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List of New York state parks facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
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New York's Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States.

This is a list of state parks in the U.S. state of New York. Also listed are state golf courses, seasonal hunting areas, and former state parks.

In New York, state parks are managed by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), with the exception of the Adirondack and Catskill Parks which are managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Outside of the Adirondacks and the Catskills, the state parks department is organized into eleven regions:

Forest preserve

The largest parks in New York are the Adirondack Park, at six million acres (24,000 km2; 9,400 sq mi); and the Catskill Park, at 700,000 acres (2,800 km2; 1,100 sq mi). Together they comprise the New York Forest Preserve, properties that must be kept "Forever Wild" according to Article 14 of the New York Constitution. Both parks are managed by DEC; the Adirondack Park is managed by the Adirondack Park Agency, as well.

State parks

OPRHP manages lands designated as state parks in New York, with the aims of providing public space for outdoor recreation while conserving natural and cultural resources. The agency offers the "Empire Passport", which provides unlimited day use vehicle entry to most of New York's state parks and recreational facilities. As of 2017, New York has 215 state parks and historic sites encompassing 350,000 acres. The agency's portfolio also includes 28 golf courses, 35 swimming pools, 67 beaches, and 18 museums and nature centers.

The following sortable tables list current and former New York state parks, respectively, all 'owned' or managed by the OPRHP, as of 2015. Some OPRHP-'owned' parks are managed primarily or in part by other agencies, through lease or partnership agreements. The second table lists three former New York state parks that have been transferred to other entities.

