Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area
- Dates of Operation:
- Opening Date: May 27
- Closing Date: September 4
- Fee: $10/car, $5/motorcycle, $50/bus
- Address: 281 Stormy Hill Road, Cold Brook, NY 13324
- County: Herkimer
- GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 43.329300, -75.051500
- Facility Phone: (315) 826-3800
- Regional Office Phone: (315) 866-6330
Please be advised that pets are prohibited at all DEC day use areas.
Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.
Support DEC Campgrounds & Day Use Areas
Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the National Heritage trust (NHT). Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources. Donate here (leaves DEC website).
The Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area is located on the south shore of the 2,880-acre Hinckley Reservoir. The Reservoir is managed by the New York State Canal Corporation and is used to maintain water levels in the canal system. The water levels fluctuate seasonally with the lowest water levels typically in August.
Amenities
A large beach/swimming area, picnic pavilion, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court, basketball net (with balls available), horseshoe pit (horseshoes available), and hiking and biking trails.
Featured Activities
There is is currently no swimming available at this location due to lack of lifeguard staff. Designated swimming areas are available at some DEC facilities. Based on staffing, some of these facilities may have limited swimming hours/days. For the safety of our customers, swimming will only be permitted when a lifeguard is on duty. Beach hours will be posted at facilities with swimming. To inquire, please contact the facility directly.
The large picnic area contains 285 picnic tables, 86 charcoal grills and three pavilions. The pavilions can be reserved for $50 per day.
Canoes, kayaks, and small row boats can access the Reservoir from the beach.
Paddlers should use caution on this water. Due to its size and east-west orientation, high winds often create large waves. The water also receives heavy use by motorboats. Paddlers should stay close to the shore during periods of high winds.
General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations. You can ensure of continued good fishing opportunities in the future by fishing responsibly. If you have never been fishing but want to try, it's easy to learn how to fish.
DEC stocks the Reservoir with rainbow trout. Smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black bullhead, and rock bass are also present.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
- No pets
- Swimming is only permitted when a lifeguard is on duty, and in designated areas only
- Help Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
Directions
Get driving directions from Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Planning and Management
The Hinckley Reservoir Final Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF) for the campground, guides the DEC's land management at this facility for a five-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.
For more information regarding the UMP for this facility, please contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation by email: campinfo@dec.ny.gov or by calling (518) 457-2500.
The Department has finalized the SGEIS for Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Areas (PDF). Copies of the Final SGEIS are also available on computer disc and may be obtaining by calling (518) 457-2500.
Nearby State Lands
- Black Creek State Forest
- Hinckley State Forest
- Penn Mountain State Forest
- South Hill State Forest
- Black River Wild Forest
- Ferris Lake Wild Forest
Additional Information
Gas, food, supplies, lodging and dining are available in the nearby community of Barneveld.
