks.
Wow Factor: There are more than 17,000 feet of shoreline along Lake Ontario to enjoy here.
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
Location: Orient
Need To Know: This Long Island park is an excellent spot for bird watching and has been named an Audubon Important Bird Area.
Wow Factor: There are 45,000 feet of waterfront space along Gardiner Bay here.
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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