State parks

Park name Region County or counties Area Year
created
Visitors
(2014)
Water bodies Notes Image
Allan H. Treman State Marine Park Finger Lakes Tompkins 93 acres (38 ha) 210,543 Cayuga Lake Includes a marina with 430 boat slips, fishing, birdwatching, and picnic tables.
Marina at Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
Allegany State Park Allegany Cattaraugus 64,800 acres (26,200 ha) 1921 1,451,000 Allegheny Reservoir, Red House Lake, Quaker Lake Largest state park in New York. Includes two separate areas developed for recreation, the Red House Area and the Quaker Area, each with cabins and campsites. Both areas include formally designated bird conservation areas.
The Allegany State Park Administration Building as seen from the Red House Picnic Area across Red House Lake.
Amherst State Park Niagara Erie 77 acres (31 ha) 2000 Ellicott Creek Located on the grounds of a former Catholic convent. Operated by the Town of Amherst.
Amsterdam Beach State Park Long Island Suffolk 198 acres (80 ha) 2005 Atlantic Ocean Undeveloped except for trails. Operated in conjunction with the Town of East Hampton and Suffolk County.
Battle Island State Park Central Oswego 235 acres (95 ha) 1938 29,291 Oswego River Includes the 18-hole Battle Island State Park Golf Course. Named for a battle that took place nearby during the French and Indian War in 1756.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park Long Island Suffolk 690 acres (280 ha) 1936 225,456 Connetquot River Includes a large arboretum designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and the Westbrook mansion designed by Charles C. Haight.
View of the arboretum grounds.
Bayswater Point State Park New York City Queens 17 acres (6.9 ha) 1991 17,566 Jamaica Bay Undeveloped. Previously home to a large mansion, now destroyed. Presently hosts passive recreation while preserving shorebird habitat.
Bear Mountain State Park Palisades Rockland 5,277 acres (2,136 ha) 1913 1,894,373 Hudson River Managed in conjunction with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. View of the stone and wood Bear Mountain Inn after renovations.
Beaver Island State Park Niagara Erie 952 acres (385 ha) 1935 276,888 Niagara River Located on Grand Island. Includes a USGA-recognized championship 18-hole public golf course.
View of the beach at Beaver Island State Park.
Beechwood State Park Finger Lakes Wayne 288 acres (117 ha) 1999 Lake Ontario Undeveloped. Previously the site of a Girl Scout camp. Managed by the Town of Sodus since 2010.
Belmont Lake State Park Long Island Suffolk 463 acres (187 ha) 1926 578,226 Belmont Lake Day-use only. Formerly hosted the headquarters of the Long Island State Park Commission.
View of Belmont Lake.
Bethpage State Park Long Island Nassau, Suffolk 1,477 acres (598 ha) 1934 795,563 Includes five golf courses, including the Bethpage Black Course, which hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Open Golf Championships.
Clubhouse at Bethpage State Park
Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park Central Otsego 223 acres (90 ha) 2001 12,271 Features full-service cabins and trails through meadows and forest.
Allan H. Treman State Marine Park Finger Lakes Tompkins 93 acres (38 ha) 210,543 Cayuga Lake Includes a marina with 430 boat slips, fishing, birdwatching, and picnic tables.
Marina at Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
Sunset Bay State Marine Park Allegany Chautauqua Cattaraugus Creek Includes a marina, fishing, birdwatching, and parking.
Marina at Sunset Bay State Marine Park
Barcelona Lighthouse Allegany Chautauqua 2007 Lake Erie Includes the keeper's house, light tower, and property around these structures.
Barcelona Light
Blauvelt State Park Palisades Rockland 639 acres (259 ha) 1913 24,529 Undeveloped. Former location of Camp Bluefields, a rifle range used to train members of the New York National Guard prior to World War I. Managed in conjunction with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
Bonavista State Park Golf Course Finger Lakes Seneca 247 acres (100 ha) 6,409 Seneca Lake Includes a nine-hole golf course.
Bowman Lake State Park Central Chenango 653 acres (264 ha) 1966 51,589 Bowman Lake Features one of the largest campgrounds in central New York, containing 188 campsites for tents and trailers, as well as several rustic cabins.
Braddock Bay State Park Genesee Monroe 387 acres (157 ha) 1956 Lake Ontario Popular birdwatching location; park is adjacent to the 2,125-acre (8.60 km2) Braddock Bay Fish and Wildlife Management Area. Leased and maintained by the Town of Greece.
Brentwood State Park Long Island Suffolk 52 acres (21 ha) 2003 205,020 An athletic field complex with eight soccer fields and two baseball fields on artificial turf.
Bristol Beach State Park Palisades Ulster 134 acres (54 ha) 1967 10,613 Hudson River Undeveloped. Managed in conjunction with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
Brookhaven State Park Long Island Suffolk 1,638 acres (663 ha) 1971 Protects a large area of the Long Island Pine Barrens and contains scattered wetlands.
Buckhorn Island State Park Niagara Erie 895 acres (362 ha) 1935 31,905 Niagara River Managed as a preserve with space for passive recreational uses such as biking, hiking and fishing. Includes a bird conservation area.
Woods Creek is the west boundary of Buckhorn Island State Park.
Buffalo Harbor State Park Niagara Erie 190 acres (77 ha) 2015 Lake Erie Features a 1,000 slip marina and is part of an overall initiative to revitalize Buffalo's outer harbor.
Burnham Point State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 12 acres (4.9 ha) 1898 12,249 St. Lawrence River Primarily offers space to camp, including 47 tent and trailer sites, 19 of which contain electrical hookups.
Buttermilk Falls State Park Finger Lakes Tompkins 811 acres (328 ha) 1924 197,981 Buttermilk Creek Features several waterfalls and wooded gorges.
