Places to Go
Getting Outdoors in New York
Forked Lake Campground
For those who enjoy spending time in New York's scenic outdoors, DEC maintains a variety of public lands and water access areas. State-owned facilities offer opportunities for camping, hiking, boating, hunting, fishing, and even downhill skiing. Many of these sites offer recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. The links on this page lead to information about outdoor activities in New York, including hours of operation, fees, licenses or permits required, and other important details, or use the map below to find information on your favorite outdoor getaway.
Reserve your campsite now for the upcoming summer season!
that region, or follow the links below.
Firewood Alert - Don't Move Firewood!
A new regulation is now in effect that prohibits the import of firewood into New York unless it has been treated to kill pests. The new regulation also limits the transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source.
Boating on North-South Lake
Bringing your firewood with you? Most people don't realize they move bugs along with their firewood. You could be spreading diseases or insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Our forests are at risk from the transport of firewood infested with tree killers. Here's how you can help STOP THE SPREAD of these pests:
- Leave firewood at home-do not transport it to campgrounds or parks.
- Only purchase firewood that has been harvested in New York State or treated for pests.
- Burn all firewood brought to the campsite.
See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on firewood regulation.
More about Places to Go:
- Watchable Wildlife - A guide to the best places in New York to see all types of wildlife. Information on species and sites and viewing tips.
- Long Island - Region 1 - State lands open to the public in Suffolk and Nassau Counties
- New York City - Region 2 - State lands open to the public in Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island
- Lower Hudson Valley - Region 3 - State lands open to the public in Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties
- Capital Region - Region 4 - State lands open to the public in Montgomery, Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie, Schenectady, Albany, Greene, Rensselaer and Columbia Counties
- Eastern Adirondacks/ Lake Champlain - Region 5 - State lands open to the public in Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, Fulton, Saratoga and Washington Counties
- Western Adirondacks/ Upper Mohawk Valley/ Eastern Lake Ontario - Region 6 - State lands open to the public in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Lewis, Oneida and Herkimer counties
- Central New York - Region 7 - State Lands open to the public in Oswego, Cayuga, Onondaga, Madison, Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango, Tioga and Broome Counties
- Rochester/ Western Finger Lakes - Region 8 - State lands open to the public in Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung Counties
- Western New York - Region 9 - State lands open to the public in Niagara, Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties
- State Lands Interactive Mapper - Aan internet mapping tool that allows users to discover recreational features such as roads, trails, and parking lots on DEC owned lands, print maps, and obtain supported information on the use of state owned forest lands
- Entrance and Access Passes to New York State Parks - Entrance and Access Passes to NYS Parks can be obtained through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- State Land Classifications - Definitions for public lands managed by the Department's Office of Natural Resources.
- Wildlife Viewing Guide - A guidebook to 77 of the state's premier wildlife viewing areas that are open to the public.
- Wildlife Management Areas - Wildlife Management Areas
- Day Use Areas - Day use only sites where visitors can hike, picnic, and view nature. For overnight camping, please visit the DEC Campground Information site.
