Department of Environmental Conservation

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State Recreation Lands

A woman sitting on a bridge over a boulder-strewn creek in the forest during autumn
(Photo: Geo Rittenbyer)

Finding Places You Can Go to Enjoy Your Favorite Activities

Whether you're looking for a scenic spot for a picnic, or planning a week-long camping adventure, state-owned lands are the perfect choice.

Find your next adventure using DECinfo Locator - an interactive map of hiking trails, fishing spots, campsites, lean-tos, boat launches, and other DEC-managed assets to help you enjoy the outdoors.

Why Visit State Lands

  • The price is right--most are free to use, and the rest require a modest fee.
  • They're nearby--there are state lands in every county in New York
  • They're diverse--sandy beaches, vast forests, shimmering lakes, rocky peaks and much more.
  • They're accessible--state lands accommodate a wide spectrum of interests and abilities.

Click on any region of the map below to find state land near you, or where you plan to visit.



Map showing state-owned recreation lands. Click on an area to locate state lands in that region.

Long Island - Region 1 New York City - Region 2 Lower Hudson Valley (Region 3) Capital Region/ Northern Catskills - Region 4 Eastern Adirondacks/ Lake Champlain (Region 5) Western Adirondacks/ Upper Mohawk Valley/ Eastern Lake Ontario - Region 6 Central New York (Region 7) Rochester/ Western Finger Lakes - Region 8 Western NY - Region 9

State Lands Listed by Region

During the evolving COVID-19 situation, please enjoy NY's outdoors safely, locally, and responsibly.