Buttermilk Falls
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve Long Island Suffolk 545 acres (221 ha) 1963 27,863 Nissequogue River Managed as a nature preserve. Includes the Wyandanch Club Historic District.
Caleb Smith House
Camp Hero State Park Long Island Suffolk 754 acres (305 ha) 2002 114,995 Atlantic Ocean Occupies a portion of the former Montauk Air Force Station.
Former gun emplacement at Camp Hero State Park
Canadarago State Marine Park Central Otsego 1.2 acres (0.49 ha) Canadarago Lake Offers boat launch facilities to allow access to Canadarago Lake.
Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park Finger Lakes Ontario 15 acres (6.1 ha) 43,746 Canandaigua Lake Offers boat launch facilities to allow access to Canandaigua Lake.
Canoe-Picnic Point State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 70 acres (28 ha) 1897 7,221 St. Lawrence River Accessible only by boat. Offers a campground with tent sites.
Captree State Park Long Island Suffolk 343 acres (139 ha) 1954 1,124,776 Great South Bay, Fire Island Inlet Home to "The Captree Fleet", Long Island's largest public fleet of charter boats, available for fishing, scuba diving, sightseeing and excursion tours.
Charter fishing boats at Captree State Park
Catharine Valley Trail Finger Lakes Schuyler, Chemung 218 acres (88 ha) 2000 Encompasses a planned 12-mile (19 km) recreation trail that follows abandoned railroad grades and canal towpaths between Watkins Glen and Horseheads.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve Long Island Suffolk 1,520 acres (620 ha) 1961 460,254 Long Island Sound Includes the former estate house of Marshall Field III, built in 1925 and among the largest of Long Island's Gold Coast Mansions; also includes a bird conservation area.
Winter Cottage at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
Cayuga Lake State Park Finger Lakes Seneca 141 acres (57 ha) 1927 129,415 Cayuga Lake Offers amenities including a beach, boat launch, and a campground.
Cedar Island State Park Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 10 acres (4.0 ha) 1898 1,928 St. Lawrence River Accessible only by boat. Offers dockage, a day-use area and a small campground.
Cedar Point State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 48 acres (19 ha) 1898 72,601 St. Lawrence River Includes a campground, beach, and boat launch.
Chenango Valley State Park Central Broome 1,112 acres (450 ha) 173,960 Chenango River, Chenango Lake, Lily Lake Offers a beach, campground, cabins, and 18-hole golf course.
Cherry Plain State Park Saratoga/Capital District Rensselaer 175 acres (71 ha) 1962 23,250 Black River, West Brook Offers a beach, fishing, and camping at 30 sites. Located adjacent to the 4,153-acre (16.81 km2) Capital District Wildlife Management Area, which offers additional hiking and recreation.
Chimney Bluffs State Park Finger Lakes Wayne 597 acres (242 ha) 1963 117,811 Lake Ontario Features dramatically carved 150-foot-tall (46 m) shoreside cliffs formed from eroded drumlins. Lightly developed for day-use only.
View of Chimney Bluffs from below
Chittenango Falls State Park Central Madison 195 acres (79 ha) 1922 46,988 Chittenango Creek Day-use only. Features a 167-foot (51 m) waterfall. Also home to the endemic and endangered Chittenango ovate amber snail.
Chittenango Falls
Clarence Fahnestock State Park Taconic Putnam, Dutchess 14,379 acres (5,819 ha) 1929 285,464 Canopus Lake Includes the Taconic Outdoor Education Center. Offers a beach, fishing, and camping. Dedicated winter recreation facilities available seasonally.
A view of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Autumn.
Clark Reservation State Park Central Onondaga 378 acres (153 ha) 1926 68,371 Glacier Lake Centered around the former plunge pool of a large ice age-era waterfall. Harbors the largest U.S. population of the endangered American hart's tongue fern.
Glacier Lake and the cliff of the fossil waterfall in September
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve New York City Richmond 265 acres (107 ha) 1977 25,343 Managed as a nature preserve to protect wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams, and forest on Staten Island. Includes a bird conservation area.
Cold Spring Harbor State Park Long Island Suffolk 50 acres (20 ha) 2000 165,484 Day-use only. Comprises steep wooded slopes and intended to retain a natural character. Allows passive recreation such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Linked to Bethpage State Park by the linear Trail View State Park.
Coles Creek State Park Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 1,800 acres (730 ha) 175,087 St. Lawrence River Offers a beach, marina, and a campground with 232 tent and trailer sites.
Conesus Lake Boat Launch Genesee Livingston 3 acres (1.2 ha) 27,025 Conesus Lake Offers a boat launch, fishing access, and picnic tables.
Connetquot River State Park Preserve Long Island Suffolk 3,473 acres (1,405 ha) 1973 233,504 Connetquot River Home to the Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center. Managed to preserve wildlife habitat; allows for passive recreation such as hiking and fishing.
Crab Island State Park Thousand Islands Clinton 40 acres (16 ha) 1988 Lake Champlain Undeveloped. Obtained by New York State to prevent development of an historic site and cemetery associated with the War of 1812.
View of Crab Island from Plattsburgh, New York
Croil Island State Park Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 796 acres (322 ha) St. Lawrence River Undeveloped. Maintained by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and owned by the New York Power Authority.
Cumberland Bay State Park Thousand Islands Clinton 350 acres (140 ha) 1932 47,432 Lake Champlain Offers a 2,700-foot (820 m) sand beach, playing fields, and a campground.
Darien Lakes State Park Genesee Genesee 1,845 acres (747 ha) 1965 68,360 Harlow Lake Functions primarily as a campground, with additional features including a beach, fishing, and hiking trails.
View of Harlow Lake at Darien Lakes State Park
De Veaux Woods State Park Niagara Niagara 51 acres (21 ha) 2001 90,202 Originally part of the campus for DeVeaux College for Orphans and Destitute Children, which closed in 1972. Includes recreational facilities and a parcel of old growth forest.
Deans Cove Boat Launch Finger Lakes Seneca 10 acres (4.0 ha) 14,448 Cayuga Lake
Delta Lake State Park Central Oneida 720 acres (290 ha) (formerly 400 acres (160 ha)) 1962 209,556 Delta Reservoir Offers a beach, boat launch, campground, and hiking.
Devil's Hole State Park Niagara Niagara 42 acres (17 ha) 1924 136,118 Niagara River Overlooks the Niagara River gorge.
Dewolf Point State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 13 acres (5.3 ha) 1898 15,893 St. Lawrence River Located on Wellesley Island. Offers a boat launch, dock, and campsites.
Donald J. Trump State Park Taconic Westchester, Putnam 435 acres (176 ha) 2006 Undeveloped. Land donated by and named for Donald Trump after development plans failed. Development and maintenance ceased in 2010.
Entrance sign to Donald J. Trump State Park
Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park Niagara Niagara 197 acres (80 ha) 1974 301,523 Serves as an exhibition space for outdoor sculpture, as well as a concert venue.
East River State Park New York City Kings 11 acres (4.5 ha) 2007 1,464,993 East River Day use only. Offers open space and views of the Manhattan skyline.
East River State Park
Eel Weir State Park Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 16 acres (6.5 ha) 3,377 Oswegatchie River Offers a small campground, fishing, and trails.
Evangola State Park Niagara Erie 733 acres (297 ha) 1954 139,804 Lake Erie Offers a campground, playing fields, and trails.
The beach at Evangola State Park.
Fair Haven Beach State Park Finger Lakes Cayuga 1,141 acres (462 ha) 1928 295,527 Lake Ontario Includes the Springbrook Greens State Golf Course
Fillmore Glen State Park Finger Lakes Cayuga 941 acres (381 ha) 1925 83,044 Known for its several waterfalls. Also offers camping.
The Cowsheds, a waterfall at Fillmore Glen State Park.
Fort Niagara State Park Niagara Niagara 504 acres (204 ha) 1948 599,586 Niagara River, Lake Ontario Historic Fort Niagara is located within the park.
Entrance to Fort Niagara State Park
Four Mile Creek State Park Niagara Niagara 248 acres (100 ha) 1961 79,609 Lake Ontario
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Taconic Westchester 761 acres (308 ha) 1957 490,546 Crom Pond, Mohansic Lake Day use only. Includes a large pool and two lakes.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park New York City New York 4 acres (1.6 ha) 2012 East River
Monument within Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
Franny Reese State Park Palisades Ulster 251 acres (102 ha) 2009 Hudson River Day use only. Managed by Scenic Hudson.
Galop Island State Park Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 675 acres (273 ha) St. Lawrence River Undeveloped.
Gantry Plaza State Park New York City Queens 10 acres (4.0 ha) 1998 905,450 East River, Anable Basin Recently developed day-use park highlighting structures from Long Island City's industrial past.
Gantry Plaza State Park's gantries, as seen from Pier 4.
Genesee Valley Greenway Genesee Monroe, Livingston, Wyoming, Allegany 1,364 acres (552 ha) 1984 39,087 Genesee River A 90-mile (140 km) trail following the routes of former canals and railways between Rochester and Cuba, with a planned extension to Hinsdale.
Intersection of the Genesee Valley Greenway with the Lehigh Valley Trail.
Gilbert Lake State Park Central Otsego 1,586 acres (642 ha) 1926 77,959 Gilbert Lake
Gilgo State Park Long Island Suffolk 1,223 acres (495 ha) 1928 Atlantic Ocean, Great South Bay Undeveloped.
Glimmerglass State Park Central Otsego 593 acres (240 ha) 1963 153,882 Otsego Lake
The covered bridge at Glimmerglass State Park.
Golden Hill State Park Niagara Niagara 510 acres (210 ha) 1962 70,734 Lake Ontario
Goosepond Mountain State Park Palisades Orange 1,706 acres (690 ha) 1960 2,967 Seely Brook Undeveloped. Managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
A boardwalk through the marshes at Goosepond Mountain State Park.
Grafton Lakes State Park Saratoga/Capital District Rensselaer 2,545 acres (1,030 ha) 1971 240,063 Long Pond, Second Pond, Shaver Pond, Mill Pond, Martin-Durham Reservoir Includes a bird conservation area.
Grass Point State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 114 acres (46 ha) 1926 38,109 St. Lawrence River
Green Lakes State Park Central Onondaga 1,957 acres (792 ha) 1928 1,079,160 Green Lake, Round Lake Includes the Green Lakes State Park Golf Course and a bird conservation area.
Green Lake, seen from its eastern shore.
Hallock State Park Preserve Long Island Suffolk 225 acres (91 ha) 2006 Long Island Sound Undeveloped.
Hamlin Beach State Park Genesee Monroe 1,287 acres (521 ha) 1938 278,098 Lake Ontario
View of the beach at Hamlin Beach State Park.
Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area Finger Lakes Ontario 1,589 acres (643 ha) 1962 61,392
Picnic area at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area.
Harriman State Park Palisades Orange, Rockland 47,527 acres (19,233 ha) 1910 1,425,000 Lake Sebago, Lake Tiorati, Lake Kanawauke, Pine Meadow Lake
Lake Kanawauke within Harriman State Park
Hart's Brook Nature Preserve Taconic Westchester 123 acres (50 ha) 1999 Wildlife preserve with trails, administered jointly with Westchester County, and the Town of Greenburgh
Haverstraw Beach State Park Palisades Rockland 73 acres (30 ha) 1911 30,152 Hudson River
Heckscher State Park Long Island Suffolk 1,657 acres (671 ha) 1929 982,530 Great South Bay
Dunes at Heckscher State Park
Helen L. McNitt State Park Central Madison 134 acres (54 ha) 1999 Cazenovia Lake Undeveloped.
Hempstead Lake State Park Long Island Nassau 784 acres (317 ha) 1928 323,863 Hempstead Lake
Peninsula Boulevard as it runs beneath a pedestrian bridge at Hempstead Lake State Park.
High Tor State Park Palisades Rockland 691 acres (280 ha) 1943 21,524
View from atop High Tor Mountain.
Highland Lakes State Park Palisades Orange 3,115 acres (1,261 ha) 1964 4,451 Undeveloped. Managed in conjunction with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
Higley Flow State Park Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 1,115 acres (451 ha) 1936 46,564 Raquette River
Hither Hills State Park Long Island Suffolk 1,755 acres (710 ha) 1924 425,642 Atlantic Ocean Includes a bird conservation area.
Hither Hills State Park headquarters.
Honeoye Lake Boat Launch State Park Finger Lakes Ontario 9 acres (3.6 ha) 35,610 Honeoye Lake
Hook Mountain State Park Palisades Rockland 676 acres (274 ha) 1911 36,806 Undeveloped.
View of the Hudson River from Hook Mountain State Park.
Hudson Highlands State Park Taconic Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester 7,550 acres (3,060 ha) 1970 224,015 Hudson River Includes a bird conservation area.
Hudson Highlands State Park at its lowest point along the Hudson River.
Hudson River Islands State Park Saratoga/Capital District Columbia, Greene 235 acres (95 ha) Hudson River
Hudson River Park New York City New York 550 acres (220 ha) 1998 North River
Hudson River Park with the Empire State Building in the background.
Iona Island State Park Palisades Rockland 134 acres (54 ha) 1965 Hudson River Undeveloped.
Aerial view of Iona Island.
Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park Genesee Monroe 44 acres (18 ha) 1970 41,812 Irondequoit Bay
Jacques Cartier State Park Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 461 acres (187 ha) 22,022 St. Lawrence River
James Baird State Park Taconic Dutchess 655 acres (265 ha) 1939 103,618 Day use only. Offers trails, an 18-hole golf course, and a sports complex that includes facilities for softball, volleyball, basketball, and tennis.
The golf course and clubhouse at James Baird State Park.
Jay Estate Taconic Westchester 23.0 acres (9.3 ha) 1992 12,500 Long Island Sound Joint ownwership with Westchester County and the non-profit Jay Heritage Center. Operated and maintained by the Jay Heritage Center. Centerpiece of the National Historic Landmark Boston Post Road Historic District. Historic tours and conservation programs.
View of Jay Meadow
John Boyd Thacher State Park Saratoga/Capital District Albany 2,482 acres (1,004 ha) 1914 391,456
The base of a cliff along the Indian Ladder Trail at John Boyd Thacher State Park.
Jones Beach State Park Long Island Nassau 2,413 acres (977 ha) 1929 5,442,032 Atlantic Ocean, Zach's Bay Includes the Jones Beach State Park Pitch and Putt Course
Jones Beach at sunset.
Joseph Davis State Park Niagara Niagara 388 acres (157 ha) 1964 27,644 Niagara River Includes a bird conservation area.
Keewaydin State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 282 acres (114 ha) 1962 55,749 St. Lawrence River
Keuka Lake State Park Finger Lakes Yates 621 acres (251 ha) 1961 102,883 Keuka Lake
Looking north over Keuka Lake from Keuka Lake State Park.
Knox Farm State Park Niagara Erie 633 acres (256 ha) 2001 Cazenovia Creek
Farm buildings at Knox Farm State Park.
Kring Point State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 61 acres (25 ha) 1898 54,550 St. Lawrence River
Lake Erie State Park Allegany Chautauqua 355 acres (144 ha) 1928 97,565 Lake Erie
Lake Lauderdale State Park Saratoga/Capital District Washington 117 acres (47 ha) 1968 Lake Lauderdale Managed by Washington County since the late 1980s as a county park under a long-term lease agreement with the state.
Lake Superior State Park Palisades Sullivan 1,410 acres (570 ha) 1967 11,135 Lake Superior
Lake Taghkanic State Park Taconic Columbia 1,569 acres (635 ha) 1929 259,146 Lake Taghkanic
Lakeside Beach State Park Genesee Orleans 744 acres (301 ha) 1962 77,326 Lake Ontario
View of Lake Ontario along the shore of Lakeside Beach State Park.
Letchworth State Park Genesee Livingston, Wyoming 14,427 acres (5,838 ha) 1906 644,441 Genesee River Includes a bird conservation area.
The gorge and Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park.
Lock 32 State Canal Park Genesee Monroe 9 acres (3.6 ha) 1978 Erie Canal
Lodi Point State Park Finger Lakes Seneca 12 acres (4.9 ha) 1963 32,693 Seneca Lake
Long Point State Park - Finger Lakes Finger Lakes Cayuga 297 acres (120 ha) 1963 32,798 Cayuga Lake
Long Point State Park - Thousand Islands Thousand Islands Jefferson 23 acres (9.3 ha) 1913 35,450 Lake Ontario
Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua Allegany Chautauqua 360 acres (150 ha) 1956 62,034 Chautauqua Lake
Macomb Reservation State Park Thousand Islands Clinton 600 acres (240 ha) 1968 29,862 Salmon River
Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park Taconic Dutchess 352 acres (142 ha) 1934 203,730 Hudson River Includes a bird conservation area.
Entrance to Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park.
Mark Twain State Park and Soaring Eagles Golf Course Finger Lakes Chemung 464 acres (188 ha) 26,930 Includes the Soaring Eagles Golf Course
Mary Island State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 13 acres (5.3 ha) 1897 3,415 St. Lawrence River
Max V. Shaul State Park Saratoga/Capital District Schoharie 70 acres (28 ha) 1959 25,885 Panther Creek, Schoharie Creek
Max V. Shaul State Park's entrance.
Mexico Point State Park Central Oswego 122 acres (49 ha) Lake Ontario, Little Salmon River Operated and developed since 1992 by the Town of Mexico.
Mexico Point Boat Launch Central Oswego 20 acres (8.1 ha) 15,239 Lake Ontario, Little Salmon River
Midway State Park Allegany Chautauqua 43 acres (17 ha) 2007 89,838 Chautauqua Lake
Carousel at Midway State Park.
Mine Kill State Park Saratoga/Capital District Schoharie 500 acres (200 ha) 1973 84,343 Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir, Schoharie Creek
Mine Kill Falls at Mine Kill State Park.
Miner Lake State Park Thousand Islands Clinton 700 acres (280 ha) Miner Lake Not a functioning park. Land is managed by the Ganienkeh Mohawk community since 1977.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve Palisades Ulster 22,279 acres (9,016 ha) 1987 290,659 Lake Minnewaska, Lake Awosting, Mud Pond Includes a bird conservation area.
Lake Minnewaska at Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Mohawk River State Park Saratoga/Capital District Schenectady 113 acres (46 ha) 2006 Mohawk River Undeveloped except for hiking trails. Formerly known as the Schenectady Museum Nature Preserve.
Montauk Downs State Park Long Island Suffolk 171 acres (69 ha) 1978 120,860 Includes the Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
Montauk Downs State Park entrance.
Montauk Point State Park Long Island Suffolk 862 acres (349 ha) 1924 816,970 Atlantic Ocean, Lake Munchogue (Oyster Pond), Block Island Sound
Sunrise over the Montauk Point Light in Montauk Point State Park.
Moreau Lake State Park Saratoga/Capital District Saratoga 4,531 acres (1,834 ha) 1967 326,564 Moreau Lake Includes a bird conservation area.
Moreau Lake at Moreau Lake State Park.
Napeague State Park Long Island Suffolk 1,364 acres (552 ha) 1978 65,985 Atlantic Ocean, Gardiners Bay, Block Island Sound Undeveloped.
Dunes at Napeague State Park.
Newtown Battlefield State Park Finger Lakes Chemung 372 acres (151 ha) 1911 34,455
Monument to the Battle of Newtown.
Niagara Falls State Park Niagara Niagara 221 acres (89 ha) 1885 9,011,709 Niagara River
The American Falls within Niagara Falls State Park.
Nissequogue River State Park Long Island Suffolk 521 acres (211 ha) 2000 95,288 Nissequogue River Includes a bird conservation area.
The mouth of the Nissequogue River.
Nyack Beach State Park Palisades Rockland 61 acres (25 ha) 1911 169,661 Hudson River
Path along the Hudson River at Nyack Beach State Park
Oak Orchard State Marine Park Genesee Orleans 81 acres (33 ha) 9,259 Lake Ontario, Oak Orchard Creek
Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park Taconic Dutchess 630 acres (250 ha) 203,730 Hudson River Includes the Dinsmore Golf Course and a bird conservation area.
View of the Hudson River from Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park.
Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park Taconic Westchester 216 acres (87 ha) 1968 1,009,221
Old Erie Canal State Historic Park Central Madison, Oneida, Onondaga 1,191 acres (482 ha) 86,289 Erie Canal
The Old Erie Canal and its towpath within Old Erie Canal State Historic Park.
Oquaga Creek State Park Central Broome, Delaware, Chenango 1,385 acres (560 ha) 53,495 Arctic Lake
Arctic Lake at Oquaga Creek State Park.
Orient Beach State Park Long Island Suffolk 364 acres (147 ha) 1929 452,199 Gardiners Bay, Orient Harbor, Long Beach Bay
Entrance to Orient Beach State Park.
Peebles Island State Park Saratoga/Capital District Saratoga, Albany 142 acres (57 ha) 1973 115,344 Mohawk River, Hudson River
iew of the Mohawk River from Peebles Island State Park.
Pixley Falls State Park Central Oneida 375 acres (152 ha) 1924 27,981 Lansing Kill
Pixley Falls
Point Au Roche State Park Thousand Islands Clinton 856 acres (346 ha) 1975 74,730 Lake Champlain
Reservoir State Park Niagara Niagara 132 acres (53 ha) 1962 148,768 Lewiston Reservoir
Riverbank State Park New York City New York 28 acres (11 ha) 1993 3,187,269 Hudson River
Riverbank State Park as seen from across the Hudson River.
Robert Moses State Park (Long Island) Long Island Suffolk 875 acres (354 ha) 1908 3,477,086 Atlantic Ocean, Fire Island Inlet Includes the Robert Moses State Park Pitch and Putt Course
A life boat on the beach at Robert Moses State Park.
Robert Moses State Park (Thousand Islands) Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 2,322 acres (940 ha) 1958 98,257 St. Lawrence River
Picnic tables along the Saint Lawrence River in Robert Moses State Park.
Robert V. Riddell State Park Central Otsego 2,322 acres (940 ha) 2005 Schenevus Creek, Mud Lake Allows for passive recreation including hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fishing.
Robert H. Treman State Park Finger Lakes Tompkins 1,257 acres (509 ha) 1920 210,543 Enfield Creek
Waterfalls at Robert H. Treman State Park.
Robert G. Wehle State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 1,067 acres (432 ha) 2004 75,842 Lake Ontario
Roberto Clemente State Park New York City Bronx 24 acres (9.7 ha) 1973 1,092,606 Harlem River The first New York state park established in an urban setting. Originally named Harlem River State Park. Includes swimming pools, sports fields, and picnic areas.
Rock Island Lighthouse State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 4 acres (1.6 ha) 1976 6,941 St. Lawrence River Accessible only by boat. Visitors may tour the Rock Island Light and a museum maintained in the former keeper's quarters.
Rock Island Light.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve Taconic Westchester 1,486 acres (601 ha) 1983 337,842 Pocantico River "A National Audubon Society Important Bird Area"
The Pocantico River within Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
Rockland Lake State Park Palisades Rockland 1,080 acres (440 ha) 1958 629,173 Rockland Lake Includes the Rockland Lake State Park Golf Course and a bird conservation area.
St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course Thousand Islands St. Lawrence 316 acres (128 ha) 9,386 St. Lawrence River Includes golf course
Sampson State Park Finger Lakes Seneca 2,070 acres (840 ha) 1960 166,043 Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake from Sampson State Park.
Sandy Island Beach State Park Central Oswego 227 acres (92 ha) 2006 33,276 Lake Ontario, North Sandy Pond
Sandy Island Beach State Park's main beach in July.
Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch Saratoga/Capital District Saratoga 4 acres (1.6 ha) 125,144 Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Spa State Park Saratoga/Capital District Saratoga 2,379 acres (963 ha) 1909 3,014,277 Geyser Creek Includes the Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course and a bird conservation area.
The Geyser Island Spouter at Saratoga Spa State Park.
Schodack Island State Park Saratoga/Capital District Rensselaer, Greene, Columbia 1,060 acres (430 ha) 2002 125,466 Hudson River Includes a bird conservation area.
Schodack Island State Park's boat launch area.
Schunnemunk State Park Palisades Orange 2,910 acres (1,180 ha) 2003 44,141 Undeveloped except for hiking trails.
Selkirk Shores State Park Central Oswego 980 acres (400 ha) 77,930 Lake Ontario Includes a bird conservation area.
Seneca Lake State Park Finger Lakes Seneca 141 acres (57 ha) 1957 144,200 Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake State Park's marina.
Shadmoor State Park Long Island Suffolk 66 acres (27 ha) 2000 44,235 Atlantic Ocean
World War II-era observation bunker at Shadmoor State Park.
Shirley Chisholm State Park New York City Kings 407 acres (165 ha) 2019 Jamaica Bay, Hendrix Creek Under construction, ribbon was cut on July 2, 2019
Silver Lake State Park Genesee Wyoming 776 acres (314 ha) 22,478 Silver Lake
Sojourner Truth State Park Palisades Ulster 508 acres (206 ha) 2022 Hudson River Dedicated on February 28, 2022
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park Finger Lakes Ontario 50 acres (20 ha) 2005
Sonnenberg Mansion
Southwick Beach State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 541 acres (219 ha) 1966 114,990 Lake Ontario
Beach and bathers at Southwick Beach State Park.
State Park at the Fair Central Onondaga 1 acre (0.40 ha) 1974 Open during the Great New York State Fair, this state park is billed as New York's smallest. It simulates a park-like setting within the fairgrounds and includes exhibits focused on New York's state parks and historic sites.
Sterling Forest State Park Palisades Orange 19,085 acres (7,723 ha) 1998 266,944 Sterling Lake, Greenwood Lake Includes a bird conservation area.
Stony Brook State Park Finger Lakes Steuben 568 acres (230 ha) 1928 164,536 Stony Brook
Waterfall at Stony Brook State Park.
Storm King State Park Palisades Orange 1,972 acres (798 ha) 1922 6,944 Hudson River Undeveloped except for hiking trails and limited parking. Includes the summit of Storm King Mountain.
Storm King mountain as viewed from top of Break Neck Ridge
Strawberry Island State Park Niagara Erie 8 acres (3.2 ha) 1989 Niagara River Undeveloped. Managed as a fish and wildlife preserve.
Sunken Meadow State Park Long Island Suffolk 1,288 acres (521 ha) 1926 2,042,449 Long Island Sound Also known as Governor Alfred E. Smith State Park. Includes the Sunken Meadow State Park Golf Course
Boardwalk at the beachfront at Sunken Meadow State Park.
Taconic State Park – Copake Falls area Taconic Columbia 3,064 acres (1,240 ha) 272,484
Entrance to the Copake Falls Area on NY 344.
Taconic State Park – Rudd Pond area Taconic Dutchess 4,492 acres (1,818 ha) 18,890 Rudd Pond
Tallman Mountain State Park Palisades Rockland 687 acres (278 ha) 1928 293,615 Hudson River
Tallman Mountain State Park as viewed from Piermont.
Taughannock Falls State Park Finger Lakes Tompkins 750 acres (300 ha) 1925 434,090 Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Creek
Taughannock Falls
Thompson's Lake State Park Saratoga/Capital District Albany 308 acres (125 ha) 1961 63,934 Thompson's Lake
Trail View State Park Long Island Nassau, Suffolk 454 acres (184 ha) 2002 138,005
Entrance sign at Trail View State Park
Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area Finger Lakes Tioga 573 acres (232 ha) 2005 Dry Brook Undeveloped except for hiking trails.
Valley Stream State Park Long Island Nassau 97 acres (39 ha) 1928 267,789 Valley Stream
Entrance to Valley Stream State Park.
Verona Beach State Park Central Oneida 1,735 acres (702 ha) 1944 206,438 Oneida Lake
Autumn scenery on the hiking trails of Verona Beach State Park.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Taconic Dutchess, Ulster 17 acres (6.9 ha) 2009 425,052 Hudson River
The Walkway Over the Hudson shortly after its opening.
Waterson Point State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 6 acres (2.4 ha) 1898 1,600 St. Lawrence River
Watkins Glen State Park Finger Lakes Schuyler 778 acres (315 ha) 1906 715,206 Glen Creek
Rainbow Bridge and Falls at Watkins Glen State Park.
Wellesley Island State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 2,636 acres (1,067 ha) 1951 204,017 St. Lawrence River Includes the Wellesley Island State Park Golf Course
View from the shore of Wellesley Island in Wellesley Island State Park.
Westcott Beach State Park Thousand Islands Jefferson 319 acres (129 ha) 1946 127,115 Lake Ontario
Whetstone Gulf State Park Thousand Islands Lewis 2,100 acres (850 ha) 1929 118,577 Whetstone Reservoir
Whetstone Creek in Whetstone Gulf State Park.
Whirlpool State Park Niagara Niagara 109 acres (44 ha) 1928 306,841 Niagara River
Wildwood State Park Long Island Suffolk 772 acres (312 ha) 1925 298,990 Long Island Sound
Wilson-Tuscarora State Park Niagara Niagara 485 acres (196 ha) 1965 193,568 Lake Ontario
Wonder Lake State Park Taconic Putnam 1,145 acres (463 ha) 1998 Wonder Lake, Laurel Pond
Wonder Lake
Woodlawn Beach State Park Niagara Erie 107 acres (43 ha) 1996 146,000 Lake Erie Operated since 2011 by the Town of Hamburg through a ten-year partnership agreement with New York State.

Former parks

Park name Region County or counties Area Year
created
Year
ended
Water bodies Notes Image
Empire – Fulton Ferry State Park New York City Kings 9 acres (3.6 ha) 1977 2010 East River Transferred to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation to become part of Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Empire-Fulton Ferry section of Brooklyn Bridge Park, looking north.
Frenchman Island State Park Central Oswego 26 acres (11 ha) 2009 Oneida Lake Undeveloped. Transferred to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to be managed as a Wildlife Management Area.
Hunts Pond State Park Central Chenango 235 acres (95 ha) 2011 Hunts Pond Transferred to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2011 to be managed as part of Hunts Pond State Forest.
Pinnacle State Park and Golf Course Finger Lakes Steuben 714 acres (289 ha) 2022 Transferred to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2022 to be managed as part of McCarthy Hill State Forest
View of the Canisteo River valley from Pinnacle State Park.

State golf courses

The NYS OPRHP maintains two state golf courses in addition to the courses noted above:

Seasonal hunting

New York state parks and historic sites where some type of hunting is permitted on a seasonal basis are listed below. A state license appropriate for that type of hunting is required; some sites also require park permits to hunt.

  • Allegany
  • Bonavista (limited to bow hunting)
  • Bowman Lake
  • Buttermilk Falls (limited to bow hunting)
  • Cherry Plain
  • Chimney Bluff
  • Clarence Fahnestock (limited to bow hunting)
  • Clermont (limited to bow hunting)
  • Coles Creek (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader)
  • Connecticut Hills (limited to bow hunting)
  • Darien Lakes
  • Fillmore Glen (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader)
  • Ganondagon (limited to bow hunting)
  • Gilbert Lake (limited to bow hunting)
  • Grafton Lakes
  • Harriet Hollister Spencer
  • Higley Flow (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader)
  • Hither Hills
  • Hudson Highlands
  • Hudson River Islands
  • Hunts Point
  • Jacques Cartier (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader)
  • John Boyd Thacher
  • Keuka Lake (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader)
  • Lake Superior
  • Lake Taghkanic (limited to bow hunting)
  • Letchworth
  • Long Point (Cayuga County)
  • Mark Twain (limited to bow hunting)
  • Mine Kill
  • Minnewaska
  • Montauk Point
  • Moreau Lake
  • Napeague (limited to bow hunting)
  • Newton Battlefield (limited to bow hunting)
  • Oquaga Creek
  • Pinnacle (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader)
  • Pixley Falls
  • Sampson
  • Schodack Island
  • Silver Lake
  • Sterling Forest
  • Stony Brook (limited to bow hunting)
  • Storm King
  • Taconic (Rudd Pond and Copake Falls)
  • Taughannock Falls (limited to bow hunting)
  • Robert H. Treman (limited to bow hunting)
  • Verona Beach (limited to bow hunting)
  • Watkins Glen (limited to bow hunting)
  • Wellesley Island (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader)
  • Whetstone Gulf (limited to bow hunting and muzzle loader )

See also

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List of New York state parks Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.